Part 36 (1/2)
”I meant it not so, believe me. I know that all of you are ready to serve your country.”
Albany was left behind and the party started south for Philadelphia.
After a long march a place of rest was sought.
It was nothing unusual for a semi-military company to be on the march, and so the party did not attract any extraordinary attention.
A farmhouse seemed best suited for the refreshment and rest required, and one was found which seemed to answer all purposes.
Warner went forward to interview the farmer, and soon returned with the pleasing news that the party could have supper, rest for the night, and breakfast in the morning for a most moderate sum.
The farmer was hospitable.
He killed some chickens and a young pig, and in a very short time the odor of cooking was very appetizing.
After supper the farmer insisted on bringing out several flagons of good cider, strong and old, for it was the last year's make.
Song and story enlivened the evening.
Warner told of the days when he had hunted the wild bear and met with some startling adventures.
Baker recounted many a stirring episode in the life of a hunter, and Allen, who pa.s.sed under an a.s.sumed name, kept up the interest by narrating a story of ancient knighthood.
”Seems to me that there are as great heroes to-day as in olden times,”
the farmer remarked.
”Yes, I suppose so.”
”Now, in the troubles we are just encountering, there will be opportunities for heroism.”
”Yes, and many a brave boy will sleep in a nameless grave.”
”That is true; but if we get rid of England's rule and that of the tones, these same boys will rest well in their graves.”
”You seem to think the patriots are right.”
”I know they are, and I tell you, my masters, that as long as I have a stalk of corn on my farm I'll divide it with any boy who fights against the oppressor.”
”Bravo! but methinks the people round about do not think as you do.”
”Many are afraid to speak, because, if they did, and the English were successful, they would be made to suffer; and if the patriots win, as I am sure they will, then the silent man may be counted a patriot.”
”Very wisely stated.”
”My idea of a great man is----”
The farmer paused.
”Excuse me, I thought I heard some one at the window. No, I was wrong, and yet I could have sworn I saw a face as I looked up.”