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+Project Gutenberg's The Little Washingtons' Travels, by Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+Title: The Little Washingtons' Travels
+
+Author: Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+Release Date: April 24, 2012 [EBook #39518]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                 THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS
+
+                    BY LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+    AUTHOR OF THE POLLY BREWSTER BOOKS, THE GIRL SCOUTS BOOKS, Etc.
+
+
+    ILLUSTRATED
+
+    GROSSET & DUNLAP
+    PUBLISHERS NEW YORK
+
+    Made in the United States of America
+
+    Copyright, 1918, by
+    THE PLATT & NOURSE COMPANY
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THEY WERE SEATED ON THE FLOOR READING.]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+    CHAPTER                                       PAGE
+
+       I. NEW YORK THE GREAT MECCA                   7
+
+      II. THE JOYS OF NEW YORK LIFE                 26
+
+     III. SIGHT-SEEING IN NEW YORK                  41
+
+      IV. THE BATTLE OF NEW YORK                    57
+
+       V. SOME OF WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS         79
+
+      VI. GEORGE'S STRANGE BATTLE                   92
+
+     VII. BATTLE-GROUNDS AROUND PHILADELPHIA       108
+
+    VIII. A FIGHT WITH THE HESSIANS                121
+
+      IX. FAREWELLS TO WASHINGTON                  137
+
+
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+NEW YORK THE GREAT MECCA
+
+
+"My parlor chair swings around every way!" exclaimed Martha Parke,
+thoroughly enjoying the novelty of whirling on a Pullman parlor chair.
+
+"They all do, but folks are supposed to sit quiet and only swing when
+they want to see who's sitting on the other side of the car, or perhaps
+if a friend sits next to them and talks--then you have to turn and
+answer, of course," explained George Parke.
+
+Jack Davis, the Philadelphia cousin of the two Parke children, had the
+vast experience of travelling from his native city to the country home
+of the Parkes just outside of Washington, D. C., a few weeks prior to
+the opening of this story. So, of course, he knew all about the Pullman
+parlor chairs.
+
+"That isn't why they whirl at all! It's so you can turn to look out of
+the opposite windows, 'cause both sides of a railroad track have
+scenery, you know," glancing at the elders of the party to make sure
+they had overheard him.
+
+"Why, Jack Davis! That isn't the reason at all! It's for the convenience
+of the conductor to take up tickets, so he won't have to lean away over
+or knock off the passenger's hat. Then, too, when the buffet waiter
+serves luncheon on those folding tables, he has to have room to move the
+chair around and place the stand right over the passenger's lap. Don't
+you remember?" explained Anne Davis to her brother.
+
+"I'll ask mother--shall I?" ventured John Graham, a member of the
+travelling party from the South.
+
+"No, no! We don't want to know anything! Let's see who can find the
+first church along the line," quickly said George, to divert attention.
+
+For some time thereafter the young travellers were quiet, until Jack
+shouted: "I see one! It's old and tumble-down, but it has a steeple just
+the same!"
+
+While the children were playing this game, the elders sat planning about
+the New York trip. They had started from the country estate that morning
+without mishap, which was remarkable, considering the many ways the
+"Little Washingtons" had of getting into trouble. But now that all were
+_en route_ for the great city of the north, they wondered whether it had
+been wise to bring five lively children on such a trip.
+
+"If John doesn't behave when you take him to visit the historical
+places, just let me know, and I will keep him at his great-aunt's. She
+hasn't a thing he can do mischief to!" said Mrs. Graham.
+
+Mr. Parke laughed. "That would be a severe punishment for John. But I
+feel quite sure he will be the least troublesome of the party. George
+generally takes the lead in all escapades, you know."
+
+"Not when Jack is around to suggest mischief!" added Mrs. Davis from
+Philadelphia.
+
+"Well, there will be two of us, anyway, to keep them in order. And
+little Jim won't be here for them to use as a scapegoat, you know,"
+laughed Mrs. Parke, thinking of the happy little face of the pickaninny
+who was last seen on the steps holding a book and a box of candy
+presented him by the Davis children.
+
+"Did Sam wire you he would meet us?" asked Mrs. Davis of Mr. Parke.
+
+"Yes, when I telegraphed him from home, he replied to my office in
+Washington. He will arrive in New York a train before us, and meet us at
+the Pennsylvania Terminal at Thirty-third Street. Then we will go to
+some large hotel until we see what we wish to do for the week."
+
+"George sat looking over the newspaper this morning while we were
+waiting at the station in Washington for this train, and I leaned over
+to see what was engrossing his attention. What do you think he was
+reading?" asked Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Goodness only knows what George reads--anything from the last drive of
+the Italians on the Alps to the present quotations on Wall Street!"
+laughed Mr. Parke, the father.
+
+"Neither! He was poring over the list of hotels and restaurants in New
+York City. Finding I was watching, he said: 'I just found the place for
+us to stop.'
+
+"'Yes?' said I. 'Where is it?'
+
+"'The Martha Washington Hotel. We wouldn't think of boarding anywhere
+else, would we, when we are related to Martha?'"
+
+The others laughed at this, and Mrs. Graham added: "Did you explain
+that that hotel was a ladies' hotel, and neither he nor his father nor
+his uncle would be allowed to stay there?"
+
+"No, because he forgot all about the hotel when he saw Jack and the
+girls leading John over to the candy booth. That was enough for George!"
+laughed Mrs. Parke.
+
+"I suppose you ladies have planned a campaign for going about to show
+the 'patriots' the historical points of interest in the city--that is
+why you came up here, you know," teased Mr. Parke.
+
+"You came for business purposes, you said, so we will not trouble you
+with our plans," retorted Mrs. Davis.
+
+But further conversation was interrupted by the children. "Mother,
+didn't you bring the copy of our Washington history with you?"
+
+"I have it in the trunk.--Why?" said Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Because Jack says Washington was in Boston in the spring of 1776, and I
+say he was in New York, where he thought General Howe was going after
+being driven from Boston," explained George.
+
+"You are both right, son. Washington remained in Boston for a time to
+see just what Howe would do, and then fearing the weakness of defence of
+and about New York, he started for that city. It was while he was at New
+York that the letter from Congress was given him, in which he was so
+highly commended for the bravery and conduct of himself and his men at
+the siege," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+Both boys had been so sure that each was right, that this information
+caused a sudden spell of humility, which gave the girls an opportunity
+to speak.
+
+"Mother, didn't you read one day that the American army was vanquished
+on Long Island, and Washington had to hide up in the hills of Harlem
+until he got some more soldiers together?" asked Martha earnestly.
+
+"Oh, oh! Is this the way my historical readings are interpreted?" sighed
+Mrs. Parke, in mock despair, while the other elders of the party laughed
+at Martha's presentation of the battle on Long Island.
+
+"I think it best not to describe any more history now. When you are all
+on the spot of the battle scenes, the children will feel the actual
+spirit of the thing more than by listening to a tale," said Mr. Parke.
+
+"I will follow your suggestion later, but just now I am not going to
+allow this misunderstanding to rest. Come here, children, and let me
+explain."
+
+As there was nothing more exciting offered them, the five children
+turned their chairs about and listened to the story.
+
+"You see, when General Howe sailed from Boston with his fleet, it was
+circulated that he proposed going to Halifax. But Washington was too
+wise a general to believe everything he heard, especially when it came
+from such a wily man as General Howe. So he figured out just about what
+Howe might do now that he was out of such nice, comfortable quarters
+like Boston.
+
+"New York was another fine city, with every comfort to be had, so
+Washington thought that the British would prefer that life to one of
+privation and discomfort elsewhere.
+
+"With the seized boats that had sailed into Boston harbor, ignorant of
+the fact that the British had left there, Washington was able to supply
+his men with guns, ammunition and goods greatly needed by them. Then,
+when Campbell of the British navy sailed serenely into the net of the
+enemy, a large quantity of military stores was captured, besides the
+fine vessel that carried over two hundred and seventy men. The latter
+were made prisoners, and the ships were turned into privateers, to act
+as sea-scouts in place of a regular naval force, which the colonists had
+not been able to raise as yet.
+
+"Anxious for the safety of New York, Washington started an army from
+Boston, leaving five regiments under General Ward to defend the city.
+Passing through Providence, Norwich, and New London, he and the army
+arrived in New York on the 13th of April, where he found, as he feared,
+that city ill-prepared for defence against Howe.
+
+"It was soon ascertained, however, that Howe had really sailed for
+Halifax, where he went to secure the cooperation of the forces of
+Canada.
+
+"So you see, boys, Washington was in both cities that spring, but he
+spent the late spring and summer in New York, fortifying and preparing
+that city for the battle which he knew was sure to come."
+
+"Tell us some more, mother," said Martha.
+
+"Is it time for the luncheon?" asked George anxiously, as the porter
+passed through the car.
+
+"No, sah; not yet!" replied the grinning colored man.
+
+"Then go on, mother!" sighed George resignedly.
+
+"Well, when Washington found how valuable the Hudson River was for
+crossings, and for transmitting supplies to the northern army under the
+command of Schuyler, he immediately began to fortify the passes
+bordering on that river.
+
+"So, while Howe was in Halifax, the American army was engaged in
+defending its river front, and the City of New York.
+
+"Meantime, a large fleet was fitted out by the British under the command
+of Sir Peter Parker. In June, this fleet came to anchor in Charleston
+harbor, where it was joined by General Clinton's forces.
+
+"Fortunately, an intercepted letter warned the Americans of the
+destination of this armament, and this gave the colonists time to
+prepare defence against the English. Lee had been sent by Washington to
+command the forces in the southern country, and his popularity soon
+amassed over five thousand men. Under him were Gadsden, Moultrie, and
+Thompson. At the entrance of the Charleston harbor a fort had been
+constructed of the palmetto tree, which resembles cork in its looks and
+action.
+
+"When Clinton landed some of his troops, he found Colonel Gadsden
+commanding a regiment on the northern extremity of James Island, and two
+regiments under Moultrie and Thompson, stationed at opposite extremities
+of Sullivan's Island.
+
+"The attack on the fort began in the morning, while the ships threw
+their broadsides upon it, but the little fort returned the fire with so
+much skill and spirit that the ships suffered severely. One ran aground
+and was burned, while others were temporarily disabled. The British
+finally abandoned the enterprise, having lost over two hundred men,
+while the Americans only lost twenty.
+
+"The failure of the attack was of great importance to the American
+cause, for it not only contributed much to the permanent formation of
+their independent government, but it had an effect on the half-hearted
+people who feared the power of England.
+
+"The abrupt departure of General Howe from Boston had upset his plans,
+for all of his supplies had been sent to that city, and consequently
+fell into the hands of the American army. After waiting at Halifax for
+the appearance of the reinforcements he expected, but which did not
+arrive, he set sail for New York with his original army, where he landed
+on Staten Island the third of July, the same day that the Declaration of
+Independence was reported to the members of Congress at Philadelphia."
+
+Mrs. Parke reached this point in her story when a waiter entered the
+car, making announcement of an interesting fact.
+
+"Dinnah now served in th' dinin' car--foh cars ahead! Dinnah now served
+in th' dinin' car--foh cars ahead!"
+
+"Oh, oh! they're going to have a dinner in the cars! We won't have to
+eat on the little tables brought in here," cried Jack, looking eagerly
+at Mr. Parke.
+
+"Why, I don't think we'll need any dinner, do you? We will be in New
+York in an hour's time, and can have something at a quick lunch
+restaurant," replied Mr. Parke very seriously.
+
+The children stared at him in such surprise that he was compelled to
+laugh outright. At that, they knew he was only fooling about dinner.
+Meantime, the ladies began to gather their various wraps and bags and
+arrange them in order back of the parlor chairs.
+
+When all were ready to go forward, Mr. Parke beckoned the children to
+gather close about him, and gave them warning.
+
+"Now look over the bill of fare carefully, and order the cheapest dishes
+there. I haven't much money with me, and it would be dreadful to have
+the bill come to more than I would be able to pay."
+
+The three ladies had passed on before Mr. Parke whispered the
+embarrassing news, and George, making sure his father was not joking
+again, said:
+
+"I've got fifty cents in my pocket; I'll eat that up!"
+
+"It may not digest, George, because silver is not considered healthy for
+the human stomach, you know," replied Mr. Parke.
+
+"Oh, you know what I mean! I'll order that much," said George, laughing.
+
+"Will you have enough to pay for a dish of ice cream and a sandwich?"
+asked Martha anxiously.
+
+"We'll have to see what they charge for ice cream. You see the prices
+have gone so high since the war," returned Mr. Parke.
+
+They were passing through into the forward car as they conversed, and
+now the children had all they could do to balance themselves as the car
+swayed from side to side in its rapid flight on the tracks.
+
+At last they were safely seated in the dining-car, but the ladies and
+Mr. Parke occupied one table for four, while the children occupied
+another across the aisle.
+
+Every one studied the menu card diligently, but to the horror of the
+children the ice cream was forty cents per plate. Sandwiches were twenty
+cents each, and tea or coffee, or cocoa, was twenty cents per cup.
+
+"Humph! We won't eat much at this rate!" grumbled George.
+
+"I think it is much cheaper to have luncheon served on a table in the
+parlor car. We had a nice lunch, and I'm sure it wasn't as much as
+this," remarked Jack.
+
+"Shall we whisper to father and ask him what he can afford to pay for?"
+suggested Martha.
+
+But the waiter stood right at Mr. Parke's elbow writing down some words
+on a pad, so the children politely waited. When he finished and hurried
+away, George and Martha excused themselves to the other children, and
+crossed the aisle.
+
+"What shall we order?" asked George.
+
+"How much can you pay for?" added Martha.
+
+Mrs. Parke looked in amazement, while aunty and Mrs. Graham laughed. Mr.
+Parke drew both children down so they could hear him whisper.
+
+"I think you had better sit still and not order a thing. If the waiter
+comes up for your order send him to me. You see, Mrs. Davis and Mrs.
+Graham ordered so much that I shall have to pay for, that we will have
+to go hungry."
+
+George sent an angry glance at the ladies who thus deprived him of
+necessary food for the rest of the journey, but Martha heaved a
+tremendous sigh, as she relinquished her hopes of a deep dish of ice
+cream.
+
+Before the two food ambassadors were settled in their chairs again, a
+waiter hurried over and began arranging silver, bread and butter, and
+relishes before them.
+
+The children exchanged glances, and as the man went away again, George
+said: "We won't say anything yet--not until he asks us to order."
+
+But he failed to ask. When he next appeared, he carried cups of broth
+and placed them before the children. This done, he stooped and said to
+George, in a voice distinctly heard by those fearfully listening:
+
+"Ah'm goin' to pile dat cream up high when yo' all is ready for
+dessert!"
+
+Then winking understandingly at the doubtful faces, he went back to the
+kitchen.
+
+George looked in the cup of broth and turned to glance at his father for
+instructions, but the elders were busy with their own broth. Then George
+decided upon a courageous measure.
+
+"We need something and we didn't order this soup. If we take it now the
+ladies who ordered more than they should will have to cancel some of
+their dinner. Come on and drink the broth before we are told not to."
+
+Thereupon, a great sipping and swallowing of hot liquid ensued, and
+soup, that despised item at home, was quickly enjoyed, for there was a
+dearth of more to follow--so thought the travellers about that table.
+
+Before they were quite finished, however, fish was brought on and the
+waiter said: "Ah'm tol' to bring turkey wid cranberry sauce and candied
+sweets. Is dat all right foh de whole party?"
+
+Then George suspected a hoax. He jumped up and caught his father trying
+to hide a smile back of his dinner napkin.
+
+"Is this one of your practical jokes again?" demanded George.
+
+But an answer was unnecessary when he laughed so heartily that the
+ladies joined in. George was disgusted as he turned and remarked:
+
+"Well, you made us drink the soup, all right, and I s'pose we all want
+turkey, but just you wait till dessert comes along--we're each going to
+eat ten plates of ice cream and make you pay for it, too!"
+
+With that threat ringing in his ears, it was a wonder Mr. Parke enjoyed
+his dinner, but he did, and when dessert was ordered he watched the
+children eat two great dishes each of ice cream, and never blinked at
+the bill presented to him for it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE JOYS OF NEW YORK LIFE
+
+
+"Oh, oh, but this is a bee-autiful station!" gasped George, when the
+tourists came from the train and entered the great domed concourse.
+
+"Isn't it lovely? Look at the ceiling--all painted and lighted so fine!"
+sighed Martha, with satisfaction at art thus expressed.
+
+"I should think everybody would get lost in this great place. Do you
+know where you are going, uncle?" said Jack, gazing first at the
+hurrying mobs going every way across the main hall to reach the numerous
+outlets.
+
+"No, I am lost already! I shall have to ask a policeman to take us to
+the station-house for the night, so we can find ourselves again,"
+replied Mr. Parke with a worried air, as he went over to speak to a man
+in uniform.
+
+"Did he mean it?" whispered John to his mother.
+
+She smiled and shook her head, as she replied: "He is going to order
+taxicabs to convey us to the hotel."
+
+"What hotel are we going to?" wondered Martha.
+
+"Well, seeing there are scores of fine hotels in New York, it is
+difficult to tell which one Mr. Parke will select," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+Shortly after this the party was snugly seated in cabs and whirled away.
+There was no signboard over the door of the hotel so the children could
+not tell the name of it. At home, the hotel in the village where the
+store was, had a swinging sign to say that it was "The Washington Arms
+Hotel." But the uniformed men standing ready to open the doors, and the
+crowds of people sitting about reading or chatting were very interesting
+to the children. Palms, great easy chairs, clusters of electric
+lights--lights everywhere--made the scene one to be remembered.
+
+"Must be something like the fine balls given Washington after the war,"
+whispered Martha to her companions.
+
+"If they only had on silk dresses and powdered wigs," returned John.
+
+It was late in the afternoon when the party arrived at the hotel. Mr.
+Parke decided it would be useless to try and see any of the sights that
+day. Besides, they expected Mr. Davis every moment, as he said he would
+be waiting for them. But the train had been late, and he probably had
+become tired of waiting in the hotel lobby.
+
+"I don't see how any one could tire of sitting down there and watching
+the fine folks," said Martha.
+
+"If you saw things like that every day you'd soon weary of them,"
+remarked Mrs. Davis.
+
+And Martha wondered if Philadelphia were anything like New York, to make
+aunty speak of seeing such sights every day.
+
+Before she had time to question about this interesting information,
+however, a cheery voice sounded outside of the large parlor they had
+with the suite of six rooms, and in came Mr. Davis.
+
+After greetings were all over, Jack began: "Daddy, are we going to do
+anything to-day? We must not lose time, you know."
+
+"Indeed no! Time is one of the things we can never find if it is once
+lost!" laughed Mr. Davis, patting Jack on the head.
+
+"Well--then----" ventured Anne eagerly.
+
+"I procured tickets for the 'Blue Bird' at the opera house to-night,"
+replied Mr. Davis, showing the tickets to prove the wonderful news.
+
+"Oo-oh! I've never been in a real live theatre before! We've gone to
+movies in the village--that's all!" cried John eagerly.
+
+"Well, this is a real live one all right!" bragged Jack.
+
+And so it was. It was an entrancing play, and the gowns of the audience,
+and the wonderful velvet curtains, and the gold boxes and trimmings of
+the opera house, all presented a dazzling sight. The visiting party had
+a large box quite near the stage, so that everything could be seen and
+heard.
+
+The next morning Mrs. Graham left the others and started for her visit
+to her aunt, leaving John with his friends to accompany them on their
+historical tour of the city.
+
+"The first thing I have on my program is a visit to the Statue of
+Liberty. As we will be near Governor's Island, we can have a look at the
+old fort there, and then on our way back to Battery Park, visit the
+Aquarium," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+So they left the hotel to walk to a car.
+
+"Is anything going on in New York to-day?" asked John.
+
+"Not unusual.--Why?" wondered Mrs. Davis.
+
+"Why, I see such a lot of people all running as if they were afraid of
+missing some big event," explained John.
+
+The elders laughed. "That is the way New Yorkers always rush about. One
+would think their very lives depended upon the saving of a moment's
+time. And then they stand and stare at a silly advertisement, or listen
+to a street-corner peddler trying to sell his wares, and not only lose
+ten times the moments saved, but block the way for other sensible
+pedestrians, so that every one loses time," said Mr. Parke, who was
+escorting the ladies to the car.
+
+At the head of a flight of steps, he started down.
+
+"Where are you going, father?" cried Martha, aghast at her father's
+going down the cellar steps of some big house.
+
+"To the train! Aren't you coming?"
+
+"Train? I thought we were going to take one of these cars," exclaimed
+George, looking at a crosstown trolley.
+
+"No, the subway takes us right down to South Ferry, where the boat
+leaves for Liberty Island," replied Mr. Parke.
+
+This was a new experience. The children stared at the ceiled arch
+overhead, and wondered if it would cave in while they had to wait for a
+train. Then the roar and rush of a long, snake-like string of cars swung
+around the bend and came to a sudden jerky halt opposite them. It was
+the northbound train.
+
+Then it rushed and roared out again, but before any one could catch his
+breath, another roar and rush sounded right before their very noses, and
+a brilliantly-lighted train of cars stopped beside the platform, and the
+guard shoved open the doors that had no handles or hinges.
+
+They all hurried in, crowds behind pushing wildly to get in first.
+Inside, the long rows of seats on both sides of the cars were filled
+with all sorts of people, and our travellers were compelled to stand up
+in the aisle.
+
+As the train went further downtown, the crowds increased until George
+said: "Every New Yorker must be travelling to South Ferry this morning."
+
+At Brooklyn Bridge many of the passengers got out, and Mr. Parke pushed
+his party into seats--one here, one there, some down the aisle in
+vacancies. Before he could get back to a seat himself an entirely new
+mob of passengers rushed on, and violently struggled to crowd in between
+other seated fellow-beings.
+
+"Say, Jack, I've been trying to figure up all the money this company
+made since we got on the cars at Grand Central," said George to his
+cousin.
+
+"Yes, and I think it would be a good thing for you and me to plan about
+our future business careers. S'pose we open a subway line like this and
+run opposition. Besides making a lot of money easy, we will help the
+public, 'cause there won't be such a fearful crowd going on two lines as
+there is on one," said Jack with good logic.
+
+"You're right! And what's more, we'll make our guards act politely to
+folks. I saw that horrid man slam the door right in an old man's face,
+as he was going to step inside! And those side doors were only opened
+once since we started, yet crowds of people waited outside and got left
+when the train pulled out of the station, and the guard leaned over the
+platform and laughed!" declared George, who, although on his first trip,
+saw conditions that make New Yorkers fume and fret, without redress
+anywhere.
+
+At this moment the guard shouted, "South Ferry! All out!" Mr. Parke and
+the ladies caught hold of the children's hands to save them from being
+crushed between doors and passengers, and after climbing another flight
+of concrete steps, they all breathed the sweet, fresh air once more, and
+Martha said:
+
+"Don't let us ever travel that way again! It's awful!"
+
+"But think of the millions who _have_ to travel that way, up to the
+Bronx or Washington Heights, or over to Brooklyn. There is no other way
+to get there except by foot, or paying several car-fares for changes of
+line," said Mr. Davis, who seemed thoroughly acquainted with conditions
+in New York.
+
+However, the children forgot the annoyance of travel the moment they
+found the small steamer "Liberty Island" at the wharf. They all hurried
+on board, and were danced over the choppy waves of New York bay. On the
+sail over to the statue, they saw Ellis Island where the immigrants
+landed, Governor's Island of Revolutionary fame, the heights of Brooklyn
+just on the edge of the water, and then were landed at Liberty Island.
+
+Troops were quartered here, and everything was under military
+discipline. Visitors were still permitted to the tower, but no one was
+allowed to go about the camps, or to question the men.
+
+The elevator landed the children high up where the balcony encircles the
+statue, but Mrs. Parke declared that they were not going to mount the
+steep and winding stairs, as nothing was to be gained by climbing up the
+hundreds of steps. The view from the balcony was the same as up in the
+head.
+
+As they walked around the outside of the figure, Mr. Parke told the
+children some interesting items about the statue.
+
+"Bartholdi's statue named 'Liberty' was presented by the French people
+to the United States in 1885. It is the largest statue ever built. It
+was conceived by the famous French sculptor whose name it bears. It is
+said that the face is a likeness of his mother, who was his model for
+this renowned figure.
+
+"It took eight years to construct the statue, and it weighed, when
+completed, 440,000 pounds. Of this, 146,000 pounds is copper and the
+balance iron and steel. The latter two metals were used to construct the
+skeleton framework of the inside.
+
+"The mammoth electric light held aloft in the hand of this giantess is
+305 feet above tide-water. The height of the figure is 152-1/2 feet; the
+pedestal is 91 feet, and the foundation 52 feet, 10 inches. Forty
+persons can stand at the same time in the top of the mighty head, which
+is 14-1/2 feet in diameter. The index finger of the hand is eight feet
+long, and the nose three and three-fourth feet. The colossus of
+Rhodes--once regarded as a world-wonder for its great size--is a pigmy
+in comparison with this figure."
+
+The children listened to these stupendous figures, that gave them a good
+idea of the great work done on Liberty Statue, and were all the more
+interested in seeing the giant steel beams and bolts that held up the
+skeleton of the figure.
+
+After they had gone down again and were walking about the base, while
+waiting for the return of the steamer to convey them back to New York,
+they listened to Mr. Parke describing the method of lighting at night,
+so that the entire statue seemed bathed in light. They looked at the
+great globes of electric lights grouped at various points of the stone
+parapet, and wondered at the unseen power that would reflect such
+brilliant illumination up at the figure as to make it plainly visible
+for miles across the sea.
+
+On the sail back, the children saw the old fort where prisoners were
+kept herded together in great masses when the British took possession
+of New York and Long Island.
+
+The Aquarium was visited, and after admiring the strange and beautiful
+fish in the glass tanks, the children found great sport waiting for the
+sea-lion to utter his fearful roar, as he flopped into the large tank of
+water, scattering water in every direction and thoroughly sprinkling the
+unwary who stood too near the railing.
+
+Then Mr. Parke led his party across Battery Park to a triangular green.
+
+"Who knows what this is?" asked he.
+
+"Why, it's another stairway to the subway cellar," said Martha, who
+spied the sign over the entrance.
+
+The ladies laughed, for they knew the right answer to the question; but
+the children had not the slightest clue to it.
+
+"This is Old Bowling Green. Here the Dutch used to meet daily and play
+bowls, while the wives and children sat on the rude wooden benches
+placed on the outside and chatted or watched the game."
+
+"Are there any more old places like this in New York?" asked John.
+
+"Yes, I thought we might go over and visit the place called 'Ye Olde
+Taverne,' that has been carefully kept from mercenary realty investors
+all these years. There you will find the quaint old style of building in
+vogue during the time of Howe's victory over the American forces in New
+York. If the old beams and wood could but talk, what interesting tales
+of treason, patriotism, plotting and celebrating, it could tell us.
