g party, and was sure
that it would be a great experience. She could not go to the lake, for
she must not leave the house until her father returned.

When Faith rejoined Donald he told her of the soldier's evident fear
of the dog. "I don't see what made 'Scotchie' growl so," added Donald.

"I'm glad he did," responded Faith. "Come on; let's hurry, or we won't
have much time on the ice," so off they went across the field.

But as they reached the shore they looked at each other questioningly.
The lake seemed to be in the possession of the redcoats. At least
half the garrison of the fort were on the ice; skating, racing, and
evidently enjoying themselves.

"We had better go home," said Faith, and Donald made no objections.
The two children, disappointed of their morning's sport, went slowly
back toward home.

"That's the way they take everything," declared Faith, renewing her
promise to herself to try in some way to let Ethan Allen know how easy
it would be to drive the English from Ticonderoga.

"I am glad you did not venture on the ice," Aunt Prissy said when
Donald and Faith told their story. "The English become less friendly
every day. Well, we will not think of them when there is so much to do
as we have before us."

"I asked Louise to come to the quilting," said Faith.

"That's right; and I am going to send Donald to ask a number of your
schoolmates to come in the evening. The moon will be full to light
them home, and you children can have the kitchen to yourselves after
supper, and make molasses candy," said Aunt Prissy.

This seemed a very delightful idea to both Faith and Donald. The
thought of making candy reminded Faith of Esther Eldridge, and of the
bear's sudden appearance at the kitchen door. Mr. Carew had promised
Faith to ask Esther's father to bring her to visit Faith on her return
home, and Faith often thought of how much she and Esther would have to
tell each other.

That afternoon Faith helped her Aunt Prissy in preparing for the
quilting. Aunt Prissy was cooking a ham, and the brick oven held some
of the spiced cakes that the children liked so well. Donald cracked a
big dish full of hickory-nuts, while Faith rubbed the pewter plates
and pitchers until they shone like silver. The two younger boys ran in
and out of the kitchen, thinking a quilting party must be a great
affair.

Mr. Scott had been cutting wood at the edge of the forest, and did not
return until nearly dusk; and when he arri