ell, at
the door there, that they talk so much about. What they make such a fuss
over it fur I don't know; it's ugly as can be and has a great crack in it;
but it's quite the thing to talk about it and say you've seen it; so we
must do like the rest."

"Yes, I suppose we must, though I don't see why anybody should, any more
than you do," returned her companion. "It's ugly enough and certainly
wouldn't bring first price if 'twas put up for sale. But just see what
handsome fellows those policemen are that's got charge of it! Enough sight
better-lookin' than it is."

With that the two went nearer, looked the old bell carefully over, then
walked on into the building. While they talked merry, mischievous glances
had been exchanged among the young people of our party.

"I wonder where they have lived all their days," laughed Walter, looking
after them as they disappeared through the doorway.

"I hope they are not Americans! I'm ashamed of them if they are!"
exclaimed Lulu. "The very idea of such ignorance!"

"Descendants of Tories, perhaps," said Rosie, laughing. "Do you know its
story, Elsie? that of the old bell, I mean."

"Yes, indeed, Aunt Rosie! We've got a picture of it at home, and papa and
mamma, and Lu and Gracie have all told me the story about it--how when
those brave men had signed their names to that paper, it proclaimed
liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof; for it
rang out to let the people know they had done it. Oh, papa, please show
me those words on it."

"Yes," the captain said, "come nearer and you can see and read them for
yourself."

The little girl obeyed with alacrity, and when she had read the
inscription, "Wasn't it very strange, papa," she said, "that those words
were put on it when nobody knew that it was going to proclaim liberty?"

"Yes, very strange indeed; and that proclamation has made it a very famous
old bell."

"Is that the reason why they brought it here, papa?"

"Yes, for many people will see it here who will never get to Philadelphia
to look at it."

"I'm glad for them that they can see it," she said with satisfaction. "Do
they ring it when it's at its home in Philadelphia, papa?"

"No, my child; that great crack you see there has spoiled it for ringing,
but it is highly valued and cherished for what it did in those days when
our fathers had to risk everything to secure freedom for themselves and
their children."

"They were good and brave men