+
+"As we will be right near the Stock Exchange after we leave Fraunces'
+Tavern, I will see if it is possible to have you visit and watch the
+buying and selling that goes on in the 'pit' every day. The Exchange
+closes at three, so we must not delay, if we would visit this scene."
+
+The children followed eagerly as Mr. Parke led the way across Broadway
+and down lower Pearl Street to the quaint old gable-roofed building
+still intact after all these years. They gazed wide-eyed at this relic
+of Washington's period, and felt that the hero of their readings and
+play was very real indeed.
+
+Coming out on Broad Street, they then went to the Stock Exchange
+building, but Mr. Parke discovered that no visitors were admitted there
+since war was declared. Only those known to be in business on the stock
+market were permitted to enter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+SIGHT-SEEING IN NEW YORK
+
+
+"Well, as long as we can't visit the Stock Exchange, we may as well stop
+at Wall Street and see the Subtreasury and Old Custom House."
+
+Mr. Parke's suggestion met with approval, so they all followed him up
+the wide street known as Broad, passing the curb brokers, as they stood
+screaming and gesturing at each other.
+
+"Oh, don't go so close to that street fight, uncle!" called Anne Davis,
+tugging at Mr. Parke's sleeve.
+
+"What's the matter there, father? Is some one killed?" worried George,
+watching the mob anxiously.
+
+"No, they are merely shouting out prices, or dealing in stocks. These
+are called curb brokers, because they have no 'seats' in the Exchange
+and cannot deal in there," said Mr. Parke.
+
+"Do any of you children know why Wall Street has its name?" asked Mrs.
+Davis.
+
+"I suppose because it does a wall of money business every day," ventured
+Jack, trying to be wise.
+
+"No, it was Wall Street long before any stock market was founded in New
+York. It had a high, long wall crossing here from the East River to West
+Street, and back of this wall stood an old Dutch Colonial house, with
+fine orchards about it. So solid was this wall that the conflicting
+armies of the British and American sides found it very convenient for a
+refuge and protection. Then, too, when some old Dutchman or alien of New
+Amsterdam--for it was so called by the discoverer of the island, Hendrik
+Hudson, in 1609--wanted to designate a certain district of the town, he
+would say 'in front of the wall', or 'so-and-so distant from the wall,'
+until it began to be known as 'The Wall.' Then the lane that ran in
+front of it was becoming quite a thoroughfare, as so many people had to
+go about the area of land enclosed by the wall, that it gradually became
+known as 'Wall Street.'"
+
+This information was very interesting to the children, and Mrs. Parke
+said: "Tell them about the purchase of this island."
+
+"The land on which New York stands to-day was secured from the Indians
+for $24.00 worth of beads and trinkets in 1626, although the island was
+found by Hudson in 1609 on his voyage of discovery along the bay and up
+the Hudson River.
+
+"In 1664 the English took it from the Dutch and changed the name to New
+York after the English nobleman. When Howe took it from Washington's
+army, his men were so reckless in their merry-making that fire broke out
+in a tavern down here and soon the wooden houses, with their
+dried-shingle roofs, were blazing. In that fire more than a thousand
+buildings were destroyed, and the fine old mansions of lower New York,
+then the fashionable section of Dutch and English wealth, were razed to
+the ground. The few places escaping the conflagration were those below
+this fire-line, or the homes better protected by owners, who kept a
+bucket-brigade at work to thoroughly soak the outside of the buildings."
+
+"Now that we have seen the sights on Wall Street, what else can we see
+downtown?" asked Jack.
+
+"Well, we can visit the old church here at the head of Wall Street, and
+then we can also visit the graveyard of the old church standing on the
+corner of Fulton and Broadway. Here we will find old flat stones marking
+graves made before the days of the Revolution; and some of the famous
+men we read about are buried in this busy section of lower New York.
+That will fill in our time until we start back uptown to the hotel,"
+said Mr. Parke.
+
+So the children wandered about the grass-covered burial spot, where
+centuries ago funerals of great men were held, and now old stones still
+showed the spots where they had been laid to rest.
+
+So completely worn out were they from that well-filled day of
+sight-seeing, that all were ready for bed soon after dinner that
+evening. When Mr. Davis came in from a late business conference, no one
+felt like talking of the day's exploits.
+
+Mr. Parke was to attend to his business the following day, and Mr. Davis
+offered to act as official guide to the party. John was sent uptown to
+his great-aunt in a taxicab and told to be sure and be on hand by ten
+the next day.
+
+"What shall we visit to-day?" asked Mr. Davis, when all the travellers
+had gathered about the breakfast table in the morning.
+
+"You know best--we want to see the forts and the places where they show
+things left by Washington," said George.
+
+"I have been thinking that we may as well keep right on visiting from
+downtown up, taking in important points of interest on the way,"
+suggested Mrs. Parke.
+
+"We can. Then we ought to go down to City Hall Park and take in the
+sights from there on," replied Mrs. Davis.
+
+The moment John arrived--which was fifteen minutes before the time
+set--they started out on their second day's trip.
+
+At Old City Hall, with its park of ten acres, they saw the county court
+house, the Old Post Office and the famous Woolworth building, said to be
+the tallest in the world. Finding they could visit the tower, they all
+went up in an elevator and had a bird's-eye view of the great city, with
+its great ribbons of river winding along on two sides of it, forming the
+island of Manhattan, where East and North rivers met.
+
+They saw the buildings where the New York _World_, _The Tribune_, _The
+Sun_, _The Mail_, and other papers were printed, and Mr. Davis secured
+permission for them to visit the plant in the Tribune building, so the
+children could watch the interesting process of turning out a daily
+newspaper.
+
+After this, they went to the Hudson Tubes Terminal building and had
+luncheon at the restaurant before walking down the incline of Fulton
+entrance to the concourse underground. The very fact that so much
+business went on continually underground, while other business continued
+above on the streets, filled the children with amazement.
+
+They saw the trains of the New York terminal come in and go out again,
+and were told how the tubes under the Hudson River had been built and
+were now conducted.
+
+As a crowded train left the platform, Jack sighed: "The same old thing
+as in the subway. Not half enough seats for the crowds of people that
+travel. When we run _our_ line we will see that every one who pays full
+price has a seat, or they won't have to pay but half fare."
+
+"Your plan is most sensible, but no monopoly will ever consent to lose
+half a nickel that way while it can get full fare out of the travelling
+public that must reach certain destinations in a given time," replied
+Mr. Davis.
+
+From the Hudson Tubes the visitors followed their guide crosstown again,
+and after walking a few blocks they again crossed City Hall Park. Here
+they entered the large Municipal building that stands near the entrance
+to Brooklyn Bridge.
+
+"I think it would be a treat to take you over the bridge on a trolley
+car. As we cross I can explain all about the great cables that suspend
+this tremendous structure."
+
+The children eagerly consenting, they were soon seated in a Flatbush
+trolley, Mr. Davis explaining during the ride the many interesting facts
+of the old Brooklyn Bridge structure.
+
+In Brooklyn, Mr. Davis showed them in passing, the City Hall, and as
+they passed down the streets so similar to the busy thoroughfares of New
+York, Anne said:
+
+"I don't see why they changed the name of these two towns; they are
+just alike and ought to be called by the same name."
+
+"They tried that some years ago," replied Mrs. Parke. "This is all known
+now as Greater New York, but we are now on the Brooklyn section of it,
+while on the other side of the river it is known as Manhattan. Then
+there is the Bronx section, and the Washington Heights or Van Courtlandt
+sections."
+
+On the way through Flatbush the children saw a number of genuine old
+houses, still standing since the time of the occupation of Long Island
+by the British.
+
+"It is no wonder the American army was overpowered here by General
+Howe," remarked Mrs. Davis. "The British had more than 30,000 men in its
+army and navy--all well-trained soldiers, with plenty of food, clothing,
+and camp equipment to keep them in good trim. Poor Washington had only a
+scattered force of less than 11,000 men, with scant rations, ragged
+clothes, no beds or tents for half of them, and constantly having to go
+from one spot to the other to defend that point."
+
+"Yes, and when we remember how badgered the Americans were, by not being
+sure where the English would strike first--landing on Staten Island as
+they did, and swarming in their fleet of battleships, transports,
+sloops-of-war and floating batteries of guns up the East River, along
+the Hudson and about the bay so that it would have taken a dozen armies
+to keep watch of their many maneuvers," added Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Then when Howe so arranged his army that one regiment threatened from
+one side, another from another side, and the main army from the rear,
+what were the Americans to do but fight or give up?" said Mr. Davis,
+while the children listened eagerly to this history, which was very real
+when on the ground of the scenes.
+
+"Had it not been for that master-stroke of Washington's, when he had but
+one tiny hope left to save his men--retreat and move over the East
+River during the heavy fog, what might have been the final result of
+that war? When we think of the way he handled that great army of sick,
+hungry, weary and wounded men, discouraged and broken-spirited as each
+one was, and inspired them with enough will-power and patriotism to
+brace up and start in absolute silence and under cover of the fog, to
+cross the deep and dangerous current of the river on flat-bottomed
+boats, we, at this late day, but faintly feel the great praise due him;
+and to think that not one man was lost or injured in that transport
+work!"
+
+"It must have been a terrible blow to Howe, when he discovered his birds
+all flown in the morning and no one knew how or when!" Jack chuckled in
+hearty enjoyment.
+
+"I wish I had been there to laugh in his face!" declared George.
+
+"Huh! You wouldn't have laughed long or very loud--he would have clapped
+you in irons and thrown you into one of those wet, filthy, dark holes
+he used for the American prisoners!" said John.
+
+"Well, even if I wasn't at the battle scene of Long Island, I would have
+loved to stand in front of the Old City Hall on Wall Street on that
+Fourth of July, 1776, and listen to Washington read from the balcony the
+Declaration of Independence to his army. How that must have cheered them
+up and made them willing to fight all England!" said George, with
+emphasis.
+
+Mr. Davis hired an automobile when the party reached the end of the
+Flatbush ride, and took the children to Gowan's Cove, to Wallabout
+Market, which used to be called "Walla Bouche" by the Walloons, who
+settled this section of Brooklyn. They also passed the Gowanus Canal of
+historic fame, and many other places, stopping at Fort Hamilton to be
+able to see Governor's Island at close range, as no visitors were
+admitted on the Island since the declaration of war on Germany.
+
+On the way back from Fort Hamilton, the sight-seeing party visited the
+Throgg's Neck, Red Hook, and other districts where battles had occurred;
+but so modernized were these spots, that no one would have dreamed that
+any disastrous battle had ever taken place there.
+
+The next day, both gentlemen being free to escort the party about the
+city, they started at nine o'clock to get in a full day. John was on
+hand right on the minute, and they started out by visiting Central Park
+first. The great Egyptian obelisk, brought across seas from Alexandria
+in 1880, was studied, but no one could decipher the strange symbols
+carved on its surface.
+
+"It is called 'Cleopatra's Needle,' and is said to be the finest
+specimen of old Egyptian monuments in existence," said Mr. Parke,
+focussing a camera to take a picture of it.
+
+Then they visited the Museum of Art, where treasures of all kinds are to
+be found: paintings, statuary, collections of stones, jewels, antiques
+of all kinds, and a famous collection of tapestries.
+
+The zoo proved to be a diversion from the other sights, and could the
+children have remained long enough, it is quite certain that the monkeys
+would have been made ill by all the peanuts fed them.
+
+From the museum and zoo, the children were taken to the Museum of
+Natural History, on the Park Annex grounds, located on 77th Street and
+Central Park West. Here, too, they found interesting things: all sorts
+of stuffed birds, animals and American relics. Of all the animals, the
+dinosaur interested them the most, for its great size and queer snout.
+
+"Now we'll cross to Riverside Park and visit the Sailors' Monument,
+which is considered one of the finest erected to our marines," said Mr.
+Davis.
+
+"And when we finish that, we will get on a bus and ride up to Grant's
+Tomb and let the kiddies see the great monument raised by a grateful
+people to the general of the Civil War," added Mr. Parke.
+
+"We haven't seen Washington's Arch down at Washington Square yet,"
+reminded George, fearful of missing something.
+
+"I know, but I thought it would be fine to get on a Fifth Avenue bus
+when we finish Columbia University on the Heights, and complete our
+college tour with the City College on 137th Street and Amsterdam Avenue,
+and ride all the way downtown along Riverside Park to 72nd Street,
+thence to Fifth Avenue. Down that famous avenue we can see many
+interesting buildings and sights, and at last we will jump off at
+Washington Square," promised Mr. Parke.
+
+So the time flew rapidly by while the different places were visited, and
+finally the tired group almost rolled from the bus when it reached
+Washington Square. Here they took but half interest in the great arch
+erected to the memory of Washington, and all were thankful enough to get
+on another bus to ride uptown to the hotel.
+
+"Oh, I'm glad we haven't all Europe to see like this!" sighed Martha,
+throwing herself on a couch the moment they entered the parlor of the
+suite.
+
+"Poor John! I think I will telephone his mother and ask her to allow him
+to remain with us for to-night," said Mrs. Parke, when she saw the
+drooping eyelids of the weary boy.
+
+"Oh do, please, and then I won't have to get up so awfully early in the
+morning. Why, Great-aunt Belinda makes every one in her household rise
+at six o'clock, and we breakfast at seven," said John, revealing the
+cause of his prompt arrival each morning at the hotel.
+
+John was given permission to remain that night, and Mrs. Graham added
+that she would be down herself at nine in the morning to accompany her
+friends to Washington's Headquarters, where they proposed to visit the
+next day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE BATTLE OF NEW YORK
+
+
+Every one was hungry, and when they had gathered about the dining-room
+table, full justice was done the viands served in the restaurant. While
+waiting for dessert (the children had ice cream every time) Mr. Davis
+remarked:
+
+"Any one want to go to the theatre to-night? I had some tickets reserved
+for a play that is said to be very good."
+
+"Do you mean us, too, when you say 'any one'?" asked Anne.
+
+"Goodness, no! You youngsters are too tired," laughed her father.
+
+"Oh, no, we're not! We're never too tired for fun," replied Jack
+quickly.
+
+"I think it will be very nice to see a play, Sam," said Mrs. Parke,
+thanking him for the suggestion.
+
+"Well, then we must hurry and not miss the whole of the first act.
+Couldn't we leave the children to go to bed alone for this time?" asked
+Mr. Parke.
+
+"I'll ask the chambermaid to see that they are all right and have what
+they want," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Mother, if you all are going to have a good time, why can't we have ice
+cream and cake for a treat up in the parlor?" begged Anne.
+
+"Why, you're having ice cream now!" exclaimed Mrs. Davis.
+
+"But this is dessert--upstairs it will be a party!" cried Jack.
+
+The elders laughed, and promised that Maggie, the maid, should be told
+to give the children a party as they desired.
+
+After the elders had gone, the five children gathered in the parlor
+waiting for Maggie's appearance. She was having her supper, and said she
+would be upstairs in a short time.
+
+"Do you know, we haven't played war in the _longest_ time--I've almost
+forgotten how!" sighed George.
+
+"That's 'cause we had so much other stuff to do," replied Martha.
+
+"I wish we could play Nathan Hale and the British now," ventured Jack.
+
+"You just can't in a place full of furniture--no trees, no grass, no
+creek to play with," remonstrated George.
+
+"It's 'most eight o'clock. Maggie should be finished with her supper
+long ago," said Martha, getting up to peep out of the door to see if
+there were any signs of the maid in the long hallway.
+
+To her great delight she saw Maggie coming down the soft carpeted
+corridor, and soon after, she knocked at the door.
+
+"Is you'se all right in here?" questioned Maggie.
+
+"As right as can be without that ice cream," retorted George.
+
+Maggie grinned. "Yer mudder said you'se were to have it sent up at
+eight-thirty. I th'ot like as how I'd stop to see if I wuz wanted for
+anything and if not, I'd run upstairs to get the clean towels for your
+rooms."
+
+"Run ahead, and don't be behind time with the cream," agreed Jack,
+sighing, as he took up a magazine from the center table.
+
+"This is a tiresome life when there's nothing to kill time with," also
+sighed George, after Maggie had gone.
+
+"Let's have a pillow fight," suggested Martha.
+
+"Come on, boys, that'll be better than nothing," added Anne, taking the
+magazine from her brother.
+
+John was spending the night with them, so the five had quite a lively
+time in the fight, until the clock on the mantel chimed eight-thirty.
+
+"Time for the cream!" shouted George, picking up the down that had
+escaped from the pillows while batting them back and forth.
+
+The children waited fully five minutes for Maggie and the cream, and
+then Jack declared he would not stand for such neglect! He took up the
+telephone from the wall near the door and asked the clerk to find out
+where Maggie was.
+
+The clerk ascertained that Maggie was the maid for their floor, and said
+she had been sent upstairs to help another maid who was ill that
+evening. He would let her know that she was wanted.
+
+Five minutes more passed by, and still no Maggie. Then George had a
+brilliant idea.
+
+"I'll run and scout for her. I've never been anywhere about this hotel,
+except down in the dining-room and entrance. I'll have a look around,
+and find her at the same time."
+
+"I'll go with you," suggested Jack.
+
+"Can't we go, too?" asked the girls.
+
+"No, girls mustn't wander around like this, but John may come if he
+likes," replied George, going out into the corridor.
+
+Not wishing to let the elevator boy know they were on a tour of
+inspection, the three boys walked up to the next floor. A corridor
+exactly the same as the one they were on, was the only thing to see.
+Voices were heard--seemingly from the floor above.
+
+"That must be Maggie upstairs," said Jack.
+
+So up another flight they went, and found a couple at the head of the
+stairs talking loudly to a deaf old lady. Maggie was not to be seen. The
+three strangers got on the elevator, and the three boys walked down the
+length of the corridor. Almost at the extreme length of it, a door stood
+open, and the boys were sure Maggie would be in that room, very probably
+making it ready for guests.
+
+"My, this is an awful big house," remarked John.
+
+"Almost like a canyon--these high, dark corridors," said Jack.
+
+"It would be great sport trying to catch a spy running away from us down
+these gulleys and mountain-steps," grinned John.
+
+By this time the boys had reached the end of the hallway, and stood
+looking in at the opened door of the room; but it was not a guest-room.
+It was a store-room of some sort. The door had been left open by
+mistake, most likely, for no one was about on the entire length of the
+corridor.
+
+"It must be a junk room," said George.
+
+"They keep old half-worn stuff in it, I guess," added Jack, glancing at
+the shelves on one side, piled up with miscellaneous items.
+
+"Oh! Look at all the bellboys' uniforms! All colors, different from what
+some of them wear now," said John.
+
+"Maybe they're here to be repaired or for extra help," suggested George.
+
+The boys stood looking over the motley assortment of things, when
+suddenly Jack exclaimed:
+
+"What do you say to playing war? Let's dress up in the old uniforms and
+have some sport!"
+
+"Say!" admired John, looking at Jack with envy.
+
+George said not a word in reply, but looked up and down the corridor to
+see if any one was about. It was empty and quiet.
+
+"Let's take one each, and two for the girls," whispered George,
+tiptoeing into the room and selecting a green cloth suit, trimmed with
+gold braid and brass buttons. After holding it up against him to gauge
+the size, he threw it over his arm, and then selected a similar suit for
+Martha. John also found a uniform about his size, and Jack took two--one
+for himself and one for Anne.
+
+Just as the three raiders reached the head of the stairway, they heard
+the elevator coming up to that floor. Quick as a flash, they slid down
+the first section of the stairs, to let the elevator continue past the
+floor before they ran down the other flights.
+
+Into the parlor bounced the three boys, laughing and bursting with plans
+for a campaign. The two girls had grown tired of waiting for the boys
+and Maggie, and were watching the crowds on the brilliantly-lighted
+street many stories below.
+
+"What do you think? A battle in New York!" cried Jack, throwing the
+uniforms on the floor.
+
+"Now we can have some fun!" added George.
+
+"Oh, where'd you find them?" asked Martha and Anne in one breath.
+
+"Never mind where--get into them and let's go to war," retorted John,
+taking his uniform to one of the bedrooms.
+
+The outer door from the parlor to the corridor was well secured against
+surprise, and then the children quickly dressed in the uniforms. Canes
+left by the two gentlemen, and umbrellas, were perfectly satisfactory
+guns for the soldiers. One after the other they appeared in the parlor,
+and laughingly admired one another.
+
+"Now what? We're all ready," said John.
+
+"Martha, twist up your curls! Soldiers can't have such hair when they
+fight!" scorned George.
+
+So Martha ran to her mother's room and pinned up her hair, keeping it on
+top of her head by dragging her father's travelling cap over it.
+
+The boys also got their caps, and then they stood in line while George
+drilled them.
+
+"This room is too small for any fun," said Jack.
+
+"Can't we parade down the hallway? If we hear any one coming we can
+hide," suggested Martha.
+
+The others exchanged looks. That was a tempting idea.
+
+"Might as well. No one is about as early as this," said Jack.
+
+"Come on, then! George, you're general, you know, so you must go first,"
+advised Anne.
+
+Nothing loath, George opened the door softly and peeped out. "All's
+quiet on the Brandywine!" reported George, going out on tiptoes.
+
+Once out in the hall, however, the five Yanks seemed to lose their
+nerve. First Anne rushed back to the parlor, then Martha followed.
+Finally, the three boys came tumbling in, for no other cause than that
+they thought they heard footsteps somewhere.
+
+"You're a lot of cowards! If Washington ever had to fight with runaways
+like you two, I pity him!" sneered George.
+
+"Well, didn't you run back, too?" exclaimed Martha.
+
+"Only to see what you girls were after! We're going out now and march
+properly!" declared Jack.
+
+"So'll we--this time!" promised Anne.
+
+Again the army sallied forth, George telling them that they had to storm
+the heights of Brooklyn and Harlem to hold the forts in New York.
+
+The general marched his army down the whole length of the corridor
+without meeting any one, and then they stormed the stairs at the end of
+the hallway. Up on the next floor they marched again, and not a soul was
+there to watch or applaud, although the uniformed army marched as well
+as a squad of bellboys--in fact, they resembled them closely.
+
+"Now, men! Howe and his men are climbing up the ridge and we must fight
+on the Heights or be captured!" warned the general, waving his cane at
+the next flight of stairs.
+
+Up this flight swarmed the five Continentals, and at the top they
+turned to shoot down any English that dared to follow; but no one was to
+be seen.
+
+The general held a council of war with his army. What was there to do in
+this terrible extremity--the East River on one hand, the different
+regiments of the British on two sides, and Howe, with his main army,
+back of them?
+
+"There's only one thing left for us--to cross the river in the fog and
+gain New York again," declared George.
+
+"How can we cross, when there is nothing to cross?" asked Anne, with
+great lack of imagination.
+
+"Oh, if our creek were only here, wouldn't it be a lark!" sighed Martha.
+
+"Why, this hallway is our river, can't you see? The fog is so thick one
+can hardly tell which is land and which is water, but we can cross it
+all right, if you only follow me!" cried Washington courageously.
+
+Down the whole length of the corridor he tore, eagerly followed by his
+four men, and reaching the stairway at the end he rushed up to the next
+floor.
+
+This happened to be the top floor, and the roof, which was used in
+summer as a garden dining-room, and was now deserted, except for a few
+tubs of greens and some odd chairs standing about, was at the top of the
+next flight.
+
+In marching the army from the East River to camp in New York, George
+found the roof and exulted in the spot.
+
+"Just the place for an engagement! We can hide behind the palm trees and
+shoot at each other when one of us tries to cross the city. Two of us
+have to be British, though."
+
+"John and I will be English, and the girls and you will be Yanks," said
+Jack, looking around to make sure no one was about.
+
+"If we only had some of those apples for ammunition! Do you remember how
+soft and squashy they were when they hit you in the head?" laughed John,
+at the memory of that conflict on the creek.
+
+"Well, this must be a bayonet fight. No guns or cannon on hand, you
+see, and the men at close quarters," said George.
+
+So, making their fortifications of the tables and chairs waiting to be
+removed to the storehouse of the hotel, and then taking their places as
+American and British armies, the two sides opened warfare over the
+possession of New York City.
+
+The battle waged furiously in the semi-light of the electric brilliancy
+which reflected from the dazzling advertising signs of the city. Both
+sides tried to capture each other and make them prisoners, which would
+end the war, but all five were agile and experienced warriors.
+
+While Howe and Washington were engaged on the roof, Maggie had finished
+her extra tasks, and suddenly remembered the children. She hastily
+ordered the ice cream and cake to be sent up, and hurried to the suite
+to humbly apologize for her tardiness.
+
+She knocked softly at the door, while framing excuses.
+
+No one answered.
+
+She knocked again--this time much louder, but still no one answered.
+Quickly then, she opened the door and found all quiet and no one in the
+parlor. Some odds and ends of clothing--such as George's shoes, and
+Jack's coat, lay on the floor.
+
+"Poor little dears! They waited jest as long as they could an' then they
+got tired and went to bed widout that cream!" said Maggie, opening a
+bedroom door softly to bless the little sleeping darlings. But not a bed
+was disturbed.
+
+Maggie hurried from one room to the other, to find clothes scattered
+about in each room, but not a sign of the children.
+
+"Oh, oh, oh! What has happened to thim children? Here I was told to
+watch thim, and now there ain't nothing but clothes to watch!" cried the
+distressed Maggie, as she hurried for the door leading to the main
+corridor.
+
+Half beside herself with fear of the unknown, Maggie flung the door
+open, and was about to rush out, when she collided with the waiter, who
+carried the tray of ice cream and cake. As can be expected from such an
+impact, the tray crashed to the floor, mixing cake, cream and broken
+dishes well together.
+
+The waiter shouted and berated Maggie, and she pulled at her hair and
+rolled her eyes upward, crying: "What shall I do? What shall I do? Thim
+children is kidnapped er else they've run away!"
+
+The waiter quickly ran in to inspect the premises, and came back with a
+fearful idea: "Black Hand again! The city's full ov thim, and these
+folks are rich, yo' know, an' kin pay the reward!"
+
+Maggie and the waiter rushed down, down and down, the many flights of
+stairs, never stopping to take an elevator, and then ran breathlessly up
+to the desk to stammer hoarsely:
+
+"Children gone! Clothes laying everywhere, and kidnappers carried them
+off!"
+
+It caused a tremendous commotion. Every one within hearing crowded up
+to the clerk and wanted to know who was gone, where the thieves went,
+what floor the burglary took place on, and many other exciting
+questions.
+
+The proprietor was called out to quell the disturbance, but long before
+he reached the lobby, dozens of guests and callers streamed up the
+endless flights of steps to examine the vacant suite of rooms.
+
+Some of the guests, who had not heard distinctly on which floor the
+kidnappers had found the children, climbed to the top flight. Suddenly a
+nervous woman clutched her husband's arm.
+
+"Oh, oh! Those wicked men are on the roof with the dears! Hear them
+shouting and things bumping about up there?" cried she.
+
+Instantly the man, who had powerful lungs, leaned over the stair-rail
+and bawled down:
+
+"Come up! Come up! The thieves are on the roof ready to throw the
+children down to the street if they don't stop crying!"
+
+That brought the endless line of excited folks up and up the remaining
+flights of stairs, until all could quite plainly hear the noise on the
+roof overhead.
+
+Suddenly a voice yelled: "Surrender! I got you cornered."
+
+The words were ominous, but the voice was boyish. Maggie recognized it
+as the leader of the party of children, and she ran recklessly up to
+grapple with the fierce kidnappers, should it be necessary to help
+Mister George capture the rascals.
+
+The guests followed closely after the brave maid, and as the crowd
+pushed out upon the roof, they beheld a stacked-up rampart of tables and
+chairs and five bellboys in a close struggle with each other.
+
+"Where are the stolen children?" cried Maggie, rushing over to the boys,
+with whom she was quite at home, and, in fact, felt she was their
+superior.
+
+At the unexpected interruption, the contending forces separated and
+looked about. To their consternation, scores of wondering people stood
+near the door of the roof, staring at the five boys. The cap and
+hairpins of one had slipped from his (or her) head, and yellow curls
+blew about her head in the breeze.
+
+George never lost his presence of mind for an instant, although he
+feared this surprise meant the total collapse of both armies. He called
+to the four children:
+
+"Attention!"
+
+Instantly the four stood erect and took up their arms.
+
+"Shoulder arms!"
+
+The four obeyed.
+
+"Form line!"
+
+This was also done, to the unbelief of the audience.
+
+"Forward--March!" cried George, taking his place at the head of the
+line.
+
+They started and marched directly for the door leading to the roof,
+where crowds of curious guests stood gaping. As the army reached the
+doorway, the people fell back on both sides and the victorious general
+led his men down the stairs, down, down, down, followed by the throng,
+now laughing and gesticulating as wildly as any New Yorker can when he
+has been well fooled!
+
+Along the corridor of the floor where their own suite was located,
+George led his army, and once safely inside that friendly door, he
+quickly slammed and locked it.
+
+The five sank down on the floor, and rocked back and forth in hysterics
+of fun.
+
+"Oh! That was the best fight we've ever had!" finally cried Martha.
+
+An imperative knock at the door made them all jump, however.
+
+"Run to your rooms and tear off these uniforms! Fire them in the closets
+or anywhere and jump in bed. Cover yourselves with the bedclothes before
+Maggie comes in with a pass-key!" ordered George quickly.
+
+A second rap on the door found them all quickly removing the uniforms,
+and before Maggie could get her pass-key, the five quiet, dear little
+darlings were snugly tucked in five beds snoring soundly.
+
+The proprietor stood in the parlor wonderingly, but Maggie crept to the
+doors and held up a warning hand for quiet.
+
+"They is all fast asleep, sir!" whispered she.
+
+The dazed man shook his head, and went out thinking deeply over the
+queer occurrence. Could five bellboys have played that joke? But no,
+there was one with curls, and the maid had said the five children were
+not in the rooms when she sought for them!
+
+As soon as the crowd had dispersed, Maggie went to the room where the
+two little girls slept in twin beds.
+
+"That ice cream will all be melted to nuthing," said wily Maggie.
+
+Instantly the girls were out of bed. "Where is it?"
+
+"Ha! Tell me the truth and I'll give you the cream!" said Maggie
+coaxingly.
+
+The boys heard the word "cream" and they fell into their clothes and
+appeared at the parlor door about the same time the two girls and
+Maggie came from the room.
+
+The story was told, and Maggie, finding herself as much at fault as the
+soldiers, promised to put the uniforms back in the closet, while the
+children sat down and enjoyed a double portion of ice cream.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+SOME OF WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS
+
+
+An automobile was hired for the day, and as early as was practical, the
+party started for Bronx Park. Here they took a quick survey of the
+horticultural gardens and stopped a short time at the zoo, then on to
+the historic points of Fordham and the Bronx. Then they visited the
+stately mansion of the old Morris family on the Harlem River, where
+Washington had made his headquarters during the time he was in New York
+with his army.
+
+From this place, the party went to White Plains, and saw the places
+still remaining to mark the points of historic interest. Thence to
+Dobb's Ferry, where the fine old house used by Washington for his
+headquarters had been purchased by a rich American, and restored to its
+original state.
+
+The visitors crossed the river at this place and went to Fort Lee, but
+nothing of interest could be found here.
+
+"It is much like the man himself! General Lee ruined his character and
+honor when he permitted the British to capture him in dressing gown and
+slippers!" scorned Mrs. Parke, who had always felt the utmost contempt
+for this disobedient American.
+
+"I wish we had time to cross from here and visit Morristown--it is not
+so far in distance, but have we time to-day?" ventured Mrs. Davis.
+
+"I have an idea!" exclaimed Mr. Parke. "What do you say if we wire the
+garage in New York that we will not return till to-morrow? We can then
+go to Newburgh and West Point, and later on to Morristown, and remain
+there for the night at some first-class hotel. It will be a relief to
+get away from the din of the New York streets, and rest in the quiet
+peace of a suburban town."
+
+"We would not reach Morristown till long after dinner," said Mrs.
+Parke, thinking of the tiresome ride for the children.
+
+"Well, ask the chauffeurs about it--they ought to know the distance and
+time it would take to go from Newburgh to Morristown," said Mrs. Davis.
+
+Both chauffeurs declared that it was too late to think of visiting West
+Point and Newburgh that day, and to cross-country to Morristown was a
+very poor road to travel. So it was decided to return to the city and
+start the next morning for West Point on the small steamer running
+between that point and New York. In this way, the children could see the
+grand old Hudson and its sights. If it were possible, and the day fair,
+they would drive to Morristown and the places in its vicinity made
+famous by Revolutionary tactics.
+
+Mrs. Graham had arranged with her aunt that John and she would remain at
+home all of the following day to meet friends and distant relatives of
+the family. Thus John was disappointed in this trip up the Hudson, for
+he would have much preferred to be with his friends, than sit in a
+darkened old city mansion, listening to folks talk about their family.
+
+Early on the following day, therefore, the Parkes and Davises sailed up
+the Hudson, passing the Sailors' Monument and Grant's Tomb on the way.
+The Palisades attracted admiration, for the foliage of late fall
+glorified the steep cliffs of the river.
+
+Past Yonkers, called "Younkers" in the old Dutch days, they sailed
+again, passing Dobb's Ferry, where they had visited the day before, and
+so on to Stony Point.
+
+"Who can tell the story of Stony Point?" asked Mr. Parke.
+
+The children looked at each other, but they seemed anxious not to
+venture information which might be incorrect, so Mrs. Parke decided to
+help them over the difficulty.
+
+"Fortifications had been started at West Point, as it looked more
+defensible than positions lately occupied by Fort Clinton and Fort
+Montgomery. But the works at West Point were far from completion, and
+Washington knew that communication must be kept open between the middle
+and eastern states. Detachments of his army occupied positions on both
+sides the river, commanding the ferry and protecting the incomplete
+works above. On the west bank, stationed on an elevated section of
+ground called Stony Point, defences had been started but were far from
+being completed. On the east bank, a small fort called Lafayette's on
+Verplanck's Point, projecting out into the river, was nearer completion
+than the works on the other side.
+
+"Now, the intention of the British was to reduce both these works and
+capture West Point, along with Washington's division, and perhaps, that
+of the State of the Confederacy.
+
+"The unfinished works at Stony Point, garrisoned by but forty men, was
+too weak to defend itself against Clinton's large division of the
+British army, landing on the eastern bank of the river, placed under
+command of Vaughan, so it was abandoned after setting fire to the
+block-house. The garrison took stores and ammunition with them, and
+Clinton took possession of it without opposition. During the night he
+had cannon and mortars brought up and planted on the brow of the hill,
+opposite the fort on the other side of the river.
+
+"At five o'clock in the morning, a heavy fire was opened upon Fort
+Lafayette by the command at Stony Point, and two vessels in the river
+managed to pass the fort, thus cutting off all chance of escape by
+water. General Vaughan made a circuit by land, thus completely
+surrounding the little garrison of seventy men. Captain Armstrong, the
+commander of the fort, and his men, held out all day and then
+capitulated.
+
+"Clinton ordered both forts completed at once, but Washington, having
+heard of the British general's advance up the river, had strengthened
+West Point and taken up a strong position at Smith's Cove, so that the
+English found it unwise to attack the American forces at that time.
+Besides Staten Island was threatened in his absence, so he left
+garrisons at the two posts captured, and retired to Phillipsburg, to be
+ready to assist in New York and its dependencies, or at either of the
+other captured forts if necessary.
+
+"A garrison of 1000 men was left at Stony Point, and one of 5000 men at
+Fort Lafayette, but Clinton determined to draw the American army, so he
+sent Tryon with 2600 men into Connecticut. After pillaging New Haven and
+destroying property at Fairfield, Norwalk and Greenfield, laying the
+towns in ashes, and treating the people with the greatest brutality, he
+essayed to treat New London in the same manner, but the people were
+roused to such a degree, by the reports from their neighboring towns,
+that they opposed Tryon successfully. Hence he returned to New York to
+boast of his exploits.
+
+"News of the invasion of Connecticut was late in reaching Washington, as
+he was visiting outposts in the vicinity of Stony Point. He understood
+the design of Clinton, however, so did not weaken his forces in the
+Highlands to assist the troops in Connecticut; on the contrary, he
+planned a counter-attack on Stony Point, which, if successful, would
+alarm Clinton and induce him to recall the detachment from Connecticut,
+to defend the outpost on the river.
+
+"Secrecy was one of the essential things to the success of this plan.
+One brigade was ordered to march so as to reach the scene of the action
+about the time the troops engaged in the attack, and so render
+assistance should disaster befall them.
+
+"As you can see from the boat here, Stony Point is a hill projecting far
+out into the river, with three sides washed by the Hudson, and the other
+side attached to the mainland by a deep marsh.
+
+"Over this marsh there was but one crossing-place, but where it joins
+with the river there is a sandy beach. On the summit of the hill stood
+the fort. Besides the garrison there were some vessels stationed in the
+river to command the foot of the fort.
+
+"At half-past eleven at night, two columns of Continentals marched with
+unloaded muskets, and bayonets fixed, preceded by a forlorn hope of
+twenty men. They crossed the marsh undiscovered, and at twenty minutes
+to twelve, commenced the assault.
+
+"Surmounting every obstacle, they mounted and entered the works without
+discharging a single musket. They obtained possession of the fort,
+without the display of cruelty so prevalent in the British ranks,
+although sixty-three of the garrison were killed. The prisoners amounted
+to upward of five hundred, and the value of the military stores taken
+was considerable.
+
+"An attempt was made on the opposite fort but failed. This failure, with
+the fifteen hundred men it would take to garrison Stony Point against
+the enemy's shipping, caused Washington to demolish and abandon the
+fort. But Clinton re-occupied and repaired it again immediately.
+
+"Then Washington established his headquarters at West Point in July, and
+from that time to December, he gave his attention to the completion of
+the works at that post."
+
+"Look on the right, children! There you will see the Verplanck's Point
+your aunt has just been describing to you as holding Fort Lafayette,"
+called Mr. Davis, pointing out the spot to the eager children.
+
+From that point on till the boat reached Newburgh, the elders
+entertained the children with various descriptions of places passed.
+
+After visiting the headquarters at Newburgh, and going on to visit West
+Point, where the children were deeply interested in watching the cadets
+practice, they returned to the landing where they intended taking the
+boat back to New York. But they were too late. It had gone half an hour
+before they reached the dock.
+
+"That means we must go back by train," said Mr. Parke.
+
+"We'll get to New York much earlier than expected. We might accomplish
+some other visit," suggested Mrs. Davis.
+
+"Oh, no. The return will mean that we will have time for rest before
+starting the trip to Morristown to-morrow," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+So that evening was really the first quiet or restful one enjoyed since
+the travellers reached New York. And in the morning, all were eager to
+continue their historical visits.
+
+Through the flats of Hackensack and across the Passaic, the party rode,
+the elders pointing out various places that might interest the children.
+At Newark nothing of moment was found to convey any picture of
+Washington's campaign to the youthful admirers, so they continued on to
+Morristown.
+
+Here they visited the old Fort Nonsense on the ridge, back of the town,
+and then inspected the headquarters, where a fine collection of
+furniture and other relics was kept on exhibition by the Washington
+Association of New Jersey.
+
+Later they drove through Baskingridge and cross-country to Pluckimin and
+thus on to Brunswick. Trenton was passed through on the homeward route,
+and then on to Jersey City, and across the ferry to New York. In going
+through Trenton the old hall and other historic buildings were pointed
+out to the children.
+
+That night George had a suggestion to offer.
+
+"We've done nothing but see, and _see_, and _see_ places since we've
+landed here from home, and I say that we now do something different."
+
+"But this trip was planned to show you children all we could to
+enlighten you on history," replied Mrs. Parke.
+
+"I feel so light that it would take little to waft me up to the sky,"
+said Martha, hoping so to create sympathy.
+
+"Now that we have completed the round of places to be visited in the
+interests of Revolutionary history, suppose we continue on our way to
+Philadelphia. There is a mine of historical places to be visited in and
+about that city; besides we will be home and we won't have to bother
+like we do in a hotel," said Mrs. Davis.
+
+"I second that motion!" cried Jack.
+
+"But our week of vacation is not yet over in New York," argued Mr.
+Parke.
+
+"Well, why not leave you two men behind to finish up your week, while we
+go on with the children to prepare the people of the Quaker City for the
+unexpected coming of the Little Washingtons?" laughed Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Do say yes, father!" begged Martha.
+
+"I see! My own daughter wants to get away from my company!" exclaimed
+Mr. Parke tragically.
+
+"We wouldn't if you were finished with your business affairs, but we
+know right well what will happen if we tear you away now! It will mean a
+delay all 'round," said Mrs. Parke, from former experiences.
+
+"Well, then Sam and I will say 'good riddance' and send you off on the
+morrow's train from the Pennsylvania Station," agreed Mr. Parke.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+GEORGE'S STRANGE BATTLE
+
+
+That evening some city friends called at the hotel to see the Parkes and
+Davises, and wishing the children to get a good night's sleep, the
+parents decided to receive the callers in a parlor downstairs, and turn
+down the lights in their own parlor.
+
+After they had gone down, George felt so restless he could not keep
+quiet, so he slipped out of bed and went out to the parlor to amuse
+himself. The lights were turned up again, and a souvenir book of the
+Woolworth building was found on the table. This book had been purchased
+when they were up in the tower, but so much had been crowded in the few
+days in the city, that no one had taken time to look at the pictures.
+
+Now, however, George found the pictures and text very entertaining for
+want of company or something better to do. He pored over the
+illustration of the tower, wondering at the great height of the
+structure, and the manner in which it was built.
+
+He sat in a corner of the comfortable couch, his bare feet sticking out
+from his new pajamas purchased that very day. As he read the book, his
+eyelids drooped several times, but George always fought off sleep to the
+very last moment, so he bravely refused to give in to it now.
+
+Suddenly, as he turned a page of the book, he heard a stealthy step
+behind him, coming from the open window. He turned just in time to see a
+masked face lean over the couch, and then a great bony hand reached out
+and grabbed him under the arms and lifted him up.
+
+George immediately essayed to scream for help, but a hand was placed
+over his mouth, while the man growled: "You help me gag him, then we'll
+tie this towel tight about his wrists and ankles."
+
+This was done, while poor George was helpless to defend himself. He
+wondered if George Washington ever had such a cowardly game played on
+him.
+
+"Now we'll sneak downstairs with him and watch our chance to get away,"
+whispered the man to his accomplice.
+
+George felt himself carried to the door, but in a sudden twist of his
+body he managed to slip out of the villain's grasp, and in rolling upon
+the floor, he upset a stand with a jardinière of flowers on it. This
+crashed down and woke up the other children, which was just what George
+wanted.
+
+The two rascals quickly caught up their victim again, and rushed out,
+leaving the door wide open. The three other children were heard running
+out and calling "George! George!" but he could not reply.
+
+Just as the two men reached the head of the stairs, the three pajamaed
+children ran out in the hall and saw them carrying George away. He saw
+them follow and heard them scream for help, but he himself was helpless
+to move or utter a sound.
+
+Down the many flights of stairs the two men now rushed with their
+burden, the three night-dressed children running after. On the main
+floor, they fled down the wide marble ornamental stairs and through the
+lobby, throwing people right and left as they rushed madly for the door.
+The three white-robed friends of George followed close at the heels of
+the villains.
+
+A hue and cry then started, and as the men reached the curb to jump into
+a waiting taxicab, the people of the hotel and the crowds on the street
+joined in the chase. The Parkes and Davises, and the children as well,
+all ran screaming to the sidewalk, yelling to every one to stop the
+runaways. George could hear this until the cab turned the corner and
+tore down Broadway.
+
+As the reckless driver flew downtown, George held his breath in
+constant fear of being smashed to atoms by colliding with a trolley or
+automobile crossing one of the many streets.
+
+Down the densely-thronged thoroughfare flew the cab, the police
+whistling signals for it to stop, and shooting revolvers at the tires to
+cause a puncture, but, strange to say, the cab escaped without a single
+damage to windows or tires.
+
+By the time the runaways reached Union Square, a long mob of people were
+tearing after them, all in hot pursuit of the villains. In the foremost
+ranks ran the parents and the bare-footed, night-robed children. George
+heard the men say so, as they watched from the window in the back.
+
+Down Fifth Avenue went the cab until it reached Washington Square. Under
+the famous Washington Arch it flew, one wheel striking the base and
+causing the cab to swerve. As it righted itself again, one of the wheels
+came loose, and so on down, down they tore in constant danger of
+throwing the wheel and being flung into a stone building or a passing
+trolley.
+
+That fearful shaking and fear almost made George sick, but he remembered
+how Washington must have felt when everything seemed against him and his
+country. "Did he give up and let Howe get away with him and his army?
+No, siree! He did not. Neither will I!" thought George.
+
+Finally the cab reached City Hall Park, and around the park it flew,
+while the two men wondered where they could go with their captive.
+
+"Can't cross the bridge without being arrested, you know. They have
+guards there," said one.
+
+"Can't go across to Liberty Island at this time of night. Can't go
+anywhere except to the Woolworth Tower!" said the other.
+
+"Just the place! If any one follows we will drop him off!" threatened
+the first man.
+
+So the cab pulled up by the side entrance to the Woolworth building, and
+the two men hustled George on an elevator inside, and made the man send
+the elevator to the top where the room was that visitors had to pass
+through to reach the tower. Here they found the man asleep, as no
+visitors were expected that night.
+
+They bundled George on the tiny elevator that ran to the very tip-top of
+the tower, and one of the rascals ran it up. Then they went out on the
+narrow balcony that circled the tower. As they walked around here,
+dragging George by the belt of his pajamas, they watched the mob tearing
+across City Hall Park in pursuit.
+
+George could look over the parapet, and he was sure he saw his mother in
+front, calling to him, 'way up in that tower. He wanted to assure her
+that he was brave and would be all right, but one of the men thought he
+was signalling to his friends.
+
+"What shall we do if some of them follow us up here and try to catch
+us?" wondered one of the men.
+
+"We'll warn them--we'll throw him over if they try to come up!" said
+the other, shaking a fist at the crowds in the park.
+
+Meantime, as many as could get on the elevators, did come up to the
+room, but the small elevator that ran to the tower would only hold five
+or six at a time, and there was no one to run it. The man who slept in
+the chair could not be roused, so Mr. Parke said he would run the lift
+to the top.
+
+The two villains threatened in vain--George's father started for the
+balcony to save his son. Then the men lifted George upon the stone
+guard, and he could look down into the dizzy depths, where the people
+ran about like ants on the earth.
+
+"If you step another inch, down he goes!" roared one of the men.
+
+"What shall we do?" wailed Mrs. Parke, wringing her hands.
+
+While one of the men stood guard at the door that opened on the balcony,
+the other carried George around to the other side of the balcony. The
+moment George found but one man to hold him, he squirmed and wriggled so
+that he soon got out of the fellow's hold, and then he managed in some
+way to free his two hands.
+
+The man tried to hold him again, but with his hands free George also
+managed to free his feet. Then he jumped up and defied the rascal. As
+the man turned to call his partner, George saw that the mayor had
+ordered an aeroplane from Governor's Island to rise and save him.
+Determined to hold off the two villains long enough to give the aviators
+time to reach the tower, George ran around and around the tower--the
+door leading to the balcony having been bolted on the outside by the
+villain on guard to keep help and friends from reaching George. Then, as
+the aeroplane almost flew over George's head, the men saw it and
+realized that they would soon lose their prize unless they could catch
+him again. So one of them planned to go one way, and the other the other
+way, and so catch George before he could be carried off.
+
+Fortunately for George, an experienced aviator flew the machine, and as
+he swooped down in a graceful loop, he dropped a tackle out and caught
+George in the back of his pajamas. Just as the two men met in a swift
+run around the balcony and bumped together, they saw their victim lifted
+out of their grasp, and they jumped to catch hold of him.
+
+But the plane was swiftly skimming over the city on its way to the
+hangars on Governor's Island. George never dared to move or even breathe
+for fear that the great hook would rip the madras of his pajama coat and
+so let him drop.
+
+The aeroplane reached the water, however, and was speeding over the bay
+to the island, when George heard an ominous r-r-rip at his back. He
+tried to call to his friend, the aviator, to haul him up, but the madras
+kept right on tearing once it started, and just as George could see the
+aviation field on the island, and could feel the aeroplane rapidly
+descending, the material in the coat gave way entirely and down plunged
+the luckless George into the deep water.
+
+The mayor had very thoughtfully ordered the whistles on the bay to blow,
+and many scows and other craft tied up for the night, showed lights or
+blew whistles. Just as the coat began tearing, a powerful searchlight,
+called the Sperry light, shot across the bay, and when George fell, a
+great chorus of steam-whistles started their warning signals to
+ferryboats and other ships that were still passing back and forth.
+
+George felt himself going down, down into the water, but it was not as
+cold as he feared it might be. He soon bobbed up on the surface, and no
+sooner had his head appeared in the great flashing pathway of light shed
+on the bay, than a submarine shot past and a long arm lifted him out of
+the water and dragged him into the hold.
+
+Down went the submarine, and George rubbed the salt water from his eyes
+to find himself a prisoner of some fierce-looking German pirates.
+
+They taunted him at first, but when the captain came in from his
+private den, they were silenced.
+
+"Who are you?" demanded the captain.
+
+"I am George Washington, commander-in-chief of the American forces!"
+proudly replied George.
+
+"Yah! Such a fine prize ve never hoped to get in New York vaters.
+Frents, ve sail home mit him to once, and present him to our Kaiser!"
+gloated the captain, rubbing his hands together.
+
+Immediately the men in the submarine went to work, and George felt the
+undersea craft fairly flying through the water. But they left him alone,
+never dreaming that he was a brave and determined fighter. When no one
+was looking, George crept over to the opening where the torpedoes were
+shoved in and launched. He had a desperate idea.
+
+He managed to swing a torpedo about and slide it in the tube. Then he
+managed in some marvelous manner, to close the door of the tube, first
+seating himself astride the torpedo. He pulled with all his might on a
+cord that hung inside the tube, and simultaneously with the opening of
+the steel plate in front of the torpedo, the swift missile shot forth
+from the submarine.
+
+George had no idea where it might strike, but he clung like a leech to
+the slippery sides, as it flew through the green waters. So swiftly did
+it fly that George never had a good look at the shark that swam up eager
+to eat him.
+
+Suddenly something deflected the torpedo, and it rose up on the surface
+and skimmed over the top of the waves. Straight on for Brooklyn Heights
+the awful explosive went, and all George could see was General Howe
+giving the sign to hang Nathan Hale to a telegraph pole, when the
+torpedo struck and blew all of Long Island into the air. George rose
+with it, and while he tried to catch his breath, the great American
+eagle flew over his head and stretched out a claw. He was firmly held in
+this clutch, and carried dangling over the East River and right up to
+the cupola of City Hall, where the eagle had built a nest, all unknown
+to the citizens.
+
+George was just about to pat the eagle on the head, when the patriotic
+mayor climbed to the cupola and thanked the eagle for his services. Then
+he turned to George:
+
+"I knew such a great general as Washington could not be carried a
+prisoner to the Kaiser. I have kept our great American eagle roosting in
+this cupola for just such emergencies. I knew there were Black Hands and
+dangerous spies in the city, but I never dreamed they would dare to make
+off with our Washington! All of the loyal and patriotic American
+citizens of this city agreed with me, that New York needed the eagle
+here to keep trouble away, but who could tell to what lengths these bad
+men would go?--even so far as to kidnap our great and true Washington.
+Now that we have saved the city from the grasp of the enemy, who would
+have destroyed it utterly, I wish you would make a speech to the crowds
+waiting below in the park."
+
+George consented, and as he stood on the edge of the cupola, holding the
+mayor's hand on one side, and leaning gracefully on the American eagle
+as it stood beside him on the other side, the throngs of people cheered
+and cheered for the great general who blew up the British army on Long
+Island.
+
+Just as George cleared his throat to address his countrymen something
+terrible happened, and George found himself rolling on the floor of the
+hotel parlor, where he had fallen from the couch.
+
+He sat up and rubbed his eyes and stared around to see if the patriotic
+mayor was safe and sound, and what had become of the American eagle,
+when the elders came into the room, laughing and talking.
+
+"Why, George! You out of bed?" cried Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Bed! Why, I haven't had a second's time to think of bed! Ever since
+those two masked rascals, who were enemies of the mayor, grabbed me,
+I've been in so much trouble that the American eagle had to save me!"
+exclaimed George, getting up from the floor and limping over to replace
+the Woolworth souvenir on the table.
+
+"What _are_ you all laughing at, anyway?" cried George testily, as he
+limped into his room, wishing he had had time to speak that fine speech
+he had ready.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+BATTLE-GROUNDS AROUND PHILADELPHIA
+
+
+The next morning the ladies and children left New York for Philadelphia,
+the home of the Davises. On the journey there Mrs. Parke was begged for
+a story of the time when Washington fought so hard to protect the city
+they were bound for.
+
+"After leaving Brunswick, New Jersey, when Cornwallis appeared there,
+Washington retreated, leaving twelve hundred men to protect Princeton,
+and, with the rest of the army, proceeded to Trenton, on the Delaware.
+He collected and guarded all the boats on the river for seventy miles
+either side of Philadelphia, then sending the sick over to the latter
+city, he followed with baggage and equipment. Leaving the thousand men
+at Princeton to keep up the appearance of resistance to the English
+army, he was about to move his main army, when he heard that Cornwallis
+was planning to cut off his retreat across the Delaware. Hastily calling
+the men from Princeton, he began a quick retreat, and managed to get all
+his men across the river and hold the boats on the Philadelphia side,
+about the time the British army reached the river on the Jersey side.
+
+"As no boats were to be had, the enemy could not cross, so the American
+army had a rest on the Pennsylvania side. It was during this retreat
+from New Jersey that Washington heard of the capture of Lee, at a tavern
+near Baskingridge, where he had been sleeping some distance from his
+men.
+
+"When the British found they were cut off from pursuit of the American
+army, they fell to enjoying themselves in New Jersey, while waiting for
+the ice to freeze solid on the river to enable them to cross to
+Philadelphia.
+
+"But the Hessians indulged in such open cruelty that many of the
+inhabitants changed from the proffered friendship to bitter enmity.
+
+"On receiving news of the different cantonments and numbers of the
+British troops, Washington decided to make a bold effort to check their
+progress.
+
+"He formed his men into three divisions, purposing to attack the
+Hessians, 1,500 strong, where they were posted at Trenton; but in trying
+to cross the Delaware, one division, under Cadwallader, failed because
+of the tides and the piled-up ice on the Jersey bank.
+
+"The second division was to cross at Trenton Ferry, but this also failed
+on account of the ice. The third, under command of Washington himself,
+consisting of about 2,400 men, accomplished the passage with great
+difficulty.
+
+"Had not the obstacles and weather prevented the other two divisions
+from joining Washington in this fight, the result of this masterly
+stroke would have been to sweep the British from their holds on the
+Delaware, and thus establish a firm foothold in New Jersey. As it was,
+Washington had to forbear a final battle, and remain satisfied with
+having won a partial victory. He re-crossed the river with his
+prisoners, six pieces of artillery, 1,000 stand of arms, and valuable
+military stores.
+
+"This victory revived the spirits of the army, and every spark of
+patriotism in the land was burning brightly, when Washington again
+crossed the Delaware with 5,000 men to recover as much as possible of
+the territory overrun by the British.
+
+"Cornwallis was on the point of sailing for England, thinking the
+campaign ended for the winter season, when he was compelled to resume
+command of his forces.
+
+"Battle between the two armies raged all day, and at dark the British,
+confident of victory the following morning, desisted.
+
+"During the night Washington silently decamped, leaving fire burning and
+sentinels advanced, while small parties guarded the forts. By circuitous
+route, the Americans approached Princeton, where an engagement with the
+British took place at daybreak.
+
+"When the Americans drove headlong on, the British took refuge in the
+college, but later surrendered to the Americans.
+
+"On the coming of daylight, Cornwallis discovered the flight of the
+American army, and soon afterward heard firing from the direction of
+Princeton. He immediately understood the wise tactics of the American
+commander, and fearing for the safety of Brunswick, where valuable
+magazines were collected, he advanced toward that place, and was close
+upon the rear of the American army before they could leave Princeton.
+
+"Now Washington found himself in a perilous position. His men were
+exhausted from lack of food and rest for two days and nights; he was
+pursued by the enemy, very superior in forces, well clothed, fed and
+rested, who would overtake him before he could fulfil his plan to take
+Brunswick. Under these circumstances he abandoned the project, and took
+the road leading up the country to Pluckimin, breaking down the bridges
+over Millstone Creek and other streams, and otherwise creating obstacles
+to the pursuit of the enemy; but Cornwallis hastened to Brunswick, where
+he found all plans had been perfected for the removal of the stores and
+defence of the place.
+
+"But now came the retribution for the British, who had afflicted the
+Jerseymen on previous trips and stays. The people hung upon the steps of
+the retiring army and wreaked vengeance on the men whenever opportunity
+offered itself.
+
+"Washington fell back on Morristown, in the hills of New Jersey,
+difficult of access, and from this point, where his winter quarters were
+made, he overran different sections of Jersey, and by judicious
+movements, wrested from the British most of their conquests in the
+state. Thus terminated the eventful campaign of 1776.
+
+"The success of Washington in the Jerseys permitted Congress to meet
+again in Philadelphia in February, where they determined to interest
+foreign countries in their fight for Liberty.
+
+"Franklin and Lee were sent to Paris to enlist the help and sympathies
+of France, and thus it was that the valiant Marquis de Lafayette was
+destined to shed glory over the Land of Liberty. In the spring, he
+reached America and joined Washington's army, with the rank of
+major-general.
+
+"Another illustrious name that braced the muster-roll of the American
+warriors that year, was that of the gallant Count Pulaski, the
+courageous Pole.
+
+"In August, after many encounters with the British at other places,
+Washington moved his army. They marched through Philadelphia down Front
+Street, and up Chestnut Street, proceeding by way of Chester to
+Wilmington. From that time on, for two weeks, Washington thoroughly
+reconnoitered the country round about between Philadelphia and the
+Chesapeake.
+
+"General Howe landed his British forces a few days' march from
+Philadelphia, where he expected to gain the right of the American army.
+
+"After many engagements, the British army being very superior in numbers
+and equipment, Washington was gradually forced to retreat, and Howe took
+possession of Philadelphia."
+
+Mrs. Parke suddenly concluded the story to the surprise of the audience,
+and George instantly said: "That isn't half of the story. You skipped a
+lot about the British before they could get in Philadelphia, and you
+never said a word about the headquarters at Brandywine, or the Battle of
+Brandywine!"
+
+"Well, as you know it so well, why don't you tell it to us?" suggested
+Mrs. Parke.
+
+"I don't want to. We'd rather hear you tell it," replied George
+anxiously.
+
+"But I'm tired of telling it. Let Martha tell it."
+
+"Oh, I only know about Chew's House and Red Bank and some other places
+in New Jersey that year," protested Martha.
+
+"I know all about Valley Forge, and the dreadful time our army had that
+winter," remarked Jack.
+
+"Well, I thought it was time to ring for some light refreshments, as we
+will be in Philadelphia in less than half an hour, and it will be past
+luncheon time when we arrive," hinted Mrs. Parke, who had other motives
+for not continuing the story of Philadelphia.
+
+To this new arrangement the children immediately agreed, and the wars
+were forgotten in the far more interesting present campaign on luncheon.
+
+The small tables were brought in and opened before the travellers, to
+the great delight of George and Martha, who had never lunched this way
+before, although Jack and Anne had spoken of it, when they travelled
+from Philadelphia to Washington.
+
+"I think we will each have a cup of consommé," said Mrs. Parke, reading
+from the small menu card.
+
+"That's plain soup!" scorned George.
+
+"I don't want it--do you?" asked Martha, appealing to Anne and Jack.
+
+"We'd rather have something nicer," replied they.
+
+Mrs. Parke ignored these side murmurs and continued ordering.
+
+"Then you can bring us some cold beef, bread and butter, cheese and
+crackers, and milk for the children. We ladies will have a cup of tea."
+
+"Yas'sam!" replied the polite waiter, leaving the car.
+
+"But what are we going to eat? You never give us cheese at home!" cried
+Martha in dismay.
+
+"You can have the consommé, crackers and milk. If you care to have a bit
+of cold beef, you may," replied Mrs. Parke.
+
+"But you didn't order any pie, or cake, or ice cream!" remonstrated
+George, almost speechless with surprise.
+
+"No, because they only have a buffet lunch, I find. They haven't any hot
+dishes, or desserts other than the kind ready-made by companies. As you
+know, I never care to have you eat pies or ice cream made in
+factories."
+
+That luncheon, so eagerly looked forward to when suggested, was a
+dreadful failure! Only soup and plain crackers and milk that one could
+get at home any time for the asking!
+
+Arriving in Philadelphia, Mrs. Davis remarked as she noted the
+disappointed look of the children:
+
+"I know where there is a fine soda-fountain near here, and they serve
+the best ice cream!" said she.
+
+"Oh, let's!" sighed Martha.
+
+And Mrs. Parke, knowing opposition to be futile, followed after the
+eager group as they hurried to the corner drug store.
+
+A taxicab soon took them to the Davises' house, where the children were
+engaged all afternoon, in visiting the entire house and trying out the
+toys in the playroom.
+
+As the two ladies sat in the upstairs sitting-room, Mrs. Davis said: "Do
+tell me what caused you to suddenly change your mind about including the
+story of Washington's campaign in and about Philadelphia?"
+
+"Why, I remembered that, with a story so fresh in their minds, they
+might try to play it out on the Philadelphians. If you or I should
+happen to go shopping, or be invited out to tea, we might return to find
+Washington's army charging on Chestnut Street, or retreating to the
+police-station!" Mrs. Parke laughingly answered her.
+
+"It will not need refreshed memories to bring about such battles. They
+are apt to open an active campaign without notice, at any time or
+place," laughed Mrs. Davis.
+
+"Still, I think it wiser to save Philadelphia's war troubles until we
+are safe back home on the estate," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+Soon after this conversation, the ladies heard laughter and the patter
+of feet upstairs in the large playroom, and felt sure the four cousins
+were playing as other children did, with dolls and trains of cars, and
+rocking-horses and other numerous toys.
+
+But the uproar grew so loud that finally the two mothers went up to see
+what was going on.
+
+As usual, George was commander-in-chief of the army and Jack was Howe.
+Martha was Lafayette and Anne was Cornwallis. The dolls, tin soldiers,
+stuffed animals, and everything in the imitation of any living thing
+were arrayed in two lines, facing each other. George was furiously
+riding a rocking-horse, while waving a tin sword wildly about his head.
+Howe stood on the window-seat issuing orders to his side. Lafayette and
+Cornwallis stood back of their lines, shooting peas at the helpless
+armies. For every tin soldier or saw-dust doll shot down, a great whoop
+of cheer came from the victorious side. When two victims, one on each
+side, fell at the same time, the yells were deafening.
+
+So enthused were the warriors that they failed to note the door opening
+a wee bit, so the ladies withdrew again, happy to find the children
+playing quietly (?) in the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A FIGHT WITH THE HESSIANS
+
+
+"Children, have you planned to do anything this morning?" asked Mrs.
+Davis, at breakfast the following morning after their arrival.
+
+"What did you expect to do?" countered George.
+
+"Oh, nothing much, but it looks so much like rain, and the Scotch mist
+is so heavy and cold, I thought you children could play upstairs this
+morning while aunty and I do some shopping downtown. We will be home for
+lunch and take you to a matinee if you will be good," promised Mrs.
+Davis.
+
+"Cross your heart?" demanded Jack, for matinees were rare treats, as
+Mrs. Davis thought children were better off at wholesome play in the
+fresh air, than sitting in a crowded theatre watching make-believe
+scenes on the stage.
+
+"Yes, I'll take you to Barnum's Circus, showing this week in
+Philadelphia."
+
+"Oh, goody! goody! We'll be good, all right!" cried George.
+
+"Indeed we will. If it clears off some we might play basket-ball out in
+the backyard, that's all," promised Anne.
+
+So the ladies started downtown with assurances that the four cousins
+would be models of virtue and good behavior until noon when they would
+look for their reward.
+
+Soon after they left, the mist lifted and the air grew warmer and
+pleasant.
+
+"It's kind of stuffy in the house, isn't it?" said Jack, after a heated
+bout with George, where both wore boxing gloves, and the girls were
+umpires.
+
+"Yes, let's go out and cool off," agreed George, mopping his face.
+
+"We can play out in the backyard, you know," suggested Anne.
+
+"I'm so warm I don't want to play ball, but let's go out anyway," said
+George.
+
+So the four ran downstairs and out of the rear hall-door to the piazza
+that had steps leading down to the square of grass that was used for
+drying clothes. Back of this plot was a small garden that was cultivated
+in the summer, but was now chiefly used for a basket-ball ground.
+
+The wash was out, so the grass-plot was impossible for the children, and
+they skirted the laundry and reached the barren garden.
+
+"What's on the other side of your high fence?" asked George, eyeing the
+six-foot boards that had nice cross-pieces at convenient distance from
+the ground to the top.
+
+"Nothing, only a big vacant lot. Father says the owners have had trouble
+over the title to it for so many years, that now they couldn't improve
+it even if they had the money left to do it on," said Jack.
+
+"And every kind of youngster from down in those tenements comes up in
+that lot to play," added Anne, with disgust.
+
+Voices were now heard on the other side of the fence and George looked
+at his companions.
+
+"Guess I'll climb up and sit on top and watch 'em."
+
+"So'll I! That won't do any harm, I guess," said Jack.
+
+Anne and Martha watched their brothers climb up, and then following,
+they all sat on the smooth round top of the fence.
+
+Some boys from the tenements were about to have a game of baseball. At
+first, they failed to see the four spectators sitting on the fence. When
+they did, however, their remarks were not flattering.
+
+"Ha! See the sports up on the bleachers!" cried one.
+
+"Come down and we'll show you how we bat!" called another, and at this
+his friends all jeered.
+
+Jack wrinkled his nose and stuck his tongue in his cheek, making a wry
+face at the last speaker.
+
+That led to more remarks from the diamond, and more faces from all four
+perched on the fence; finally, at a taunting sneer from one of the team
+on the diamond, Jack replied angrily.
+
+Over at one side of this large vacant area was a depression that
+generally held muddy water from past rain storms. It seldom filtered
+into the earth, and the sun not reaching that side of the property,
+failed to dry it up. Hence, the younger children from the tenements
+played in this large puddle, sailing boats, or throwing stones to watch
+the splash.
+
+As Jack retorted, one of the boys standing near the puddle, stooped and
+flung a handful of dripping mud at the fence. It struck low, but George
+instantly shouted:
+
+"Don't you do that again! It's against the law to throw things in city
+limits!"
+
+"Ha! Lot you know about law! Why, sissy, we're a law by ourselves!"
+laughed one of the boys, going over to pick up a handful of the ooze.
+
+The rest of the gang instantly followed their leader, and before the
+four on the fence could imagine what would follow, the air was filled
+with flying mud-balls. Some struck the fence, some flew over and
+spattered the clean white clothes, and some struck the four defiant
+citizens on the fence, although they ducked and dodged many of the
+missiles.
+
+"Shall we jump down and let them laugh at us?" asked Jack.
+
+"Don't you dare! Even if you do I won't!" cried Anne, too furious to
+wonder what might be the result of this fracas.
+
+"I should say _double no_! For a dare, I'd jump over and fight them!"
+declared George.
+
+"Wish we had our air-rifles!" said Jack.
+
+"Are they fighters? Do they play fair?" asked George.
+
+"Fight! Like tigers, but they don't know what fairness means. The whole
+mob'd just as soon light on you if you went over as they would throw
+these mud-balls," sneered Jack.
+
+"Let's all four attack them!" ventured Martha, who was as daring as
+George.
+
+"There are six of them--besides the mob that will run the minute they
+sniff a fight!" warned Jack.
+
+"I've got it! Let's jump down, run alongside the house by the areaway,
+and get out on the street. We can run around the corner and get to the
+empty lot from the street, then they will be taken by surprise and can't
+run away," suggested Anne.
+
+"I wish to goodness we had two other friends," sighed Jack, as the four
+dropped from the fence to the wild jeering of the six boys on the other
+side.
+
+"Oh, Jack! Maybe Bob and Dick are home by this time. You know, when we
+went away, they were expected back from the country that Saturday," said
+Anne significantly.
+
+As the children ran across the garden they beheld with dismay that the
+lovely white clothes on the lines were now all bespattered with mud.
+This made them determined to mete out judgment.
+
+"Coo-ooh! Bo-ob!" shouted Jack, as he stood under the neighboring
+dining-room window.
+
+"Come ahead out, Dick!" yelled Anne, making a megaphone of her hands.
+
+Two heads appeared at the side window almost immediately.
+
+"When did you get home?" called Bob, raising the sash.
+
+"Never mind that! Hurry out--Dick and you! Big fight on," said Jack
+hurriedly, running to the street.
+
+Bob and Dick needed no further incentives, but were soon with the other
+four children on the sidewalk.
+
+"Where?" was all they said.
+
+"Empty lot back of our house. Those boys dirtied all of Bridget's clean
+clothes and pelted us with mud too, besides insulting and doing lots of
+things to us!" said Jack, while the six comrades, friends on the spot
+without introductions to the two southern cousins, ran around the corner
+of the street.
+
+When they reached the vacant lot, however, they hid back of the stone
+steps belonging to the adjoining house, and peeped about the corner to
+see what chances they had for a victory.
+
+To their delight they found that the two larger boys had been called
+away for some reason, and only four boys of their own size were left
+playing ball in a half-hearted way.
+
+"Agh! dem sissies ain't fighters! I t'ought sure dey would come ober de
+fence and pitch in!" said one of the ball-players to his companions.
+
+"Yeh! So'd I. Ef Bill and Huck stayed here, we coul' have chased 'em
+over into their own yard and licked 'em!" said another.
+
+At this information, George exchanged glances with Jack.
+
+"Shall we warn them, or just fall in?" asked he.
+
+"Did Washington send a polite letter to Howe or any of the British, when
+he started a fight?" was all Jack replied.
+
+"Here you, Bob--you tackle that red-headed fellow. Dick--you take care
+of the fat one. Jack can fight the thin one and I'll take charge of that
+freckled scrawny one--I can fight better than any of you, I guess!"
+planned George hurriedly.
+
+"Here! here, what about us two girls! Can't we help?" cried Martha, with
+deep grief at the turn events appeared to be taking.
+
+"Sure! You watch and warn us, and if the other two fellows come back,
+you blow this whistle for help!" advised Jack, handing his
+newly-acquired police-whistle to Anne.
+
+Before the four ball players could well understand who was rushing, or
+what the four boys were about, each one of the Washington forces had
+picked his man and was already busy on the offensive.
+
+In a few moments, the ball players, termed by George the low-down
+Hessians, recognized the two boys from the fence-top and with a yell of
+fury, pitched in to fight with all their strength.
+
+George bawled out orders for his companions to follow, and at every
+fresh attack upon the Hessians, the four Americans whooped and fell to
+with renewed lust of battle.
+
+Martha and Anne were deeply interested in hoping and watching for the
+Hessians--those cruel heartless fellows, who had injured and destroyed
+the lives and properties of the American citizens at Brunswick,
+Princeton, and other Jersey towns. It served them good and right to have
+Washington's men flay the breath out of them.
+
+But the Hessians were almost spent and ready to give up when Cornwallis,
+in the form of two pals from the tenements, came along and seeing the
+battle, added reinforcements to their almost vanquished army.
+
+Now Washington was desperate. He and his men were out-numbered by the
+arrival of the new forces, who were fresh and somewhat larger than the
+rest of the Hessians, and this meant watchful and wary war.
+
+But they had not counted on Anne and Martha. The moment the two
+reinforcements from the Hessians arrived, Martha cried:
+
+"Come on, Anne! Let's throw mud at them!"
+
+Mud-balls flew thick and fast for a time, and every one--Americans as
+well as Hessians--was blinded, choked, or spattered before Anne
+remembered the whistle! Neither Jack nor she knew what would happen if
+it were used. They had heard, however, that in times of dire need help
+would come upon the blowing of a whistle.
+
+The whistle did bring help. But Anne wished she had not used it when she
+saw a strange officer run across the street, and rush into the mob of
+boys where nothing but flying fists could be seen. The Hessians were
+accustomed to being routed by the police, and instantly took to their
+heels, leaving the battle-field to the American forces.
+
+The officer thought the four remaining boys were also from the tenement
+district, as their clothes were torn and spattered with mud. He mustered
+them in a group, and was about to march them off to the station-house,
+when the fat laundress from the Davises' house mounted a ladder she had
+placed against the fence, determined to investigate the cause of the mud
+which she had found all over her clean laundry.
+
+The policeman was a friend of Bridget's, and she berated the "durty
+varmints," who ruined her week's washing. She shook two great fists at
+the four boys, but not until the two girls had explained, would they
+believe that the boys had been erstwhile clean, decent citizens fighting
+under Washington's command.
+
+So the battle with the Hessians ended, and the American troops had to
+retreat to their "fastnesses in the Jersey Hills."
+
+As the six warriors and the policeman walked up the street where the
+houses of the children stood, a taxicab pulled up alongside the curb and
+stopped before the Davises' house. Two ladies alighted, and one of them
+paid the chauffeur. As they turned to go up the steps of the house, the
+vanquished army met them.
+
+"Well, mother, that was a great battle, and I'm sure those Hessians
+will know better than to attack defenceless people again," bragged
+George, trying to see from a swollen eye.
+
+"Not defenceless--but 'on-the-fence' Americans," corrected Jack,
+tittering.
+
+"Oh, oh! Are these our children?" wailed Mrs. Davis, backing away from
+the muddy, tattered group.
+
+"They says they are--and Miss Bridget--she oughter know when she sees
+'em. She says dey are belongin' here, all right!" said the officer,
+grinning at their plight.
+
+"Where did you find them, officer?" asked Mrs. Davis.
+
+"Yander, on the nex' block! They were fighting with a lot of ruffians,"
+said the officer, lifting his hat and preparing to leave.
+
+"Oh, thank you so much for taking care of them! And do buy some candy
+for your children at home, officer!" said Mrs. Davis, handing the man a
+dollar.
+
+The children then proudly related the "Battle of the Hessians." The
+mothers, however, were not impressed, and soundly reproved them for
+their failure to keep the promise of good behavior.
+
+As they left the dining-room after lunch, Mrs. Parke remarked: "We
+secured tickets for the circus, but I don't see why we should take you
+performers when you manage to have all the circus you want without
+troubling us."
+
+"What do you suppose we hurried and bathed and combed our hair and
+dressed up for, if not for the circus this afternoon?" complained Jack,
+thinking of all the wasted moments used to make his neck clean, and to
+brush down his unruly cow-licks.
+
+"Surely you didn't expect to come into this dining-room covered with mud
+and rags, did you?" cried Mrs. Davis, aghast.
+
+"Not exactly, but we didn't have to _waste_ so much soap and hot water,
+if we thought you were going to turn traitor. I'm not surprised
+Washington had such a hard time in that war, when even his own relations
+went back on him--after he fought for the honor of his people the way
+he did!" grumbled George.
+
+"I'd just as soon be born a descendant of Howe as to have folks
+misunderstand your Americanism!" added Jack.
+
+But this was too much for the mothers, who were Daughters of the
+Revolution, and although the connection between Washington at Princeton
+fighting the Hessians seemed to have nothing in common with the boys of
+the tenement alleys, they felt the spirit of patriotism that had moved
+their army to enter the defence of the place.
+
+So, in spite of the dire need of punishment for four fighting Americans,
+they were treated to the circus instead. And the event of the battle in
+the morning was quite erased from their minds when they came forth from
+that wonderful place, having feasted their eyes on animals, tricks,
+clowns too funny to describe, trapeze actors, acrobats, and too many
+things to remember all at once.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+FAREWELLS TO WASHINGTON
+
+
+Letters came from New York, stating that Mr. Parke and Mr. Davis would
+be in Philadelphia the following day, so if the children had not yet
+visited various sights of historic interest, they would escort them
+about and give the ladies a rest.
+
+"Now, I'll tell you, mother! It is my birthday, you see, the day after
+to-morrow, and you promised me a party this year. While father and uncle
+take us about, you and Aunt Kate can fix up a fine party at home. Ask
+every one you know and let's play Hallowe'en games, even if it is too
+soon," said Jack coaxingly.
+
+"It would be nice to have that party while your cousins are here,"
+admitted Mrs. Davis.
+
+"Oh, aunty, you don't know what a good worker mother is when there's a
+party to be made ready!" exclaimed Martha eagerly.
+
+"That settles it! Aunty must work for the party," laughed Mrs. Davis.
+
+"We'll all work for it. You just tell us what to do, and see if we can't
+hustle!" bragged Jack.
+
+"I suppose you will be glad to crack walnuts and shell them for cake,
+eh?" teased Mrs. Parke, who knew of her children's failing in that line
+of work.
+
+"Try me!" laughed Jack.
+
+So it was hastily decided to celebrate Jack's birthday with a sort of
+Hallowe'en party, although it was only the middle of October. And every
+one went to work on the plan for the celebration.
+
+About a dozen invitations were sent out, which, with the four cousins,
+would make sixteen guests for the party; this was said to be quite
+enough for a jolly time. Then cakes, prizes and other things had to be
+prepared, and in the midst of the pleasant excitement the two fathers
+arrived.
+
+"Seen all of Philadelphia, I suppose," said Mr. Parke later in the
+evening.
+
+"Nothing but the battle-field between the Hessians and Washingtons,"
+said George.
+
+"Now, what does that mean?" asked Mr. Davis.
+
+So the boys told about the fight, in terms to suit their patriotic sense
+of the affair, so that it did not appear to the men as having been just
+an ordinary brawl between two hostile factions, but that is what both
+the ladies persisted in calling it.
+
+The next day the two men escorted the four children as promised, Mr.
+Davis using the automobile for the trip. They visited the old state
+house, Girard College, the Custom House and Subtreasury, and the new
+city hall, which had cost more than $20,000,000, and is one of the
+finest and largest of municipal buildings in the United States. The
+statue of William Penn crowns the top of its dome. Then, too, they saw
+the post office, built of granite, which, they were told, has no
+superior in postal buildings in the country.
+
+In the state house the four little patriots saw a large apartment on the
+first floor which the men said was Independence Hall. It was decorated
+with quaint carvings, and pictures of famous Americans adorned its
+walls. Many of the chairs used by the members of Congress in 1776 still
+stood here to remind the children of that great event--the reading and
+signing of the Declaration of Independence, executed in this city.
+
+"Now, children, let us go and see the famous Liberty Bell. After that we
+will visit the rooms where Colonial relics are kept on exhibition," said
+Mr. Davis.
+
+The children looked well at the token of what the great Revolution stood
+for, and having read the inscription and felt sorry for the crack in its
+side, they followed Mr. Parke to other sights.
+
+They drove to Carpenters Hall, the building where the first Colonial
+Congress met, the board that abetted Washington in his endeavors for
+his country. Then they saw the William Penn dwelling, moved to Fairmount
+Park. They visited Christ Church, where Washington worshipped when
+president. Also Old Swedes Church, which was a memento of the old days.
+
+Then, among the modern places of interest, they took the children to
+Masonic Temple, because Mr. Davis was a Free Mason, and was very proud
+of the granite structure. Then they drove past the Academy of Fine Arts,
+containing the pioneer art collection of the United States, as the
+children did not particularly care to go in and examine the objects.
+
+They stopped for a short time in the Academy of Natural Sciences, where
+the oldest and most extensive collection of natural history objects can
+be found.
+
+From there they passed the Ridgway Library, the United States Naval
+Asylum, and many other great and well-known buildings. In Fairmount Park
+they visited the Memorial and Horticultural halls, both being handsome
+souvenir buildings from the Centennial Exhibition of 1876.
+
+"Of course you two Southerners know who first settled our fine city?"
+asked Mr. Davis, as they came from the museum and climbed into the
+automobile again.
+
+"Why, I think Benjamin Franklin did, didn't he, Jack?" said George,
+taken unawares.
+
+"No; William Penn did. He located and planned the city, and also made it
+the chief city of his province of Pennsylvania. He also settled the
+first order of 'Friends' in this country, and because the name
+'Philadelphia' means 'brotherly love,' he called it that. In 1701 Penn
+granted the town a charter, which constituted it a city with city
+privileges.
+
+"Benjamin Franklin, who lived in Philadelphia during the greater part of
+the eighteenth century, planned many of its institutions, such as the
+fire department, libraries, parks, and other public places. As Congress
+first met here, and continued to do so after the British evacuation,
+Philadelphia became the seat of government from the year 1790 to 1800.
+The United States mint was built and established here in 1892."
+
+On the homeward drive the children passed the oldest public library in
+the United States, founded by Benjamin Franklin, containing about
+175,000 volumes.
+
+"To-morrow, if you like, we will drive you out to the suburbs of
+Germantown, Manayunk, and Frankford, thence on to the places where you
+have heard of the battles Washington fought with the British," promised
+Mr. Davis, as they reached the house and wearily climbed the front
+steps.
+
+But the party engaged so much attention that the trip to historic spots
+was almost forgotten in the flood of events which followed.
+
+Every one invited came, of course, and besides Bob and Dick, the boys
+next door, there were other girls and boys of Jack's age. As it was said
+to be a premature Hallowe'en party, because the two cousins would soon
+be going home again, no one brought a birthday gift, as most of the
+guests had forgotten entirely that it was the date of Jack's birthday.
+
+But he had received a gift from uncle Parke that morning that fully
+recompensed him for the lack of any others. He found the small box at
+his breakfast plate held something that made a significant noise, as it
+regularly ticked away inside the paper wrapper and satin-cushioned case.
+
+"Oh! I know what this is--right off without opening it!" cried Jack,
+jumping up to run and throw his arms about his uncle.
+
+Anne did not wait for him to finish his violent protestations of
+affection, but broke the string and tore away the paper. By this time
+Jack was back at his chair to rescue the gift, and upon opening the
+spring lid, a boy's fine watch was displayed to his delighted eyes.
+
+It was then passed around and admired by every one, George handling it
+longingly, while Mr. Parke shook his head in a knowing manner.
+
+Jack had other gifts, but the watch was the most treasured of all. What
+boy or girl does not worship his first watch, and find it necessary to
+consult the time every few minutes during the first days it is carried?
+
+That night the watch was much in evidence, and every one present had to
+hear it tick or handle it before full justice could be done to it.
+
+When the guests were assembled, they played different games, and for the
+diving contests, blindfolded games, and other guessing amusements,
+suitable prizes had been provided, which added greatly to the evening's
+enjoyment. Then, just as the two men went out to the dining-room to
+light the pumpkin jack-o-lantern and put the finishing touches to the
+witches' cave, where Mrs. Parke sat, dressed like an old gray-haired
+sibyl, a fearful rattling sounded on the front windows.
+
+"Some one's playing tick-tack!" cried Jack excitedly.
+
+"But who can it be?--all the boys are here to-night!" said Dick. Bob and
+George hurried to open the front door to run out on the piazza and see
+if they could find the string that is used to fasten a nail or other
+metal object so it will strike the glass when drawn sharply by some one
+hiding across the street. But no sooner had they passed the threshold
+than a large bag of flour descended upon their innocent heads, breaking
+open and covering them with white, and causing them to choke and cough
+furiously.
+
+The other children had followed to the hall, and now seeing what had
+happened to the two scouts, they stood together, not daring to move
+nearer the door. Jack and Dick, believing the flour-bag trick to be one
+of Mr. Davis's practical jokes, rushed out to capture him, but both boys
+tripped over a string stretched across the steps and rolled down the
+four steps going to the street. At the same time, dreadful cabbages,
+tomatoes, and every other form of vegetable used for saluting unwelcome
+stage performers, were showered plentifully into the hallway and
+against the windows.
+
+"The Hessians! The Hessians!" yelled George, spluttering flour from his
+mouth to give the battle-cry of the Washingtons.
+
+In another moment the American army was running in full pursuit of the
+enemy. The six boys who had not known of the party, but took this
+evening to show their attentions to the "American army," were
+out-numbered and quickly outdistanced. When Jack and George, and their
+two boy neighbors, caught up with the rear guard of the Hessians, they
+fell upon them with great gusto. The other six boys soon came up, and
+had not the old friendly officer hurried up to see what all the
+hullabaloo was about, the chances are the Hessians would have been
+entirely destroyed and Howe would have lost a signal battle. Even as it
+was, the six Hessians were carried from the field of battle with sore
+heads, black eyes, skinned shins and lame backs.
+
+"My! Nothing like a little fight to give one an appetite, eh?" laughed
+Jack, as he and his friends went back to the party.
+
+The boys were not much the worse for the scuffle; their hair was
+tousled, collars loosened, and ties hanging, but that was about all the
+damage done them. The witch in the cave, and the two gentlemen who
+offered to serve refreshments, had not heard a thing of the assault
+until Martha ran into the dining-room with the news.
+
+"We licked the Hessians! They got it this time!"
+
+Without a second's hesitation (so certain were these parents of their
+children's tendencies), the fathers and Mrs. Parke rushed out to the
+hall to meet the victorious warriors returning from the scene of battle.
+
+Although parents may try to dampen the ardor of youth from such warlike
+fun as battles and assaults on an enemy, still it was in the blood of
+these little Washingtons, and would crop up when chance offered as
+naturally as General Washington rode his white charger on to victory.
+
+The supper was greatly enjoyed, not only for the great plates of cake
+and deep cereal-bowls of ice cream that were passed and passed in
+endless procession, but for the realization also that one great battle
+had been won over the Hessians without as much as bloodshed on the side
+of the Americans.
+
+A few days after this party, the Davises accompanied their relatives to
+the station, where the Parkes boarded a train bound for Washington. A
+few hours later they reached that fine city, and took a trolley about to
+leave for the nearest road that passed their country estate.
+
+Late that same afternoon, as the travellers walked up the driveway, they
+spied Jim and old mammy waiting with the baby on the front veranda, to
+welcome them.
+
+"Oh, George! I almost forgot we had a baby at home during all the
+wonderful travels and sights we have had since leaving home almost ten
+days ago!" sighed Martha, with compunction.
+
+"And just see how funny Jim looks! Why, he isn't half as big as I
+thought he was. Jim, maybe we haven't a lot to tell you! Oh, Jim, _what
+a fight_ we gave those Hessians when we drove them from Philadelphia!"
+cried George, as he went running up the pathway.
+
+But Mrs. Parke had not forgotten she had a baby at home, as old mammy
+could testify, for long letters had reached her daily, advising and
+reminding her what to do for baby while she was away on this unusual
+visit.
+
+That dinner was a happy reunion; not only for mother and baby, but also
+for the faithful colored help. And what do you suppose Jim did?
+
+George and Martha were so eager to explain all about the historic sights
+and places they had visited, that they could not wait for the next
+morning, so Jim was invited to sit at the table when fruit and nuts were
+served, and there he rolled his widened eyes dangerously backward when
+he heard about the battle with the Hessians.
+
+"Jim, that was a _real_ fight! Not the make-believe kind we always play
+down here!" said Martha impressively.
+
+"And, Jim, you can believe those Hessians knew _how_ to fight, too. But
+it took Washington's army to lick them, didn't it, father?" gloated
+George, mentally patting himself on the back.
+
+"Yes, and I remember the story of a great battle waged on Brooklyn
+Heights, when Washington had to cross the East River in the fog. That
+scene will never be forgotten by many of the New Yorkers who felt sure
+they had cornered the Black Hand and kidnappers of some very sweet
+little angels," remarked Mr. Parke.
+
+"Father! Who told you about it?" asked Martha, who had felt quite sure
+that not one of the elders had discovered anything at all about that
+long-to-be-remembered escapade.
+
+"Why, the American eagle whispered it in my ear when we came in from
+the theatre party that night!" teased Mr. Parke.
+
+Then George had to tell Jim all about that battle on the roof when they
+were dressed in the bellboys' uniforms. And Jim sighed and sighed, and
+wondered why it was the lot of some folks to have all the joys of life,
+while others have bandy-legs and stay at home! Ah, Jim, such is life! I
+have never been able to explain the cause of such partiality, either.
+
+"Oh, George, tell Jim about your wonderful dream, when the Germans
+captured you in the submarine and you escaped on the torpedo!"
+
+Here was another marvelous tale for the most attentive of listeners, and
+Jim's eyes opened again, wider and wider as George described his
+experience, and it lost nothing of its weirdness and wonder in the
+telling, either.
+
+Then he stopped the story just as the American eagle dropped to let him
+slide off from the cupola, but failed to explain to Jim that it was all
+a dream.
+
+"Jim, do you know what saved George from bumping his head on the ground
+of City Hall Park that day?" asked Mr. Parke.
+
+"No, sah, Ah don'. He diden bump, did he?" worried Jim.
+
+"No, because we all came into the room in time to wake him out of his
+nightmare. He was on the floor, where he had rolled when he fell from
+the couch."
+
+Jim pondered this information deeply, and that night in bed, as his
+mammy was turning over to see if it was daylight, he sat up and
+exclaimed:
+
+"Why, mammy! Dat mus' hab been a dream Garge had!" Then he cuddled down
+again and was fast asleep in another moment.
+
+"Now, whad's dat chile talkin' uv in his sleep? He shore is a queer lil'
+honey-boy!" sighed mammy, finding she still had an hour before it was
+time to rise and get breakfast for the master.
+
+John came home from his visit to his great-aunt the day following the
+arrival of the Parkes, and many new and exciting experiences had to be
+retold. John had some of his own that were quite as exciting in their
+way as the battle with the Hessians, but he has to tell them in the next
+book of the little Washingtons.
+
+Mrs. Parke wrote to thank Mrs. Davis for the lovely visit they all
+enjoyed in Philadelphia, and at the last, she had a revelation. Both
+ladies had wondered and wondered what caused the battle between
+Washington's army and the Hessians that day, and now that Mrs. Parke
+thought again over the event and retraced her steps mentally, she
+suddenly remembered the half-finished story told to the children on the
+cars from New York to Philadelphia. They had heard enough of the warfare
+between the Americans and British on the Delaware, that they needed no
+more of a cue to start on.
+
+So she explained to her friend what had been the cause of the spirit of
+'76 showing itself so powerfully in the four cousins that day the wash
+was covered with mud from the back lot.
+
+"And do you know, my dear, I am greatly relieved now, when I remember
+that the most dangerous period of George Washington's career is over.
+From now on I shall only touch lightly on the battles he fought with the
+British, so that the children cannot try them out in real life. But it
+will be a satisfaction to have them play President and Lady Washington
+in the White House, and later, when Washington returns to his farm to
+spend his days there, that will be very quiet, acceptable fun, I think."
+
+But Mrs. Parke forgot that her children, as well as John and Jim, their
+playmates, were not of the kind that cared for quiet play. So she still
+had many experiences before her that resulted from the reading of George
+Washington's life history.
+
+And naturally, the little Washingtons had loads of fun in applying this
+history, as you will see when you read the next book of their doings,
+called "Little Washington at School."
+
+
+THE END
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS SERIES
+
+By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+For Children 6 to 12 Years
+
+
+This series presents early American history in a manner that impresses
+the young readers. George and Martha Washington Parke, two young
+descendants of the famous General Washington, follow in play, the life
+of the great American.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS
+
+Their thrilling battles and expeditions generally end in "punishment"
+lessons read by Mrs. Parke from the "Life of Washington." The culprits
+listen intently, for this reading generally gives them new ideas for
+further games of Indian warfare and Colonists battles.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' RELATIVES
+
+The Davis children visit the Parke home and join zealously in the games
+of playing George Washington. So zealously, in fact, that little Jim
+almost loses his scalp.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS
+
+The children wage a fierce battle upon the roof of a hotel in New York
+City. Then, visiting the Davis home in Philadelphia, the patriotic
+Washingtons vanquish the Hessians on a battle-field in the empty lot
+back of the Davis property.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS AT SCHOOL
+
+After the school-house battle the Washingtons discover a band of gypsies
+camping near their homes and incidentally they recover a stolen horse
+which the gypsies had taken from a farmer.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' HOLIDAYS
+
+They spend a pleasant summer on adjoining farms in Vermont. During a
+voyage they try to capture a "frigate" but little Jim is caught and
+about to be punished by the Captain when his confederates save him.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS; FARMERS
+
+Nero, the donkey, had never heard of George Washington, and so the game
+the children had planned after reading the story of the General's life
+on his farm turned out to be quite a different game altogether.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+LITTLE JOURNEYS TO HAPPYLAND
+
+By DAVID CORY
+
+For children from 6 to 8 years.
+
+
+A new series of exciting adventures by the author of the LITTLE JACK
+RABBIT books. This series is unique in that it deals with unusual and
+exciting adventures on land and sea and in the air.
+
+
+THE CRUISE OF THE NOAH'S ARK
+
+This is a good rainy day story. On just such a day Mr. Noah invites
+Marjorie to go for a trip in Noah's Ark. She gets aboard just in time
+and away it floats out into the big wide world.
+
+
+THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE
+
+The king of the gnomes has a magic pipe with which he blows a wonderful
+bubble and taking Ed. with him they both have a delightful time in
+Gnomeland.
+
+
+THE ICEBERG EXPRESS
+
+The Mermaid's magic comb changes little Mary Louise into a mermaid. The
+Polar Bear Porter on the Iceberg Express invites her to take a trip with
+him and away they go.
+
+
+THE WIND WAGON
+
+Little Hero stepped aboard the Wind Wagon and started on a journey to
+many wonderful places and had a delightful time.
+
+
+THE MAGIC UMBRELLA
+
+A little old man gave Jimmy the Magic Umbrella which took him to
+Happyland, where he had many adventures.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TUCK-ME-IN TALES
+
+(Trademark Registered)
+
+By ARTHUR SCOTT BAILEY
+
+AUTHOR OF THE SLEEPY-TIME TALES and SLUMBER-TOWN TALES
+
+A delightful and unusual series of bird and insect stories for boys and
+girls from three to eight years old, or thereabouts.
+
+    THE TALE OF JOLLY ROBIN
+    THE TALE OF OLD MR. CROW
+    THE TALE OF SOLOMON OWL
+    THE TALE OF JASPER JAY
+    THE TALE OF RUSTY WREN
+    THE TALE OF DADDY LONG-LEGS
+    THE TALE OF KIDDIE KATYDID
+    THE TALE OF BETSY BUTTERFLY
+    THE TALE OF BUSTER BUMBLEBEE
+    THE TALE OF FREDDIE FIREFLY
+    THE TALE OF BOBBIE BOBOLINK
+    THE TALE OF CHIRPY CRICKET
+    THE TALE OF MRS. LADYBUG
+    THE TALE OF REDDY WOODPECKER
+    THE TALE OF GRANDMA GOOSE
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Little Washingtons' Travels, by 
+Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
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+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Little Washingtons' Travels, by Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+Title: The Little Washingtons' Travels
+
+Author: Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+Release Date: April 24, 2012 [EBook #39518]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figleft">
+<img src="images/fronta.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright">
+<img src="images/frontb.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h1>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS</h1>
+
+<h2>BY LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY</h2>
+
+<p class="center">AUTHOR OF THE POLLY BREWSTER BOOKS, THE GIRL SCOUTS BOOKS, <span class="smcap">Etc.</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">ILLUSTRATED</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP<br />
+PUBLISHERS NEW YORK</p>
+
+<p class="center">Made in the United States of America</p>
+
+<p class="center">Copyright, 1918, by<br />
+THE PLATT &amp; NOURSE COMPANY</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/frontis.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<h3>THEY WERE SEATED ON THE FLOOR READING.</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<table summary="contents">
+<tr><td>CHAPTER       </td><td>                                        </td><td align="right"> PAGE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">I. </td><td><a href="#CHAPTER_I"><span class="smcap">New York the Great Mecca</span></a></td><td align="right">7</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">II. </td><td><a href="#CHAPTER_II"><span class="smcap">The Joys of New York Life</span></a></td><td align="right">26</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">III. </td><td><a href="#CHAPTER_III"><span class="smcap">Sight-Seeing in New York</span></a></td><td align="right">41</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IV. </td><td><a href="#CHAPTER_IV"><span class="smcap">The Battle of New York</span></a></td><td align="right">57</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">V. </td><td><a href="#CHAPTER_V"><span class="smcap">Some of Washington's Headquarters</span></a></td><td align="right">79</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VI. </td><td><a href="#CHAPTER_VI"><span class="smcap">George's Strange Battle</span></a></td><td align="right">92</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VII. </td><td><a href="#CHAPTER_VII"><span class="smcap">Battle-Grounds Around Philadelphia</span></a></td><td align="right">108</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VIII. </td><td><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><span class="smcap">A Fight with the Hessians</span></a></td><td align="right">121</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IX. </td><td><a href="#CHAPTER_IX"><span class="smcap">Farewells to Washington</span></a></td><td align="right">137</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3>NEW YORK THE GREAT MECCA</h3>
+
+
+<p>"My parlor chair swings around every way!" exclaimed Martha Parke,
+thoroughly enjoying the novelty of whirling on a Pullman parlor chair.</p>
+
+<p>"They all do, but folks are supposed to sit quiet and only swing when
+they want to see who's sitting on the other side of the car, or perhaps
+if a friend sits next to them and talks&mdash;then you have to turn and
+answer, of course," explained George Parke.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Davis, the Philadelphia cousin of the two Parke children, had the
+vast experience of travelling from his native city to the country home
+of the Parkes just outside of Washington, D. C., a few weeks prior to
+the opening of this story. So, of course, he knew all about the Pullman
+parlor chairs.</p>
+
+<p>"That isn't why they whirl at all! It's so you can turn to look out of
+the opposite windows, 'cause both sides of a railroad track have
+scenery, you know," glancing at the elders of the party to make sure
+they had overheard him.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Jack Davis! That isn't the reason at all! It's for the convenience
+of the conductor to take up tickets, so he won't have to lean away over
+or knock off the passenger's hat. Then, too, when the buffet waiter
+serves luncheon on those folding tables, he has to have room to move the
+chair around and place the stand right over the passenger's lap. Don't
+you remember?" explained Anne Davis to her brother.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll ask mother&mdash;shall I?" ventured John Graham, a member of the
+travelling party from the South.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! We don't want to know anything! Let's see who can find the
+first church along the line," quickly said George, to divert attention.</p>
+
+<p>For some time thereafter the young travellers were quiet, until Jack
+shouted: "I see one! It's old and tumble-down, but it has a steeple just
+the same!"</p>
+
+<p>While the children were playing this game, the elders sat planning about
+the New York trip. They had started from the country estate that morning
+without mishap, which was remarkable, considering the many ways the
+"Little Washingtons" had of getting into trouble. But now that all were
+<i>en route</i> for the great city of the north, they wondered whether it had
+been wise to bring five lively children on such a trip.</p>
+
+<p>"If John doesn't behave when you take him to visit the historical
+places, just let me know, and I will keep him at his great-aunt's. She
+hasn't a thing he can do mischief to!" said Mrs. Graham.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parke laughed. "That would be a severe punishment for John. But I
+feel quite sure he will be the least troublesome of the party. George
+generally takes the lead in all escapades, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"Not when Jack is around to suggest mischief!" added Mrs. Davis from
+Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there will be two of us, anyway, to keep them in order. And
+little Jim won't be here for them to use as a scapegoat, you know,"
+laughed Mrs. Parke, thinking of the happy little face of the pickaninny
+who was last seen on the steps holding a book and a box of candy
+presented him by the Davis children.</p>
+
+<p>"Did Sam wire you he would meet us?" asked Mrs. Davis of Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, when I telegraphed him from home, he replied to my office in
+Washington. He will arrive in New York a train before us, and meet us at
+the Pennsylvania Terminal at Thirty-third Street. Then we will go to
+some large hotel until we see what we wish to do for the week."</p>
+
+<p>"George sat looking over the newspaper this morning while we were
+waiting at the station in Washington for this train, and I leaned over
+to see what was engrossing his attention. What do you think he was
+reading?" asked Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Goodness only knows what George reads&mdash;anything from the last drive of
+the Italians on the Alps to the present quotations on Wall Street!"
+laughed Mr. Parke, the father.</p>
+
+<p>"Neither! He was poring over the list of hotels and restaurants in New
+York City. Finding I was watching, he said: 'I just found the place for
+us to stop.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Yes?' said I. 'Where is it?'</p>
+
+<p>"'The Martha Washington Hotel. We wouldn't think of boarding anywhere
+else, would we, when we are related to Martha?'"</p>
+
+<p>The others laughed at this, and Mrs. Graham added: "Did you explain
+that that hotel was a ladies' hotel, and neither he nor his father nor
+his uncle would be allowed to stay there?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, because he forgot all about the hotel when he saw Jack and the
+girls leading John over to the candy booth. That was enough for George!"
+laughed Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you ladies have planned a campaign for going about to show
+the 'patriots' the historical points of interest in the city&mdash;that is
+why you came up here, you know," teased Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"You came for business purposes, you said, so we will not trouble you
+with our plans," retorted Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>But further conversation was interrupted by the children. "Mother,
+didn't you bring the copy of our Washington history with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have it in the trunk.&mdash;Why?" said Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Because Jack says Washington was in Boston in the spring of 1776, and I
+say he was in New York, where he thought General Howe was going after
+being driven from Boston," explained George.</p>
+
+<p>"You are both right, son. Washington remained in Boston for a time to
+see just what Howe would do, and then fearing the weakness of defence of
+and about New York, he started for that city. It was while he was at New
+York that the letter from Congress was given him, in which he was so
+highly commended for the bravery and conduct of himself and his men at
+the siege," said Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>Both boys had been so sure that each was right, that this information
+caused a sudden spell of humility, which gave the girls an opportunity
+to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, didn't you read one day that the American army was vanquished
+on Long Island, and Washington had to hide up in the hills of Harlem
+until he got some more soldiers together?" asked Martha earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh! Is this the way my historical readings are interpreted?" sighed
+Mrs. Parke, in mock despair, while the other elders of the party laughed
+at Martha's presentation of the battle on Long Island.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it best not to describe any more history now. When you are all
+on the spot of the battle scenes, the children will feel the actual
+spirit of the thing more than by listening to a tale," said Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"I will follow your suggestion later, but just now I am not going to
+allow this misunderstanding to rest. Come here, children, and let me
+explain."</p>
+
+<p>As there was nothing more exciting offered them, the five children
+turned their chairs about and listened to the story.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, when General Howe sailed from Boston with his fleet, it was
+circulated that he proposed going to Halifax. But Washington was too
+wise a general to believe everything he heard, especially when it came
+from such a wily man as General Howe. So he figured out just about what
+Howe might do now that he was out of such nice, comfortable quarters
+like Boston.</p>
+
+<p>"New York was another fine city, with every comfort to be had, so
+Washington thought that the British would prefer that life to one of
+privation and discomfort elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>"With the seized boats that had sailed into Boston harbor, ignorant of
+the fact that the British had left there, Washington was able to supply
+his men with guns, ammunition and goods greatly needed by them. Then,
+when Campbell of the British navy sailed serenely into the net of the
+enemy, a large quantity of military stores was captured, besides the
+fine vessel that carried over two hundred and seventy men. The latter
+were made prisoners, and the ships were turned into privateers, to act
+as sea-scouts in place of a regular naval force, which the colonists had
+not been able to raise as yet.</p>
+
+<p>"Anxious for the safety of New York, Washington started an army from
+Boston, leaving five regiments under General Ward to defend the city.
+Passing through Providence, Norwich, and New London, he and the army
+arrived in New York on the 13th of April, where he found, as he feared,
+that city ill-prepared for defence against Howe.</p>
+
+<p>"It was soon ascertained, however, that Howe had really sailed for
+Halifax, where he went to secure the cooperation of the forces of
+Canada.</p>
+
+<p>"So you see, boys, Washington was in both cities that spring, but he
+spent the late spring and summer in New York, fortifying and preparing
+that city for the battle which he knew was sure to come."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell us some more, mother," said Martha.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it time for the luncheon?" asked George anxiously, as the porter
+passed through the car.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sah; not yet!" replied the grinning colored man.</p>
+
+<p>"Then go on, mother!" sighed George resignedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, when Washington found how valuable the Hudson River was for
+crossings, and for transmitting supplies to the northern army under the
+command of Schuyler, he immediately began to fortify the passes
+bordering on that river.</p>
+
+<p>"So, while Howe was in Halifax, the American army was engaged in
+defending its river front, and the City of New York.</p>
+
+<p>"Meantime, a large fleet was fitted out by the British under the command
+of Sir Peter Parker. In June, this fleet came to anchor in Charleston
+harbor, where it was joined by General Clinton's forces.</p>
+
+<p>"Fortunately, an intercepted letter warned the Americans of the
+destination of this armament, and this gave the colonists time to
+prepare defence against the English. Lee had been sent by Washington to
+command the forces in the southern country, and his popularity soon
+amassed over five thousand men. Under him were Gadsden, Moultrie, and
+Thompson. At the entrance of the Charleston harbor a fort had been
+constructed of the palmetto tree, which resembles cork in its looks and
+action.</p>
+
+<p>"When Clinton landed some of his troops, he found Colonel Gadsden
+commanding a regiment on the northern extremity of James Island, and two
+regiments under Moultrie and Thompson, stationed at opposite extremities
+of Sullivan's Island.</p>
+
+<p>"The attack on the fort began in the morning, while the ships threw
+their broadsides upon it, but the little fort returned the fire with so
+much skill and spirit that the ships suffered severely. One ran aground
+and was burned, while others were temporarily disabled. The British
+finally abandoned the enterprise, having lost over two hundred men,
+while the Americans only lost twenty.</p>
+
+<p>"The failure of the attack was of great importance to the American
+cause, for it not only contributed much to the permanent formation of
+their independent government, but it had an effect on the half-hearted
+people who feared the power of England.</p>
+
+<p>"The abrupt departure of General Howe from Boston had upset his plans,
+for all of his supplies had been sent to that city, and consequently
+fell into the hands of the American army. After waiting at Halifax for
+the appearance of the reinforcements he expected, but which did not
+arrive, he set sail for New York with his original army, where he landed
+on Staten Island the third of July, the same day that the Declaration of
+Independence was reported to the members of Congress at Philadelphia."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Parke reached this point in her story when a waiter entered the
+car, making announcement of an interesting fact.</p>
+
+<p>"Dinnah now served in th' dinin' car&mdash;foh cars ahead! Dinnah now served
+in th' dinin' car&mdash;foh cars ahead!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh! they're going to have a dinner in the cars! We won't have to
+eat on the little tables brought in here," cried Jack, looking eagerly
+at Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I don't think we'll need any dinner, do you? We will be in New
+York in an hour's time, and can have something at a quick lunch
+restaurant," replied Mr. Parke very seriously.</p>
+
+<p>The children stared at him in such surprise that he was compelled to
+laugh outright. At that, they knew he was only fooling about dinner.
+Meantime, the ladies began to gather their various wraps and bags and
+arrange them in order back of the parlor chairs.</p>
+
+<p>When all were ready to go forward, Mr. Parke beckoned the children to
+gather close about him, and gave them warning.</p>
+
+<p>"Now look over the bill of fare carefully, and order the cheapest dishes
+there. I haven't much money with me, and it would be dreadful to have
+the bill come to more than I would be able to pay."</p>
+
+<p>The three ladies had passed on before Mr. Parke whispered the
+embarrassing news, and George, making sure his father was not joking
+again, said:</p>
+
+<p>"I've got fifty cents in my pocket; I'll eat that up!"</p>
+
+<p>"It may not digest, George, because silver is not considered healthy for
+the human stomach, you know," replied Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you know what I mean! I'll order that much," said George, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you have enough to pay for a dish of ice cream and a sandwich?"
+asked Martha anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll have to see what they charge for ice cream. You see the prices
+have gone so high since the war," returned Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>They were passing through into the forward car as they conversed, and
+now the children had all they could do to balance themselves as the car
+swayed from side to side in its rapid flight on the tracks.</p>
+
+<p>At last they were safely seated in the dining-car, but the ladies and
+Mr. Parke occupied one table for four, while the children occupied
+another across the aisle.</p>
+
+<p>Every one studied the menu card diligently, but to the horror of the
+children the ice cream was forty cents per plate. Sandwiches were twenty
+cents each, and tea or coffee, or cocoa, was twenty cents per cup.</p>
+
+<p>"Humph! We won't eat much at this rate!" grumbled George.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it is much cheaper to have luncheon served on a table in the
+parlor car. We had a nice lunch, and I'm sure it wasn't as much as
+this," remarked Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we whisper to father and ask him what he can afford to pay for?"
+suggested Martha.</p>
+
+<p>But the waiter stood right at Mr. Parke's elbow writing down some words
+on a pad, so the children politely waited. When he finished and hurried
+away, George and Martha excused themselves to the other children, and
+crossed the aisle.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we order?" asked George.</p>
+
+<p>"How much can you pay for?" added Martha.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Parke looked in amazement, while aunty and Mrs. Graham laughed. Mr.
+Parke drew both children down so they could hear him whisper.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you had better sit still and not order a thing. If the waiter
+comes up for your order send him to me. You see, Mrs. Davis and Mrs.
+Graham ordered so much that I shall have to pay for, that we will have
+to go hungry."</p>
+
+<p>George sent an angry glance at the ladies who thus deprived him of
+necessary food for the rest of the journey, but Martha heaved a
+tremendous sigh, as she relinquished her hopes of a deep dish of ice
+cream.</p>
+
+<p>Before the two food ambassadors were settled in their chairs again, a
+waiter hurried over and began arranging silver, bread and butter, and
+relishes before them.</p>
+
+<p>The children exchanged glances, and as the man went away again, George
+said: "We won't say anything yet&mdash;not until he asks us to order."</p>
+
+<p>But he failed to ask. When he next appeared, he carried cups of broth
+and placed them before the children. This done, he stooped and said to
+George, in a voice distinctly heard by those fearfully listening:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah'm goin' to pile dat cream up high when yo' all is ready for
+dessert!"</p>
+
+<p>Then winking understandingly at the doubtful faces, he went back to the
+kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>George looked in the cup of broth and turned to glance at his father for
+instructions, but the elders were busy with their own broth. Then George
+decided upon a courageous measure.</p>
+
+<p>"We need something and we didn't order this soup. If we take it now the
+ladies who ordered more than they should will have to cancel some of
+their dinner. Come on and drink the broth before we are told not to."</p>
+
+<p>Thereupon, a great sipping and swallowing of hot liquid ensued, and
+soup, that despised item at home, was quickly enjoyed, for there was a
+dearth of more to follow&mdash;so thought the travellers about that table.</p>
+
+<p>Before they were quite finished, however, fish was brought on and the
+waiter said: "Ah'm tol' to bring turkey wid cranberry sauce and candied
+sweets. Is dat all right foh de whole party?"</p>
+
+<p>Then George suspected a hoax. He jumped up and caught his father trying
+to hide a smile back of his dinner napkin.</p>
+
+<p>"Is this one of your practical jokes again?" demanded George.</p>
+
+<p>But an answer was unnecessary when he laughed so heartily that the
+ladies joined in. George was disgusted as he turned and remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you made us drink the soup, all right, and I s'pose we all want
+turkey, but just you wait till dessert comes along&mdash;we're each going to
+eat ten plates of ice cream and make you pay for it, too!"</p>
+
+<p>With that threat ringing in his ears, it was a wonder Mr. Parke enjoyed
+his dinner, but he did, and when dessert was ordered he watched the
+children eat two great dishes each of ice cream, and never blinked at
+the bill presented to him for it.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h3>THE JOYS OF NEW YORK LIFE</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Oh, oh, but this is a bee-autiful station!" gasped George, when the
+tourists came from the train and entered the great domed concourse.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it lovely? Look at the ceiling&mdash;all painted and lighted so fine!"
+sighed Martha, with satisfaction at art thus expressed.</p>
+
+<p>"I should think everybody would get lost in this great place. Do you
+know where you are going, uncle?" said Jack, gazing first at the
+hurrying mobs going every way across the main hall to reach the numerous
+outlets.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I am lost already! I shall have to ask a policeman to take us to
+the station-house for the night, so we can find ourselves again,"
+replied Mr. Parke with a worried air, as he went over to speak to a man
+in uniform.</p>
+
+<p>"Did he mean it?" whispered John to his mother.</p>
+
+<p>She smiled and shook her head, as she replied: "He is going to order
+taxicabs to convey us to the hotel."</p>
+
+<p>"What hotel are we going to?" wondered Martha.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, seeing there are scores of fine hotels in New York, it is
+difficult to tell which one Mr. Parke will select," said Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after this the party was snugly seated in cabs and whirled away.
+There was no signboard over the door of the hotel so the children could
+not tell the name of it. At home, the hotel in the village where the
+store was, had a swinging sign to say that it was "The Washington Arms
+Hotel." But the uniformed men standing ready to open the doors, and the
+crowds of people sitting about reading or chatting were very interesting
+to the children. Palms, great easy chairs, clusters of electric
+lights&mdash;lights everywhere&mdash;made the scene one to be remembered.</p>
+
+<p>"Must be something like the fine balls given Washington after the war,"
+whispered Martha to her companions.</p>
+
+<p>"If they only had on silk dresses and powdered wigs," returned John.</p>
+
+<p>It was late in the afternoon when the party arrived at the hotel. Mr.
+Parke decided it would be useless to try and see any of the sights that
+day. Besides, they expected Mr. Davis every moment, as he said he would
+be waiting for them. But the train had been late, and he probably had
+become tired of waiting in the hotel lobby.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see how any one could tire of sitting down there and watching
+the fine folks," said Martha.</p>
+
+<p>"If you saw things like that every day you'd soon weary of them,"
+remarked Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>And Martha wondered if Philadelphia were anything like New York, to make
+aunty speak of seeing such sights every day.</p>
+
+<p>Before she had time to question about this interesting information,
+however, a cheery voice sounded outside of the large parlor they had
+with the suite of six rooms, and in came Mr. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>After greetings were all over, Jack began: "Daddy, are we going to do
+anything to-day? We must not lose time, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed no! Time is one of the things we can never find if it is once
+lost!" laughed Mr. Davis, patting Jack on the head.</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;then&mdash;&mdash;" ventured Anne eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"I procured tickets for the 'Blue Bird' at the opera house to-night,"
+replied Mr. Davis, showing the tickets to prove the wonderful news.</p>
+
+<p>"Oo-oh! I've never been in a real live theatre before! We've gone to
+movies in the village&mdash;that's all!" cried John eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, this is a real live one all right!" bragged Jack.</p>
+
+<p>And so it was. It was an entrancing play, and the gowns of the audience,
+and the wonderful velvet curtains, and the gold boxes and trimmings of
+the opera house, all presented a dazzling sight. The visiting party had
+a large box quite near the stage, so that everything could be seen and
+heard.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Mrs. Graham left the others and started for her visit
+to her aunt, leaving John with his friends to accompany them on their
+historical tour of the city.</p>
+
+<p>"The first thing I have on my program is a visit to the Statue of
+Liberty. As we will be near Governor's Island, we can have a look at the
+old fort there, and then on our way back to Battery Park, visit the
+Aquarium," said Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>So they left the hotel to walk to a car.</p>
+
+<p>"Is anything going on in New York to-day?" asked John.</p>
+
+<p>"Not unusual.&mdash;Why?" wondered Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I see such a lot of people all running as if they were afraid of
+missing some big event," explained John.</p>
+
+<p>The elders laughed. "That is the way New Yorkers always rush about. One
+would think their very lives depended upon the saving of a moment's
+time. And then they stand and stare at a silly advertisement, or listen
+to a street-corner peddler trying to sell his wares, and not only lose
+ten times the moments saved, but block the way for other sensible
+pedestrians, so that every one loses time," said Mr. Parke, who was
+escorting the ladies to the car.</p>
+
+<p>At the head of a flight of steps, he started down.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going, father?" cried Martha, aghast at her father's
+going down the cellar steps of some big house.</p>
+
+<p>"To the train! Aren't you coming?"</p>
+
+<p>"Train? I thought we were going to take one of these cars," exclaimed
+George, looking at a crosstown trolley.</p>
+
+<p>"No, the subway takes us right down to South Ferry, where the boat
+leaves for Liberty Island," replied Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>This was a new experience. The children stared at the ceiled arch
+overhead, and wondered if it would cave in while they had to wait for a
+train. Then the roar and rush of a long, snake-like string of cars swung
+around the bend and came to a sudden jerky halt opposite them. It was
+the northbound train.</p>
+
+<p>Then it rushed and roared out again, but before any one could catch his
+breath, another roar and rush sounded right before their very noses, and
+a brilliantly-lighted train of cars stopped beside the platform, and the
+guard shoved open the doors that had no handles or hinges.</p>
+
+<p>They all hurried in, crowds behind pushing wildly to get in first.
+Inside, the long rows of seats on both sides of the cars were filled
+with all sorts of people, and our travellers were compelled to stand up
+in the aisle.</p>
+
+<p>As the train went further downtown, the crowds increased until George
+said: "Every New Yorker must be travelling to South Ferry this morning."</p>
+
+<p>At Brooklyn Bridge many of the passengers got out, and Mr. Parke pushed
+his party into seats&mdash;one here, one there, some down the aisle in
+vacancies. Before he could get back to a seat himself an entirely new
+mob of passengers rushed on, and violently struggled to crowd in between
+other seated fellow-beings.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Jack, I've been trying to figure up all the money this company
+made since we got on the cars at Grand Central," said George to his
+cousin.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and I think it would be a good thing for you and me to plan about
+our future business careers. S'pose we open a subway line like this and
+run opposition. Besides making a lot of money easy, we will help the
+public, 'cause there won't be such a fearful crowd going on two lines as
+there is on one," said Jack with good logic.</p>
+
+<p>"You're right! And what's more, we'll make our guards act politely to
+folks. I saw that horrid man slam the door right in an old man's face,
+as he was going to step inside! And those side doors were only opened
+once since we started, yet crowds of people waited outside and got left
+when the train pulled out of the station, and the guard leaned over the
+platform and laughed!" declared George, who, although on his first trip,
+saw conditions that make New Yorkers fume and fret, without redress
+anywhere.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the guard shouted, "South Ferry! All out!" Mr. Parke and
+the ladies caught hold of the children's hands to save them from being
+crushed between doors and passengers, and after climbing another flight
+of concrete steps, they all breathed the sweet, fresh air once more, and
+Martha said:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't let us ever travel that way again! It's awful!"</p>
+
+<p>"But think of the millions who <i>have</i> to travel that way, up to the
+Bronx or Washington Heights, or over to Brooklyn. There is no other way
+to get there except by foot, or paying several car-fares for changes of
+line," said Mr. Davis, who seemed thoroughly acquainted with conditions
+in New York.</p>
+
+<p>However, the children forgot the annoyance of travel the moment they
+found the small steamer "Liberty Island" at the wharf. They all hurried
+on board, and were danced over the choppy waves of New York bay. On the
+sail over to the statue, they saw Ellis Island where the immigrants
+landed, Governor's Island of Revolutionary fame, the heights of Brooklyn
+just on the edge of the water, and then were landed at Liberty Island.</p>
+
+<p>Troops were quartered here, and everything was under military
+discipline. Visitors were still permitted to the tower, but no one was
+allowed to go about the camps, or to question the men.</p>
+
+<p>The elevator landed the children high up where the balcony encircles the
+statue, but Mrs. Parke declared that they were not going to mount the
+steep and winding stairs, as nothing was to be gained by climbing up the
+hundreds of steps. The view from the balcony was the same as up in the
+head.</p>
+
+<p>As they walked around the outside of the figure, Mr. Parke told the
+children some interesting items about the statue.</p>
+
+<p>"Bartholdi's statue named 'Liberty' was presented by the French people
+to the United States in 1885. It is the largest statue ever built. It
+was conceived by the famous French sculptor whose name it bears. It is
+said that the face is a likeness of his mother, who was his model for
+this renowned figure.</p>
+
+<p>"It took eight years to construct the statue, and it weighed, when
+completed, 440,000 pounds. Of this, 146,000 pounds is copper and the
+balance iron and steel. The latter two metals were used to construct the
+skeleton framework of the inside.</p>
+
+<p>"The mammoth electric light held aloft in the hand of this giantess is
+305 feet above tide-water. The height of the figure is 152-1/2 feet; the
+pedestal is 91 feet, and the foundation 52 feet, 10 inches. Forty
+persons can stand at the same time in the top of the mighty head, which
+is 14-1/2 feet in diameter. The index finger of the hand is eight feet
+long, and the nose three and three-fourth feet. The colossus of
+Rhodes&mdash;once regarded as a world-wonder for its great size&mdash;is a pigmy
+in comparison with this figure."</p>
+
+<p>The children listened to these stupendous figures, that gave them a good
+idea of the great work done on Liberty Statue, and were all the more
+interested in seeing the giant steel beams and bolts that held up the
+skeleton of the figure.</p>
+
+<p>After they had gone down again and were walking about the base, while
+waiting for the return of the steamer to convey them back to New York,
+they listened to Mr. Parke describing the method of lighting at night,
+so that the entire statue seemed bathed in light. They looked at the
+great globes of electric lights grouped at various points of the stone
+parapet, and wondered at the unseen power that would reflect such
+brilliant illumination up at the figure as to make it plainly visible
+for miles across the sea.</p>
+
+<p>On the sail back, the children saw the old fort where prisoners were
+kept herded together in great masses when the British took possession
+of New York and Long Island.</p>
+
+<p>The Aquarium was visited, and after admiring the strange and beautiful
+fish in the glass tanks, the children found great sport waiting for the
+sea-lion to utter his fearful roar, as he flopped into the large tank of
+water, scattering water in every direction and thoroughly sprinkling the
+unwary who stood too near the railing.</p>
+
+<p>Then Mr. Parke led his party across Battery Park to a triangular green.</p>
+
+<p>"Who knows what this is?" asked he.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it's another stairway to the subway cellar," said Martha, who
+spied the sign over the entrance.</p>
+
+<p>The ladies laughed, for they knew the right answer to the question; but
+the children had not the slightest clue to it.</p>
+
+<p>"This is Old Bowling Green. Here the Dutch used to meet daily and play
+bowls, while the wives and children sat on the rude wooden benches
+placed on the outside and chatted or watched the game."</p>
+
+<p>"Are there any more old places like this in New York?" asked John.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I thought we might go over and visit the place called 'Ye Olde
+Taverne,' that has been carefully kept from mercenary realty investors
+all these years. There you will find the quaint old style of building in
+vogue during the time of Howe's victory over the American forces in New
+York. If the old beams and wood could but talk, what interesting tales
+of treason, patriotism, plotting and celebrating, it could tell us.</p>
+
+<p>"As we will be right near the Stock Exchange after we leave Fraunces'
+Tavern, I will see if it is possible to have you visit and watch the
+buying and selling that goes on in the 'pit' every day. The Exchange
+closes at three, so we must not delay, if we would visit this scene."</p>
+
+<p>The children followed eagerly as Mr. Parke led the way across Broadway
+and down lower Pearl Street to the quaint old gable-roofed building
+still intact after all these years. They gazed wide-eyed at this relic
+of Washington's period, and felt that the hero of their readings and
+play was very real indeed.</p>
+
+<p>Coming out on Broad Street, they then went to the Stock Exchange
+building, but Mr. Parke discovered that no visitors were admitted there
+since war was declared. Only those known to be in business on the stock
+market were permitted to enter.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h3>SIGHT-SEEING IN NEW YORK</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Well, as long as we can't visit the Stock Exchange, we may as well stop
+at Wall Street and see the Subtreasury and Old Custom House."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parke's suggestion met with approval, so they all followed him up
+the wide street known as Broad, passing the curb brokers, as they stood
+screaming and gesturing at each other.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, don't go so close to that street fight, uncle!" called Anne Davis,
+tugging at Mr. Parke's sleeve.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter there, father? Is some one killed?" worried George,
+watching the mob anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"No, they are merely shouting out prices, or dealing in stocks. These
+are called curb brokers, because they have no 'seats' in the Exchange
+and cannot deal in there," said Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Do any of you children know why Wall Street has its name?" asked Mrs.
+Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose because it does a wall of money business every day," ventured
+Jack, trying to be wise.</p>
+
+<p>"No, it was Wall Street long before any stock market was founded in New
+York. It had a high, long wall crossing here from the East River to West
+Street, and back of this wall stood an old Dutch Colonial house, with
+fine orchards about it. So solid was this wall that the conflicting
+armies of the British and American sides found it very convenient for a
+refuge and protection. Then, too, when some old Dutchman or alien of New
+Amsterdam&mdash;for it was so called by the discoverer of the island, Hendrik
+Hudson, in 1609&mdash;wanted to designate a certain district of the town, he
+would say 'in front of the wall', or 'so-and-so distant from the wall,'
+until it began to be known as 'The Wall.' Then the lane that ran in
+front of it was becoming quite a thoroughfare, as so many people had to
+go about the area of land enclosed by the wall, that it gradually became
+known as 'Wall Street.'"</p>
+
+<p>This information was very interesting to the children, and Mrs. Parke
+said: "Tell them about the purchase of this island."</p>
+
+<p>"The land on which New York stands to-day was secured from the Indians
+for $24.00 worth of beads and trinkets in 1626, although the island was
+found by Hudson in 1609 on his voyage of discovery along the bay and up
+the Hudson River.</p>
+
+<p>"In 1664 the English took it from the Dutch and changed the name to New
+York after the English nobleman. When Howe took it from Washington's
+army, his men were so reckless in their merry-making that fire broke out
+in a tavern down here and soon the wooden houses, with their
+dried-shingle roofs, were blazing. In that fire more than a thousand
+buildings were destroyed, and the fine old mansions of lower New York,
+then the fashionable section of Dutch and English wealth, were razed to
+the ground. The few places escaping the conflagration were those below
+this fire-line, or the homes better protected by owners, who kept a
+bucket-brigade at work to thoroughly soak the outside of the buildings."</p>
+
+<p>"Now that we have seen the sights on Wall Street, what else can we see
+downtown?" asked Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we can visit the old church here at the head of Wall Street, and
+then we can also visit the graveyard of the old church standing on the
+corner of Fulton and Broadway. Here we will find old flat stones marking
+graves made before the days of the Revolution; and some of the famous
+men we read about are buried in this busy section of lower New York.
+That will fill in our time until we start back uptown to the hotel,"
+said Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>So the children wandered about the grass-covered burial spot, where
+centuries ago funerals of great men were held, and now old stones still
+showed the spots where they had been laid to rest.</p>
+
+<p>So completely worn out were they from that well-filled day of
+sight-seeing, that all were ready for bed soon after dinner that
+evening. When Mr. Davis came in from a late business conference, no one
+felt like talking of the day's exploits.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parke was to attend to his business the following day, and Mr. Davis
+offered to act as official guide to the party. John was sent uptown to
+his great-aunt in a taxicab and told to be sure and be on hand by ten
+the next day.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we visit to-day?" asked Mr. Davis, when all the travellers
+had gathered about the breakfast table in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>"You know best&mdash;we want to see the forts and the places where they show
+things left by Washington," said George.</p>
+
+<p>"I have been thinking that we may as well keep right on visiting from
+downtown up, taking in important points of interest on the way,"
+suggested Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"We can. Then we ought to go down to City Hall Park and take in the
+sights from there on," replied Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>The moment John arrived&mdash;which was fifteen minutes before the time
+set&mdash;they started out on their second day's trip.</p>
+
+<p>At Old City Hall, with its park of ten acres, they saw the county court
+house, the Old Post Office and the famous Woolworth building, said to be
+the tallest in the world. Finding they could visit the tower, they all
+went up in an elevator and had a bird's-eye view of the great city, with
+its great ribbons of river winding along on two sides of it, forming the
+island of Manhattan, where East and North rivers met.</p>
+
+<p>They saw the buildings where the New York <i>World</i>, <i>The Tribune</i>, <i>The
+Sun</i>, <i>The Mail</i>, and other papers were printed, and Mr. Davis secured
+permission for them to visit the plant in the Tribune building, so the
+children could watch the interesting process of turning out a daily
+newspaper.</p>
+
+<p>After this, they went to the Hudson Tubes Terminal building and had
+luncheon at the restaurant before walking down the incline of Fulton
+entrance to the concourse underground. The very fact that so much
+business went on continually underground, while other business continued
+above on the streets, filled the children with amazement.</p>
+
+<p>They saw the trains of the New York terminal come in and go out again,
+and were told how the tubes under the Hudson River had been built and
+were now conducted.</p>
+
+<p>As a crowded train left the platform, Jack sighed: "The same old thing
+as in the subway. Not half enough seats for the crowds of people that
+travel. When we run <i>our</i> line we will see that every one who pays full
+price has a seat, or they won't have to pay but half fare."</p>
+
+<p>"Your plan is most sensible, but no monopoly will ever consent to lose
+half a nickel that way while it can get full fare out of the travelling
+public that must reach certain destinations in a given time," replied
+Mr. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>From the Hudson Tubes the visitors followed their guide crosstown again,
+and after walking a few blocks they again crossed City Hall Park. Here
+they entered the large Municipal building that stands near the entrance
+to Brooklyn Bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it would be a treat to take you over the bridge on a trolley
+car. As we cross I can explain all about the great cables that suspend
+this tremendous structure."</p>
+
+<p>The children eagerly consenting, they were soon seated in a Flatbush
+trolley, Mr. Davis explaining during the ride the many interesting facts
+of the old Brooklyn Bridge structure.</p>
+
+<p>In Brooklyn, Mr. Davis showed them in passing, the City Hall, and as
+they passed down the streets so similar to the busy thoroughfares of New
+York, Anne said:</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see why they changed the name of these two towns; they are
+just alike and ought to be called by the same name."</p>
+
+<p>"They tried that some years ago," replied Mrs. Parke. "This is all known
+now as Greater New York, but we are now on the Brooklyn section of it,
+while on the other side of the river it is known as Manhattan. Then
+there is the Bronx section, and the Washington Heights or Van Courtlandt
+sections."</p>
+
+<p>On the way through Flatbush the children saw a number of genuine old
+houses, still standing since the time of the occupation of Long Island
+by the British.</p>
+
+<p>"It is no wonder the American army was overpowered here by General
+Howe," remarked Mrs. Davis. "The British had more than 30,000 men in its
+army and navy&mdash;all well-trained soldiers, with plenty of food, clothing,
+and camp equipment to keep them in good trim. Poor Washington had only a
+scattered force of less than 11,000 men, with scant rations, ragged
+clothes, no beds or tents for half of them, and constantly having to go
+from one spot to the other to defend that point."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and when we remember how badgered the Americans were, by not being
+sure where the English would strike first&mdash;landing on Staten Island as
+they did, and swarming in their fleet of battleships, transports,
+sloops-of-war and floating batteries of guns up the East River, along
+the Hudson and about the bay so that it would have taken a dozen armies
+to keep watch of their many maneuvers," added Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Then when Howe so arranged his army that one regiment threatened from
+one side, another from another side, and the main army from the rear,
+what were the Americans to do but fight or give up?" said Mr. Davis,
+while the children listened eagerly to this history, which was very real
+when on the ground of the scenes.</p>
+
+<p>"Had it not been for that master-stroke of Washington's, when he had but
+one tiny hope left to save his men&mdash;retreat and move over the East
+River during the heavy fog, what might have been the final result of
+that war? When we think of the way he handled that great army of sick,
+hungry, weary and wounded men, discouraged and broken-spirited as each
+one was, and inspired them with enough will-power and patriotism to
+brace up and start in absolute silence and under cover of the fog, to
+cross the deep and dangerous current of the river on flat-bottomed
+boats, we, at this late day, but faintly feel the great praise due him;
+and to think that not one man was lost or injured in that transport
+work!"</p>
+
+<p>"It must have been a terrible blow to Howe, when he discovered his birds
+all flown in the morning and no one knew how or when!" Jack chuckled in
+hearty enjoyment.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I had been there to laugh in his face!" declared George.</p>
+
+<p>"Huh! You wouldn't have laughed long or very loud&mdash;he would have clapped
+you in irons and thrown you into one of those wet, filthy, dark holes
+he used for the American prisoners!" said John.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, even if I wasn't at the battle scene of Long Island, I would have
+loved to stand in front of the Old City Hall on Wall Street on that
+Fourth of July, 1776, and listen to Washington read from the balcony the
+Declaration of Independence to his army. How that must have cheered them
+up and made them willing to fight all England!" said George, with
+emphasis.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Davis hired an automobile when the party reached the end of the
+Flatbush ride, and took the children to Gowan's Cove, to Wallabout
+Market, which used to be called "Walla Bouche" by the Walloons, who
+settled this section of Brooklyn. They also passed the Gowanus Canal of
+historic fame, and many other places, stopping at Fort Hamilton to be
+able to see Governor's Island at close range, as no visitors were
+admitted on the Island since the declaration of war on Germany.</p>
+
+<p>On the way back from Fort Hamilton, the sight-seeing party visited the
+Throgg's Neck, Red Hook, and other districts where battles had occurred;
+but so modernized were these spots, that no one would have dreamed that
+any disastrous battle had ever taken place there.</p>
+
+<p>The next day, both gentlemen being free to escort the party about the
+city, they started at nine o'clock to get in a full day. John was on
+hand right on the minute, and they started out by visiting Central Park
+first. The great Egyptian obelisk, brought across seas from Alexandria
+in 1880, was studied, but no one could decipher the strange symbols
+carved on its surface.</p>
+
+<p>"It is called 'Cleopatra's Needle,' and is said to be the finest
+specimen of old Egyptian monuments in existence," said Mr. Parke,
+focussing a camera to take a picture of it.</p>
+
+<p>Then they visited the Museum of Art, where treasures of all kinds are to
+be found: paintings, statuary, collections of stones, jewels, antiques
+of all kinds, and a famous collection of tapestries.</p>
+
+<p>The zoo proved to be a diversion from the other sights, and could the
+children have remained long enough, it is quite certain that the monkeys
+would have been made ill by all the peanuts fed them.</p>
+
+<p>From the museum and zoo, the children were taken to the Museum of
+Natural History, on the Park Annex grounds, located on 77th Street and
+Central Park West. Here, too, they found interesting things: all sorts
+of stuffed birds, animals and American relics. Of all the animals, the
+dinosaur interested them the most, for its great size and queer snout.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we'll cross to Riverside Park and visit the Sailors' Monument,
+which is considered one of the finest erected to our marines," said Mr.
+Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"And when we finish that, we will get on a bus and ride up to Grant's
+Tomb and let the kiddies see the great monument raised by a grateful
+people to the general of the Civil War," added Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"We haven't seen Washington's Arch down at Washington Square yet,"
+reminded George, fearful of missing something.</p>
+
+<p>"I know, but I thought it would be fine to get on a Fifth Avenue bus
+when we finish Columbia University on the Heights, and complete our
+college tour with the City College on 137th Street and Amsterdam Avenue,
+and ride all the way downtown along Riverside Park to 72nd Street,
+thence to Fifth Avenue. Down that famous avenue we can see many
+interesting buildings and sights, and at last we will jump off at
+Washington Square," promised Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>So the time flew rapidly by while the different places were visited, and
+finally the tired group almost rolled from the bus when it reached
+Washington Square. Here they took but half interest in the great arch
+erected to the memory of Washington, and all were thankful enough to get
+on another bus to ride uptown to the hotel.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'm glad we haven't all Europe to see like this!" sighed Martha,
+throwing herself on a couch the moment they entered the parlor of the
+suite.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor John! I think I will telephone his mother and ask her to allow him
+to remain with us for to-night," said Mrs. Parke, when she saw the
+drooping eyelids of the weary boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh do, please, and then I won't have to get up so awfully early in the
+morning. Why, Great-aunt Belinda makes every one in her household rise
+at six o'clock, and we breakfast at seven," said John, revealing the
+cause of his prompt arrival each morning at the hotel.</p>
+
+<p>John was given permission to remain that night, and Mrs. Graham added
+that she would be down herself at nine in the morning to accompany her
+friends to Washington's Headquarters, where they proposed to visit the
+next day.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BATTLE OF NEW YORK</h3>
+
+
+<p>Every one was hungry, and when they had gathered about the dining-room
+table, full justice was done the viands served in the restaurant. While
+waiting for dessert (the children had ice cream every time) Mr. Davis
+remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"Any one want to go to the theatre to-night? I had some tickets reserved
+for a play that is said to be very good."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean us, too, when you say 'any one'?" asked Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"Goodness, no! You youngsters are too tired," laughed her father.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, we're not! We're never too tired for fun," replied Jack
+quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it will be very nice to see a play, Sam," said Mrs. Parke,
+thanking him for the suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then we must hurry and not miss the whole of the first act.
+Couldn't we leave the children to go to bed alone for this time?" asked
+Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll ask the chambermaid to see that they are all right and have what
+they want," said Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, if you all are going to have a good time, why can't we have ice
+cream and cake for a treat up in the parlor?" begged Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you're having ice cream now!" exclaimed Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"But this is dessert&mdash;upstairs it will be a party!" cried Jack.</p>
+
+<p>The elders laughed, and promised that Maggie, the maid, should be told
+to give the children a party as they desired.</p>
+
+<p>After the elders had gone, the five children gathered in the parlor
+waiting for Maggie's appearance. She was having her supper, and said she
+would be upstairs in a short time.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know, we haven't played war in the <i>longest</i> time&mdash;I've almost
+forgotten how!" sighed George.</p>
+
+<p>"That's 'cause we had so much other stuff to do," replied Martha.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish we could play Nathan Hale and the British now," ventured Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"You just can't in a place full of furniture&mdash;no trees, no grass, no
+creek to play with," remonstrated George.</p>
+
+<p>"It's 'most eight o'clock. Maggie should be finished with her supper
+long ago," said Martha, getting up to peep out of the door to see if
+there were any signs of the maid in the long hallway.</p>
+
+<p>To her great delight she saw Maggie coming down the soft carpeted
+corridor, and soon after, she knocked at the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Is you'se all right in here?" questioned Maggie.</p>
+
+<p>"As right as can be without that ice cream," retorted George.</p>
+
+<p>Maggie grinned. "Yer mudder said you'se were to have it sent up at
+eight-thirty. I th'ot like as how I'd stop to see if I wuz wanted for
+anything and if not, I'd run upstairs to get the clean towels for your
+rooms."</p>
+
+<p>"Run ahead, and don't be behind time with the cream," agreed Jack,
+sighing, as he took up a magazine from the center table.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a tiresome life when there's nothing to kill time with," also
+sighed George, after Maggie had gone.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's have a pillow fight," suggested Martha.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on, boys, that'll be better than nothing," added Anne, taking the
+magazine from her brother.</p>
+
+<p>John was spending the night with them, so the five had quite a lively
+time in the fight, until the clock on the mantel chimed eight-thirty.</p>
+
+<p>"Time for the cream!" shouted George, picking up the down that had
+escaped from the pillows while batting them back and forth.</p>
+
+<p>The children waited fully five minutes for Maggie and the cream, and
+then Jack declared he would not stand for such neglect! He took up the
+telephone from the wall near the door and asked the clerk to find out
+where Maggie was.</p>
+
+<p>The clerk ascertained that Maggie was the maid for their floor, and said
+she had been sent upstairs to help another maid who was ill that
+evening. He would let her know that she was wanted.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes more passed by, and still no Maggie. Then George had a
+brilliant idea.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll run and scout for her. I've never been anywhere about this hotel,
+except down in the dining-room and entrance. I'll have a look around,
+and find her at the same time."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll go with you," suggested Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't we go, too?" asked the girls.</p>
+
+<p>"No, girls mustn't wander around like this, but John may come if he
+likes," replied George, going out into the corridor.</p>
+
+<p>Not wishing to let the elevator boy know they were on a tour of
+inspection, the three boys walked up to the next floor. A corridor
+exactly the same as the one they were on, was the only thing to see.
+Voices were heard&mdash;seemingly from the floor above.</p>
+
+<p>"That must be Maggie upstairs," said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>So up another flight they went, and found a couple at the head of the
+stairs talking loudly to a deaf old lady. Maggie was not to be seen. The
+three strangers got on the elevator, and the three boys walked down the
+length of the corridor. Almost at the extreme length of it, a door stood
+open, and the boys were sure Maggie would be in that room, very probably
+making it ready for guests.</p>
+
+<p>"My, this is an awful big house," remarked John.</p>
+
+<p>"Almost like a canyon&mdash;these high, dark corridors," said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"It would be great sport trying to catch a spy running away from us down
+these gulleys and mountain-steps," grinned John.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the boys had reached the end of the hallway, and stood
+looking in at the opened door of the room; but it was not a guest-room.
+It was a store-room of some sort. The door had been left open by
+mistake, most likely, for no one was about on the entire length of the
+corridor.</p>
+
+<p>"It must be a junk room," said George.</p>
+
+<p>"They keep old half-worn stuff in it, I guess," added Jack, glancing at
+the shelves on one side, piled up with miscellaneous items.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Look at all the bellboys' uniforms! All colors, different from what
+some of them wear now," said John.</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe they're here to be repaired or for extra help," suggested George.</p>
+
+<p>The boys stood looking over the motley assortment of things, when
+suddenly Jack exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you say to playing war? Let's dress up in the old uniforms and
+have some sport!"</p>
+
+<p>"Say!" admired John, looking at Jack with envy.</p>
+
+<p>George said not a word in reply, but looked up and down the corridor to
+see if any one was about. It was empty and quiet.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's take one each, and two for the girls," whispered George,
+tiptoeing into the room and selecting a green cloth suit, trimmed with
+gold braid and brass buttons. After holding it up against him to gauge
+the size, he threw it over his arm, and then selected a similar suit for
+Martha. John also found a uniform about his size, and Jack took two&mdash;one
+for himself and one for Anne.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the three raiders reached the head of the stairway, they heard
+the elevator coming up to that floor. Quick as a flash, they slid down
+the first section of the stairs, to let the elevator continue past the
+floor before they ran down the other flights.</p>
+
+<p>Into the parlor bounced the three boys, laughing and bursting with plans
+for a campaign. The two girls had grown tired of waiting for the boys
+and Maggie, and were watching the crowds on the brilliantly-lighted
+street many stories below.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think? A battle in New York!" cried Jack, throwing the
+uniforms on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we can have some fun!" added George.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, where'd you find them?" asked Martha and Anne in one breath.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind where&mdash;get into them and let's go to war," retorted John,
+taking his uniform to one of the bedrooms.</p>
+
+<p>The outer door from the parlor to the corridor was well secured against
+surprise, and then the children quickly dressed in the uniforms. Canes
+left by the two gentlemen, and umbrellas, were perfectly satisfactory
+guns for the soldiers. One after the other they appeared in the parlor,
+and laughingly admired one another.</p>
+
+<p>"Now what? We're all ready," said John.</p>
+
+<p>"Martha, twist up your curls! Soldiers can't have such hair when they
+fight!" scorned George.</p>
+
+<p>So Martha ran to her mother's room and pinned up her hair, keeping it on
+top of her head by dragging her father's travelling cap over it.</p>
+
+<p>The boys also got their caps, and then they stood in line while George
+drilled them.</p>
+
+<p>"This room is too small for any fun," said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't we parade down the hallway? If we hear any one coming we can
+hide," suggested Martha.</p>
+
+<p>The others exchanged looks. That was a tempting idea.</p>
+
+<p>"Might as well. No one is about as early as this," said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on, then! George, you're general, you know, so you must go first,"
+advised Anne.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing loath, George opened the door softly and peeped out. "All's
+quiet on the Brandywine!" reported George, going out on tiptoes.</p>
+
+<p>Once out in the hall, however, the five Yanks seemed to lose their
+nerve. First Anne rushed back to the parlor, then Martha followed.
+Finally, the three boys came tumbling in, for no other cause than that
+they thought they heard footsteps somewhere.</p>
+
+<p>"You're a lot of cowards! If Washington ever had to fight with runaways
+like you two, I pity him!" sneered George.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, didn't you run back, too?" exclaimed Martha.</p>
+
+<p>"Only to see what you girls were after! We're going out now and march
+properly!" declared Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"So'll we&mdash;this time!" promised Anne.</p>
+
+<p>Again the army sallied forth, George telling them that they had to storm
+the heights of Brooklyn and Harlem to hold the forts in New York.</p>
+
+<p>The general marched his army down the whole length of the corridor
+without meeting any one, and then they stormed the stairs at the end of
+the hallway. Up on the next floor they marched again, and not a soul was
+there to watch or applaud, although the uniformed army marched as well
+as a squad of bellboys&mdash;in fact, they resembled them closely.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, men! Howe and his men are climbing up the ridge and we must fight
+on the Heights or be captured!" warned the general, waving his cane at
+the next flight of stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Up this flight swarmed the five Continentals, and at the top they
+turned to shoot down any English that dared to follow; but no one was to
+be seen.</p>
+
+<p>The general held a council of war with his army. What was there to do in
+this terrible extremity&mdash;the East River on one hand, the different
+regiments of the British on two sides, and Howe, with his main army,
+back of them?</p>
+
+<p>"There's only one thing left for us&mdash;to cross the river in the fog and
+gain New York again," declared George.</p>
+
+<p>"How can we cross, when there is nothing to cross?" asked Anne, with
+great lack of imagination.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, if our creek were only here, wouldn't it be a lark!" sighed Martha.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, this hallway is our river, can't you see? The fog is so thick one
+can hardly tell which is land and which is water, but we can cross it
+all right, if you only follow me!" cried Washington courageously.</p>
+
+<p>Down the whole length of the corridor he tore, eagerly followed by his
+four men, and reaching the stairway at the end he rushed up to the next
+floor.</p>
+
+<p>This happened to be the top floor, and the roof, which was used in
+summer as a garden dining-room, and was now deserted, except for a few
+tubs of greens and some odd chairs standing about, was at the top of the
+next flight.</p>
+
+<p>In marching the army from the East River to camp in New York, George
+found the roof and exulted in the spot.</p>
+
+<p>"Just the place for an engagement! We can hide behind the palm trees and
+shoot at each other when one of us tries to cross the city. Two of us
+have to be British, though."</p>
+
+<p>"John and I will be English, and the girls and you will be Yanks," said
+Jack, looking around to make sure no one was about.</p>
+
+<p>"If we only had some of those apples for ammunition! Do you remember how
+soft and squashy they were when they hit you in the head?" laughed John,
+at the memory of that conflict on the creek.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, this must be a bayonet fight. No guns or cannon on hand, you
+see, and the men at close quarters," said George.</p>
+
+<p>So, making their fortifications of the tables and chairs waiting to be
+removed to the storehouse of the hotel, and then taking their places as
+American and British armies, the two sides opened warfare over the
+possession of New York City.</p>
+
+<p>The battle waged furiously in the semi-light of the electric brilliancy
+which reflected from the dazzling advertising signs of the city. Both
+sides tried to capture each other and make them prisoners, which would
+end the war, but all five were agile and experienced warriors.</p>
+
+<p>While Howe and Washington were engaged on the roof, Maggie had finished
+her extra tasks, and suddenly remembered the children. She hastily
+ordered the ice cream and cake to be sent up, and hurried to the suite
+to humbly apologize for her tardiness.</p>
+
+<p>She knocked softly at the door, while framing excuses.</p>
+
+<p>No one answered.</p>
+
+<p>She knocked again&mdash;this time much louder, but still no one answered.
+Quickly then, she opened the door and found all quiet and no one in the
+parlor. Some odds and ends of clothing&mdash;such as George's shoes, and
+Jack's coat, lay on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor little dears! They waited jest as long as they could an' then they
+got tired and went to bed widout that cream!" said Maggie, opening a
+bedroom door softly to bless the little sleeping darlings. But not a bed
+was disturbed.</p>
+
+<p>Maggie hurried from one room to the other, to find clothes scattered
+about in each room, but not a sign of the children.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh, oh! What has happened to thim children? Here I was told to
+watch thim, and now there ain't nothing but clothes to watch!" cried the
+distressed Maggie, as she hurried for the door leading to the main
+corridor.</p>
+
+<p>Half beside herself with fear of the unknown, Maggie flung the door
+open, and was about to rush out, when she collided with the waiter, who
+carried the tray of ice cream and cake. As can be expected from such an
+impact, the tray crashed to the floor, mixing cake, cream and broken
+dishes well together.</p>
+
+<p>The waiter shouted and berated Maggie, and she pulled at her hair and
+rolled her eyes upward, crying: "What shall I do? What shall I do? Thim
+children is kidnapped er else they've run away!"</p>
+
+<p>The waiter quickly ran in to inspect the premises, and came back with a
+fearful idea: "Black Hand again! The city's full ov thim, and these
+folks are rich, yo' know, an' kin pay the reward!"</p>
+
+<p>Maggie and the waiter rushed down, down and down, the many flights of
+stairs, never stopping to take an elevator, and then ran breathlessly up
+to the desk to stammer hoarsely:</p>
+
+<p>"Children gone! Clothes laying everywhere, and kidnappers carried them
+off!"</p>
+
+<p>It caused a tremendous commotion. Every one within hearing crowded up
+to the clerk and wanted to know who was gone, where the thieves went,
+what floor the burglary took place on, and many other exciting
+questions.</p>
+
+<p>The proprietor was called out to quell the disturbance, but long before
+he reached the lobby, dozens of guests and callers streamed up the
+endless flights of steps to examine the vacant suite of rooms.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the guests, who had not heard distinctly on which floor the
+kidnappers had found the children, climbed to the top flight. Suddenly a
+nervous woman clutched her husband's arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh! Those wicked men are on the roof with the dears! Hear them
+shouting and things bumping about up there?" cried she.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly the man, who had powerful lungs, leaned over the stair-rail
+and bawled down:</p>
+
+<p>"Come up! Come up! The thieves are on the roof ready to throw the
+children down to the street if they don't stop crying!"</p>
+
+<p>That brought the endless line of excited folks up and up the remaining
+flights of stairs, until all could quite plainly hear the noise on the
+roof overhead.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a voice yelled: "Surrender! I got you cornered."</p>
+
+<p>The words were ominous, but the voice was boyish. Maggie recognized it
+as the leader of the party of children, and she ran recklessly up to
+grapple with the fierce kidnappers, should it be necessary to help
+Mister George capture the rascals.</p>
+
+<p>The guests followed closely after the brave maid, and as the crowd
+pushed out upon the roof, they beheld a stacked-up rampart of tables and
+chairs and five bellboys in a close struggle with each other.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are the stolen children?" cried Maggie, rushing over to the boys,
+with whom she was quite at home, and, in fact, felt she was their
+superior.</p>
+
+<p>At the unexpected interruption, the contending forces separated and
+looked about. To their consternation, scores of wondering people stood
+near the door of the roof, staring at the five boys. The cap and
+hairpins of one had slipped from his (or her) head, and yellow curls
+blew about her head in the breeze.</p>
+
+<p>George never lost his presence of mind for an instant, although he
+feared this surprise meant the total collapse of both armies. He called
+to the four children:</p>
+
+<p>"Attention!"</p>
+
+<p>Instantly the four stood erect and took up their arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Shoulder arms!"</p>
+
+<p>The four obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>"Form line!"</p>
+
+<p>This was also done, to the unbelief of the audience.</p>
+
+<p>"Forward&mdash;March!" cried George, taking his place at the head of the
+line.</p>
+
+<p>They started and marched directly for the door leading to the roof,
+where crowds of curious guests stood gaping. As the army reached the
+doorway, the people fell back on both sides and the victorious general
+led his men down the stairs, down, down, down, followed by the throng,
+now laughing and gesticulating as wildly as any New Yorker can when he
+has been well fooled!</p>
+
+<p>Along the corridor of the floor where their own suite was located,
+George led his army, and once safely inside that friendly door, he
+quickly slammed and locked it.</p>
+
+<p>The five sank down on the floor, and rocked back and forth in hysterics
+of fun.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! That was the best fight we've ever had!" finally cried Martha.</p>
+
+<p>An imperative knock at the door made them all jump, however.</p>
+
+<p>"Run to your rooms and tear off these uniforms! Fire them in the closets
+or anywhere and jump in bed. Cover yourselves with the bedclothes before
+Maggie comes in with a pass-key!" ordered George quickly.</p>
+
+<p>A second rap on the door found them all quickly removing the uniforms,
+and before Maggie could get her pass-key, the five quiet, dear little
+darlings were snugly tucked in five beds snoring soundly.</p>
+
+<p>The proprietor stood in the parlor wonderingly, but Maggie crept to the
+doors and held up a warning hand for quiet.</p>
+
+<p>"They is all fast asleep, sir!" whispered she.</p>
+
+<p>The dazed man shook his head, and went out thinking deeply over the
+queer occurrence. Could five bellboys have played that joke? But no,
+there was one with curls, and the maid had said the five children were
+not in the rooms when she sought for them!</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the crowd had dispersed, Maggie went to the room where the
+two little girls slept in twin beds.</p>
+
+<p>"That ice cream will all be melted to nuthing," said wily Maggie.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly the girls were out of bed. "Where is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! Tell me the truth and I'll give you the cream!" said Maggie
+coaxingly.</p>
+
+<p>The boys heard the word "cream" and they fell into their clothes and
+appeared at the parlor door about the same time the two girls and
+Maggie came from the room.</p>
+
+<p>The story was told, and Maggie, finding herself as much at fault as the
+soldiers, promised to put the uniforms back in the closet, while the
+children sat down and enjoyed a double portion of ice cream.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h3>SOME OF WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS</h3>
+
+
+<p>An automobile was hired for the day, and as early as was practical, the
+party started for Bronx Park. Here they took a quick survey of the
+horticultural gardens and stopped a short time at the zoo, then on to
+the historic points of Fordham and the Bronx. Then they visited the
+stately mansion of the old Morris family on the Harlem River, where
+Washington had made his headquarters during the time he was in New York
+with his army.</p>
+
+<p>From this place, the party went to White Plains, and saw the places
+still remaining to mark the points of historic interest. Thence to
+Dobb's Ferry, where the fine old house used by Washington for his
+headquarters had been purchased by a rich American, and restored to its
+original state.</p>
+
+<p>The visitors crossed the river at this place and went to Fort Lee, but
+nothing of interest could be found here.</p>
+
+<p>"It is much like the man himself! General Lee ruined his character and
+honor when he permitted the British to capture him in dressing gown and
+slippers!" scorned Mrs. Parke, who had always felt the utmost contempt
+for this disobedient American.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish we had time to cross from here and visit Morristown&mdash;it is not
+so far in distance, but have we time to-day?" ventured Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"I have an idea!" exclaimed Mr. Parke. "What do you say if we wire the
+garage in New York that we will not return till to-morrow? We can then
+go to Newburgh and West Point, and later on to Morristown, and remain
+there for the night at some first-class hotel. It will be a relief to
+get away from the din of the New York streets, and rest in the quiet
+peace of a suburban town."</p>
+
+<p>"We would not reach Morristown till long after dinner," said Mrs.
+Parke, thinking of the tiresome ride for the children.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, ask the chauffeurs about it&mdash;they ought to know the distance and
+time it would take to go from Newburgh to Morristown," said Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>Both chauffeurs declared that it was too late to think of visiting West
+Point and Newburgh that day, and to cross-country to Morristown was a
+very poor road to travel. So it was decided to return to the city and
+start the next morning for West Point on the small steamer running
+between that point and New York. In this way, the children could see the
+grand old Hudson and its sights. If it were possible, and the day fair,
+they would drive to Morristown and the places in its vicinity made
+famous by Revolutionary tactics.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Graham had arranged with her aunt that John and she would remain at
+home all of the following day to meet friends and distant relatives of
+the family. Thus John was disappointed in this trip up the Hudson, for
+he would have much preferred to be with his friends, than sit in a
+darkened old city mansion, listening to folks talk about their family.</p>
+
+<p>Early on the following day, therefore, the Parkes and Davises sailed up
+the Hudson, passing the Sailors' Monument and Grant's Tomb on the way.
+The Palisades attracted admiration, for the foliage of late fall
+glorified the steep cliffs of the river.</p>
+
+<p>Past Yonkers, called "Younkers" in the old Dutch days, they sailed
+again, passing Dobb's Ferry, where they had visited the day before, and
+so on to Stony Point.</p>
+
+<p>"Who can tell the story of Stony Point?" asked Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>The children looked at each other, but they seemed anxious not to
+venture information which might be incorrect, so Mrs. Parke decided to
+help them over the difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>"Fortifications had been started at West Point, as it looked more
+defensible than positions lately occupied by Fort Clinton and Fort
+Montgomery. But the works at West Point were far from completion, and
+Washington knew that communication must be kept open between the middle
+and eastern states. Detachments of his army occupied positions on both
+sides the river, commanding the ferry and protecting the incomplete
+works above. On the west bank, stationed on an elevated section of
+ground called Stony Point, defences had been started but were far from
+being completed. On the east bank, a small fort called Lafayette's on
+Verplanck's Point, projecting out into the river, was nearer completion
+than the works on the other side.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, the intention of the British was to reduce both these works and
+capture West Point, along with Washington's division, and perhaps, that
+of the State of the Confederacy.</p>
+
+<p>"The unfinished works at Stony Point, garrisoned by but forty men, was
+too weak to defend itself against Clinton's large division of the
+British army, landing on the eastern bank of the river, placed under
+command of Vaughan, so it was abandoned after setting fire to the
+block-house. The garrison took stores and ammunition with them, and
+Clinton took possession of it without opposition. During the night he
+had cannon and mortars brought up and planted on the brow of the hill,
+opposite the fort on the other side of the river.</p>
+
+<p>"At five o'clock in the morning, a heavy fire was opened upon Fort
+Lafayette by the command at Stony Point, and two vessels in the river
+managed to pass the fort, thus cutting off all chance of escape by
+water. General Vaughan made a circuit by land, thus completely
+surrounding the little garrison of seventy men. Captain Armstrong, the
+commander of the fort, and his men, held out all day and then
+capitulated.</p>
+
+<p>"Clinton ordered both forts completed at once, but Washington, having
+heard of the British general's advance up the river, had strengthened
+West Point and taken up a strong position at Smith's Cove, so that the
+English found it unwise to attack the American forces at that time.
+Besides Staten Island was threatened in his absence, so he left
+garrisons at the two posts captured, and retired to Phillipsburg, to be
+ready to assist in New York and its dependencies, or at either of the
+other captured forts if necessary.</p>
+
+<p>"A garrison of 1000 men was left at Stony Point, and one of 5000 men at
+Fort Lafayette, but Clinton determined to draw the American army, so he
+sent Tryon with 2600 men into Connecticut. After pillaging New Haven and
+destroying property at Fairfield, Norwalk and Greenfield, laying the
+towns in ashes, and treating the people with the greatest brutality, he
+essayed to treat New London in the same manner, but the people were
+roused to such a degree, by the reports from their neighboring towns,
+that they opposed Tryon successfully. Hence he returned to New York to
+boast of his exploits.</p>
+
+<p>"News of the invasion of Connecticut was late in reaching Washington, as
+he was visiting outposts in the vicinity of Stony Point. He understood
+the design of Clinton, however, so did not weaken his forces in the
+Highlands to assist the troops in Connecticut; on the contrary, he
+planned a counter-attack on Stony Point, which, if successful, would
+alarm Clinton and induce him to recall the detachment from Connecticut,
+to defend the outpost on the river.</p>
+
+<p>"Secrecy was one of the essential things to the success of this plan.
+One brigade was ordered to march so as to reach the scene of the action
+about the time the troops engaged in the attack, and so render
+assistance should disaster befall them.</p>
+
+<p>"As you can see from the boat here, Stony Point is a hill projecting far
+out into the river, with three sides washed by the Hudson, and the other
+side attached to the mainland by a deep marsh.</p>
+
+<p>"Over this marsh there was but one crossing-place, but where it joins
+with the river there is a sandy beach. On the summit of the hill stood
+the fort. Besides the garrison there were some vessels stationed in the
+river to command the foot of the fort.</p>
+
+<p>"At half-past eleven at night, two columns of Continentals marched with
+unloaded muskets, and bayonets fixed, preceded by a forlorn hope of
+twenty men. They crossed the marsh undiscovered, and at twenty minutes
+to twelve, commenced the assault.</p>
+
+<p>"Surmounting every obstacle, they mounted and entered the works without
+discharging a single musket. They obtained possession of the fort,
+without the display of cruelty so prevalent in the British ranks,
+although sixty-three of the garrison were killed. The prisoners amounted
+to upward of five hundred, and the value of the military stores taken
+was considerable.</p>
+
+<p>"An attempt was made on the opposite fort but failed. This failure, with
+the fifteen hundred men it would take to garrison Stony Point against
+the enemy's shipping, caused Washington to demolish and abandon the
+fort. But Clinton re-occupied and repaired it again immediately.</p>
+
+<p>"Then Washington established his headquarters at West Point in July, and
+from that time to December, he gave his attention to the completion of
+the works at that post."</p>
+
+<p>"Look on the right, children! There you will see the Verplanck's Point
+your aunt has just been describing to you as holding Fort Lafayette,"
+called Mr. Davis, pointing out the spot to the eager children.</p>
+
+<p>From that point on till the boat reached Newburgh, the elders
+entertained the children with various descriptions of places passed.</p>
+
+<p>After visiting the headquarters at Newburgh, and going on to visit West
+Point, where the children were deeply interested in watching the cadets
+practice, they returned to the landing where they intended taking the
+boat back to New York. But they were too late. It had gone half an hour
+before they reached the dock.</p>
+
+<p>"That means we must go back by train," said Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll get to New York much earlier than expected. We might accomplish
+some other visit," suggested Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no. The return will mean that we will have time for rest before
+starting the trip to Morristown to-morrow," said Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>So that evening was really the first quiet or restful one enjoyed since
+the travellers reached New York. And in the morning, all were eager to
+continue their historical visits.</p>
+
+<p>Through the flats of Hackensack and across the Passaic, the party rode,
+the elders pointing out various places that might interest the children.
+At Newark nothing of moment was found to convey any picture of
+Washington's campaign to the youthful admirers, so they continued on to
+Morristown.</p>
+
+<p>Here they visited the old Fort Nonsense on the ridge, back of the town,
+and then inspected the headquarters, where a fine collection of
+furniture and other relics was kept on exhibition by the Washington
+Association of New Jersey.</p>
+
+<p>Later they drove through Baskingridge and cross-country to Pluckimin and
+thus on to Brunswick. Trenton was passed through on the homeward route,
+and then on to Jersey City, and across the ferry to New York. In going
+through Trenton the old hall and other historic buildings were pointed
+out to the children.</p>
+
+<p>That night George had a suggestion to offer.</p>
+
+<p>"We've done nothing but see, and <i>see</i>, and <i>see</i> places since we've
+landed here from home, and I say that we now do something different."</p>
+
+<p>"But this trip was planned to show you children all we could to
+enlighten you on history," replied Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"I feel so light that it would take little to waft me up to the sky,"
+said Martha, hoping so to create sympathy.</p>
+
+<p>"Now that we have completed the round of places to be visited in the
+interests of Revolutionary history, suppose we continue on our way to
+Philadelphia. There is a mine of historical places to be visited in and
+about that city; besides we will be home and we won't have to bother
+like we do in a hotel," said Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"I second that motion!" cried Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"But our week of vacation is not yet over in New York," argued Mr.
+Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, why not leave you two men behind to finish up your week, while we
+go on with the children to prepare the people of the Quaker City for the
+unexpected coming of the Little Washingtons?" laughed Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Do say yes, father!" begged Martha.</p>
+
+<p>"I see! My own daughter wants to get away from my company!" exclaimed
+Mr. Parke tragically.</p>
+
+<p>"We wouldn't if you were finished with your business affairs, but we
+know right well what will happen if we tear you away now! It will mean a
+delay all 'round," said Mrs. Parke, from former experiences.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then Sam and I will say 'good riddance' and send you off on the
+morrow's train from the Pennsylvania Station," agreed Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h3>GEORGE'S STRANGE BATTLE</h3>
+
+
+<p>That evening some city friends called at the hotel to see the Parkes and
+Davises, and wishing the children to get a good night's sleep, the
+parents decided to receive the callers in a parlor downstairs, and turn
+down the lights in their own parlor.</p>
+
+<p>After they had gone down, George felt so restless he could not keep
+quiet, so he slipped out of bed and went out to the parlor to amuse
+himself. The lights were turned up again, and a souvenir book of the
+Woolworth building was found on the table. This book had been purchased
+when they were up in the tower, but so much had been crowded in the few
+days in the city, that no one had taken time to look at the pictures.</p>
+
+<p>Now, however, George found the pictures and text very entertaining for
+want of company or something better to do. He pored over the
+illustration of the tower, wondering at the great height of the
+structure, and the manner in which it was built.</p>
+
+<p>He sat in a corner of the comfortable couch, his bare feet sticking out
+from his new pajamas purchased that very day. As he read the book, his
+eyelids drooped several times, but George always fought off sleep to the
+very last moment, so he bravely refused to give in to it now.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, as he turned a page of the book, he heard a stealthy step
+behind him, coming from the open window. He turned just in time to see a
+masked face lean over the couch, and then a great bony hand reached out
+and grabbed him under the arms and lifted him up.</p>
+
+<p>George immediately essayed to scream for help, but a hand was placed
+over his mouth, while the man growled: "You help me gag him, then we'll
+tie this towel tight about his wrists and ankles."</p>
+
+<p>This was done, while poor George was helpless to defend himself. He
+wondered if George Washington ever had such a cowardly game played on
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we'll sneak downstairs with him and watch our chance to get away,"
+whispered the man to his accomplice.</p>
+
+<p>George felt himself carried to the door, but in a sudden twist of his
+body he managed to slip out of the villain's grasp, and in rolling upon
+the floor, he upset a stand with a jardinière of flowers on it. This
+crashed down and woke up the other children, which was just what George
+wanted.</p>
+
+<p>The two rascals quickly caught up their victim again, and rushed out,
+leaving the door wide open. The three other children were heard running
+out and calling "George! George!" but he could not reply.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the two men reached the head of the stairs, the three pajamaed
+children ran out in the hall and saw them carrying George away. He saw
+them follow and heard them scream for help, but he himself was helpless
+to move or utter a sound.</p>
+
+<p>Down the many flights of stairs the two men now rushed with their
+burden, the three night-dressed children running after. On the main
+floor, they fled down the wide marble ornamental stairs and through the
+lobby, throwing people right and left as they rushed madly for the door.
+The three white-robed friends of George followed close at the heels of
+the villains.</p>
+
+<p>A hue and cry then started, and as the men reached the curb to jump into
+a waiting taxicab, the people of the hotel and the crowds on the street
+joined in the chase. The Parkes and Davises, and the children as well,
+all ran screaming to the sidewalk, yelling to every one to stop the
+runaways. George could hear this until the cab turned the corner and
+tore down Broadway.</p>
+
+<p>As the reckless driver flew downtown, George held his breath in
+constant fear of being smashed to atoms by colliding with a trolley or
+automobile crossing one of the many streets.</p>
+
+<p>Down the densely-thronged thoroughfare flew the cab, the police
+whistling signals for it to stop, and shooting revolvers at the tires to
+cause a puncture, but, strange to say, the cab escaped without a single
+damage to windows or tires.</p>
+
+<p>By the time the runaways reached Union Square, a long mob of people were
+tearing after them, all in hot pursuit of the villains. In the foremost
+ranks ran the parents and the bare-footed, night-robed children. George
+heard the men say so, as they watched from the window in the back.</p>
+
+<p>Down Fifth Avenue went the cab until it reached Washington Square. Under
+the famous Washington Arch it flew, one wheel striking the base and
+causing the cab to swerve. As it righted itself again, one of the wheels
+came loose, and so on down, down they tore in constant danger of
+throwing the wheel and being flung into a stone building or a passing
+trolley.</p>
+
+<p>That fearful shaking and fear almost made George sick, but he remembered
+how Washington must have felt when everything seemed against him and his
+country. "Did he give up and let Howe get away with him and his army?
+No, siree! He did not. Neither will I!" thought George.</p>
+
+<p>Finally the cab reached City Hall Park, and around the park it flew,
+while the two men wondered where they could go with their captive.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't cross the bridge without being arrested, you know. They have
+guards there," said one.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't go across to Liberty Island at this time of night. Can't go
+anywhere except to the Woolworth Tower!" said the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Just the place! If any one follows we will drop him off!" threatened
+the first man.</p>
+
+<p>So the cab pulled up by the side entrance to the Woolworth building, and
+the two men hustled George on an elevator inside, and made the man send
+the elevator to the top where the room was that visitors had to pass
+through to reach the tower. Here they found the man asleep, as no
+visitors were expected that night.</p>
+
+<p>They bundled George on the tiny elevator that ran to the very tip-top of
+the tower, and one of the rascals ran it up. Then they went out on the
+narrow balcony that circled the tower. As they walked around here,
+dragging George by the belt of his pajamas, they watched the mob tearing
+across City Hall Park in pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>George could look over the parapet, and he was sure he saw his mother in
+front, calling to him, 'way up in that tower. He wanted to assure her
+that he was brave and would be all right, but one of the men thought he
+was signalling to his friends.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do if some of them follow us up here and try to catch
+us?" wondered one of the men.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll warn them&mdash;we'll throw him over if they try to come up!" said
+the other, shaking a fist at the crowds in the park.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, as many as could get on the elevators, did come up to the
+room, but the small elevator that ran to the tower would only hold five
+or six at a time, and there was no one to run it. The man who slept in
+the chair could not be roused, so Mr. Parke said he would run the lift
+to the top.</p>
+
+<p>The two villains threatened in vain&mdash;George's father started for the
+balcony to save his son. Then the men lifted George upon the stone
+guard, and he could look down into the dizzy depths, where the people
+ran about like ants on the earth.</p>
+
+<p>"If you step another inch, down he goes!" roared one of the men.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do?" wailed Mrs. Parke, wringing her hands.</p>
+
+<p>While one of the men stood guard at the door that opened on the balcony,
+the other carried George around to the other side of the balcony. The
+moment George found but one man to hold him, he squirmed and wriggled so
+that he soon got out of the fellow's hold, and then he managed in some
+way to free his two hands.</p>
+
+<p>The man tried to hold him again, but with his hands free George also
+managed to free his feet. Then he jumped up and defied the rascal. As
+the man turned to call his partner, George saw that the mayor had
+ordered an aeroplane from Governor's Island to rise and save him.
+Determined to hold off the two villains long enough to give the aviators
+time to reach the tower, George ran around and around the tower&mdash;the
+door leading to the balcony having been bolted on the outside by the
+villain on guard to keep help and friends from reaching George. Then, as
+the aeroplane almost flew over George's head, the men saw it and
+realized that they would soon lose their prize unless they could catch
+him again. So one of them planned to go one way, and the other the other
+way, and so catch George before he could be carried off.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately for George, an experienced aviator flew the machine, and as
+he swooped down in a graceful loop, he dropped a tackle out and caught
+George in the back of his pajamas. Just as the two men met in a swift
+run around the balcony and bumped together, they saw their victim lifted
+out of their grasp, and they jumped to catch hold of him.</p>
+
+<p>But the plane was swiftly skimming over the city on its way to the
+hangars on Governor's Island. George never dared to move or even breathe
+for fear that the great hook would rip the madras of his pajama coat and
+so let him drop.</p>
+
+<p>The aeroplane reached the water, however, and was speeding over the bay
+to the island, when George heard an ominous r-r-rip at his back. He
+tried to call to his friend, the aviator, to haul him up, but the madras
+kept right on tearing once it started, and just as George could see the
+aviation field on the island, and could feel the aeroplane rapidly
+descending, the material in the coat gave way entirely and down plunged
+the luckless George into the deep water.</p>
+
+<p>The mayor had very thoughtfully ordered the whistles on the bay to blow,
+and many scows and other craft tied up for the night, showed lights or
+blew whistles. Just as the coat began tearing, a powerful searchlight,
+called the Sperry light, shot across the bay, and when George fell, a
+great chorus of steam-whistles started their warning signals to
+ferryboats and other ships that were still passing back and forth.</p>
+
+<p>George felt himself going down, down into the water, but it was not as
+cold as he feared it might be. He soon bobbed up on the surface, and no
+sooner had his head appeared in the great flashing pathway of light shed
+on the bay, than a submarine shot past and a long arm lifted him out of
+the water and dragged him into the hold.</p>
+
+<p>Down went the submarine, and George rubbed the salt water from his eyes
+to find himself a prisoner of some fierce-looking German pirates.</p>
+
+<p>They taunted him at first, but when the captain came in from his
+private den, they were silenced.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" demanded the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I am George Washington, commander-in-chief of the American forces!"
+proudly replied George.</p>
+
+<p>"Yah! Such a fine prize ve never hoped to get in New York vaters.
+Frents, ve sail home mit him to once, and present him to our Kaiser!"
+gloated the captain, rubbing his hands together.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately the men in the submarine went to work, and George felt the
+undersea craft fairly flying through the water. But they left him alone,
+never dreaming that he was a brave and determined fighter. When no one
+was looking, George crept over to the opening where the torpedoes were
+shoved in and launched. He had a desperate idea.</p>
+
+<p>He managed to swing a torpedo about and slide it in the tube. Then he
+managed in some marvelous manner, to close the door of the tube, first
+seating himself astride the torpedo. He pulled with all his might on a
+cord that hung inside the tube, and simultaneously with the opening of
+the steel plate in front of the torpedo, the swift missile shot forth
+from the submarine.</p>
+
+<p>George had no idea where it might strike, but he clung like a leech to
+the slippery sides, as it flew through the green waters. So swiftly did
+it fly that George never had a good look at the shark that swam up eager
+to eat him.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly something deflected the torpedo, and it rose up on the surface
+and skimmed over the top of the waves. Straight on for Brooklyn Heights
+the awful explosive went, and all George could see was General Howe
+giving the sign to hang Nathan Hale to a telegraph pole, when the
+torpedo struck and blew all of Long Island into the air. George rose
+with it, and while he tried to catch his breath, the great American
+eagle flew over his head and stretched out a claw. He was firmly held in
+this clutch, and carried dangling over the East River and right up to
+the cupola of City Hall, where the eagle had built a nest, all unknown
+to the citizens.</p>
+
+<p>George was just about to pat the eagle on the head, when the patriotic
+mayor climbed to the cupola and thanked the eagle for his services. Then
+he turned to George:</p>
+
+<p>"I knew such a great general as Washington could not be carried a
+prisoner to the Kaiser. I have kept our great American eagle roosting in
+this cupola for just such emergencies. I knew there were Black Hands and
+dangerous spies in the city, but I never dreamed they would dare to make
+off with our Washington! All of the loyal and patriotic American
+citizens of this city agreed with me, that New York needed the eagle
+here to keep trouble away, but who could tell to what lengths these bad
+men would go?&mdash;even so far as to kidnap our great and true Washington.
+Now that we have saved the city from the grasp of the enemy, who would
+have destroyed it utterly, I wish you would make a speech to the crowds
+waiting below in the park."</p>
+
+<p>George consented, and as he stood on the edge of the cupola, holding the
+mayor's hand on one side, and leaning gracefully on the American eagle
+as it stood beside him on the other side, the throngs of people cheered
+and cheered for the great general who blew up the British army on Long
+Island.</p>
+
+<p>Just as George cleared his throat to address his countrymen something
+terrible happened, and George found himself rolling on the floor of the
+hotel parlor, where he had fallen from the couch.</p>
+
+<p>He sat up and rubbed his eyes and stared around to see if the patriotic
+mayor was safe and sound, and what had become of the American eagle,
+when the elders came into the room, laughing and talking.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, George! You out of bed?" cried Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Bed! Why, I haven't had a second's time to think of bed! Ever since
+those two masked rascals, who were enemies of the mayor, grabbed me,
+I've been in so much trouble that the American eagle had to save me!"
+exclaimed George, getting up from the floor and limping over to replace
+the Woolworth souvenir on the table.</p>
+
+<p>"What <i>are</i> you all laughing at, anyway?" cried George testily, as he
+limped into his room, wishing he had had time to speak that fine speech
+he had ready.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h3>BATTLE-GROUNDS AROUND PHILADELPHIA</h3>
+
+
+<p>The next morning the ladies and children left New York for Philadelphia,
+the home of the Davises. On the journey there Mrs. Parke was begged for
+a story of the time when Washington fought so hard to protect the city
+they were bound for.</p>
+
+<p>"After leaving Brunswick, New Jersey, when Cornwallis appeared there,
+Washington retreated, leaving twelve hundred men to protect Princeton,
+and, with the rest of the army, proceeded to Trenton, on the Delaware.
+He collected and guarded all the boats on the river for seventy miles
+either side of Philadelphia, then sending the sick over to the latter
+city, he followed with baggage and equipment. Leaving the thousand men
+at Princeton to keep up the appearance of resistance to the English
+army, he was about to move his main army, when he heard that Cornwallis
+was planning to cut off his retreat across the Delaware. Hastily calling
+the men from Princeton, he began a quick retreat, and managed to get all
+his men across the river and hold the boats on the Philadelphia side,
+about the time the British army reached the river on the Jersey side.</p>
+
+<p>"As no boats were to be had, the enemy could not cross, so the American
+army had a rest on the Pennsylvania side. It was during this retreat
+from New Jersey that Washington heard of the capture of Lee, at a tavern
+near Baskingridge, where he had been sleeping some distance from his
+men.</p>
+
+<p>"When the British found they were cut off from pursuit of the American
+army, they fell to enjoying themselves in New Jersey, while waiting for
+the ice to freeze solid on the river to enable them to cross to
+Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>"But the Hessians indulged in such open cruelty that many of the
+inhabitants changed from the proffered friendship to bitter enmity.</p>
+
+<p>"On receiving news of the different cantonments and numbers of the
+British troops, Washington decided to make a bold effort to check their
+progress.</p>
+
+<p>"He formed his men into three divisions, purposing to attack the
+Hessians, 1,500 strong, where they were posted at Trenton; but in trying
+to cross the Delaware, one division, under Cadwallader, failed because
+of the tides and the piled-up ice on the Jersey bank.</p>
+
+<p>"The second division was to cross at Trenton Ferry, but this also failed
+on account of the ice. The third, under command of Washington himself,
+consisting of about 2,400 men, accomplished the passage with great
+difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>"Had not the obstacles and weather prevented the other two divisions
+from joining Washington in this fight, the result of this masterly
+stroke would have been to sweep the British from their holds on the
+Delaware, and thus establish a firm foothold in New Jersey. As it was,
+Washington had to forbear a final battle, and remain satisfied with
+having won a partial victory. He re-crossed the river with his
+prisoners, six pieces of artillery, 1,000 stand of arms, and valuable
+military stores.</p>
+
+<p>"This victory revived the spirits of the army, and every spark of
+patriotism in the land was burning brightly, when Washington again
+crossed the Delaware with 5,000 men to recover as much as possible of
+the territory overrun by the British.</p>
+
+<p>"Cornwallis was on the point of sailing for England, thinking the
+campaign ended for the winter season, when he was compelled to resume
+command of his forces.</p>
+
+<p>"Battle between the two armies raged all day, and at dark the British,
+confident of victory the following morning, desisted.</p>
+
+<p>"During the night Washington silently decamped, leaving fire burning and
+sentinels advanced, while small parties guarded the forts. By circuitous
+route, the Americans approached Princeton, where an engagement with the
+British took place at daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>"When the Americans drove headlong on, the British took refuge in the
+college, but later surrendered to the Americans.</p>
+
+<p>"On the coming of daylight, Cornwallis discovered the flight of the
+American army, and soon afterward heard firing from the direction of
+Princeton. He immediately understood the wise tactics of the American
+commander, and fearing for the safety of Brunswick, where valuable
+magazines were collected, he advanced toward that place, and was close
+upon the rear of the American army before they could leave Princeton.</p>
+
+<p>"Now Washington found himself in a perilous position. His men were
+exhausted from lack of food and rest for two days and nights; he was
+pursued by the enemy, very superior in forces, well clothed, fed and
+rested, who would overtake him before he could fulfil his plan to take
+Brunswick. Under these circumstances he abandoned the project, and took
+the road leading up the country to Pluckimin, breaking down the bridges
+over Millstone Creek and other streams, and otherwise creating obstacles
+to the pursuit of the enemy; but Cornwallis hastened to Brunswick, where
+he found all plans had been perfected for the removal of the stores and
+defence of the place.</p>
+
+<p>"But now came the retribution for the British, who had afflicted the
+Jerseymen on previous trips and stays. The people hung upon the steps of
+the retiring army and wreaked vengeance on the men whenever opportunity
+offered itself.</p>
+
+<p>"Washington fell back on Morristown, in the hills of New Jersey,
+difficult of access, and from this point, where his winter quarters were
+made, he overran different sections of Jersey, and by judicious
+movements, wrested from the British most of their conquests in the
+state. Thus terminated the eventful campaign of 1776.</p>
+
+<p>"The success of Washington in the Jerseys permitted Congress to meet
+again in Philadelphia in February, where they determined to interest
+foreign countries in their fight for Liberty.</p>
+
+<p>"Franklin and Lee were sent to Paris to enlist the help and sympathies
+of France, and thus it was that the valiant Marquis de Lafayette was
+destined to shed glory over the Land of Liberty. In the spring, he
+reached America and joined Washington's army, with the rank of
+major-general.</p>
+
+<p>"Another illustrious name that braced the muster-roll of the American
+warriors that year, was that of the gallant Count Pulaski, the
+courageous Pole.</p>
+
+<p>"In August, after many encounters with the British at other places,
+Washington moved his army. They marched through Philadelphia down Front
+Street, and up Chestnut Street, proceeding by way of Chester to
+Wilmington. From that time on, for two weeks, Washington thoroughly
+reconnoitered the country round about between Philadelphia and the
+Chesapeake.</p>
+
+<p>"General Howe landed his British forces a few days' march from
+Philadelphia, where he expected to gain the right of the American army.</p>
+
+<p>"After many engagements, the British army being very superior in numbers
+and equipment, Washington was gradually forced to retreat, and Howe took
+possession of Philadelphia."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Parke suddenly concluded the story to the surprise of the audience,
+and George instantly said: "That isn't half of the story. You skipped a
+lot about the British before they could get in Philadelphia, and you
+never said a word about the headquarters at Brandywine, or the Battle of
+Brandywine!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, as you know it so well, why don't you tell it to us?" suggested
+Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to. We'd rather hear you tell it," replied George
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"But I'm tired of telling it. Let Martha tell it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I only know about Chew's House and Red Bank and some other places
+in New Jersey that year," protested Martha.</p>
+
+<p>"I know all about Valley Forge, and the dreadful time our army had that
+winter," remarked Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I thought it was time to ring for some light refreshments, as we
+will be in Philadelphia in less than half an hour, and it will be past
+luncheon time when we arrive," hinted Mrs. Parke, who had other motives
+for not continuing the story of Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>To this new arrangement the children immediately agreed, and the wars
+were forgotten in the far more interesting present campaign on luncheon.</p>
+
+<p>The small tables were brought in and opened before the travellers, to
+the great delight of George and Martha, who had never lunched this way
+before, although Jack and Anne had spoken of it, when they travelled
+from Philadelphia to Washington.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we will each have a cup of consommé," said Mrs. Parke, reading
+from the small menu card.</p>
+
+<p>"That's plain soup!" scorned George.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want it&mdash;do you?" asked Martha, appealing to Anne and Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"We'd rather have something nicer," replied they.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Parke ignored these side murmurs and continued ordering.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you can bring us some cold beef, bread and butter, cheese and
+crackers, and milk for the children. We ladies will have a cup of tea."</p>
+
+<p>"Yas'sam!" replied the polite waiter, leaving the car.</p>
+
+<p>"But what are we going to eat? You never give us cheese at home!" cried
+Martha in dismay.</p>
+
+<p>"You can have the consommé, crackers and milk. If you care to have a bit
+of cold beef, you may," replied Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"But you didn't order any pie, or cake, or ice cream!" remonstrated
+George, almost speechless with surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"No, because they only have a buffet lunch, I find. They haven't any hot
+dishes, or desserts other than the kind ready-made by companies. As you
+know, I never care to have you eat pies or ice cream made in
+factories."</p>
+
+<p>That luncheon, so eagerly looked forward to when suggested, was a
+dreadful failure! Only soup and plain crackers and milk that one could
+get at home any time for the asking!</p>
+
+<p>Arriving in Philadelphia, Mrs. Davis remarked as she noted the
+disappointed look of the children:</p>
+
+<p>"I know where there is a fine soda-fountain near here, and they serve
+the best ice cream!" said she.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, let's!" sighed Martha.</p>
+
+<p>And Mrs. Parke, knowing opposition to be futile, followed after the
+eager group as they hurried to the corner drug store.</p>
+
+<p>A taxicab soon took them to the Davises' house, where the children were
+engaged all afternoon, in visiting the entire house and trying out the
+toys in the playroom.</p>
+
+<p>As the two ladies sat in the upstairs sitting-room, Mrs. Davis said: "Do
+tell me what caused you to suddenly change your mind about including the
+story of Washington's campaign in and about Philadelphia?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I remembered that, with a story so fresh in their minds, they
+might try to play it out on the Philadelphians. If you or I should
+happen to go shopping, or be invited out to tea, we might return to find
+Washington's army charging on Chestnut Street, or retreating to the
+police-station!" Mrs. Parke laughingly answered her.</p>
+
+<p>"It will not need refreshed memories to bring about such battles. They
+are apt to open an active campaign without notice, at any time or
+place," laughed Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"Still, I think it wiser to save Philadelphia's war troubles until we
+are safe back home on the estate," said Mrs. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this conversation, the ladies heard laughter and the patter
+of feet upstairs in the large playroom, and felt sure the four cousins
+were playing as other children did, with dolls and trains of cars, and
+rocking-horses and other numerous toys.</p>
+
+<p>But the uproar grew so loud that finally the two mothers went up to see
+what was going on.</p>
+
+<p>As usual, George was commander-in-chief of the army and Jack was Howe.
+Martha was Lafayette and Anne was Cornwallis. The dolls, tin soldiers,
+stuffed animals, and everything in the imitation of any living thing
+were arrayed in two lines, facing each other. George was furiously
+riding a rocking-horse, while waving a tin sword wildly about his head.
+Howe stood on the window-seat issuing orders to his side. Lafayette and
+Cornwallis stood back of their lines, shooting peas at the helpless
+armies. For every tin soldier or saw-dust doll shot down, a great whoop
+of cheer came from the victorious side. When two victims, one on each
+side, fell at the same time, the yells were deafening.</p>
+
+<p>So enthused were the warriors that they failed to note the door opening
+a wee bit, so the ladies withdrew again, happy to find the children
+playing quietly (?) in the house.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h3>A FIGHT WITH THE HESSIANS</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Children, have you planned to do anything this morning?" asked Mrs.
+Davis, at breakfast the following morning after their arrival.</p>
+
+<p>"What did you expect to do?" countered George.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, nothing much, but it looks so much like rain, and the Scotch mist
+is so heavy and cold, I thought you children could play upstairs this
+morning while aunty and I do some shopping downtown. We will be home for
+lunch and take you to a matinee if you will be good," promised Mrs.
+Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"Cross your heart?" demanded Jack, for matinees were rare treats, as
+Mrs. Davis thought children were better off at wholesome play in the
+fresh air, than sitting in a crowded theatre watching make-believe
+scenes on the stage.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I'll take you to Barnum's Circus, showing this week in
+Philadelphia."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, goody! goody! We'll be good, all right!" cried George.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed we will. If it clears off some we might play basket-ball out in
+the backyard, that's all," promised Anne.</p>
+
+<p>So the ladies started downtown with assurances that the four cousins
+would be models of virtue and good behavior until noon when they would
+look for their reward.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after they left, the mist lifted and the air grew warmer and
+pleasant.</p>
+
+<p>"It's kind of stuffy in the house, isn't it?" said Jack, after a heated
+bout with George, where both wore boxing gloves, and the girls were
+umpires.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, let's go out and cool off," agreed George, mopping his face.</p>
+
+<p>"We can play out in the backyard, you know," suggested Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm so warm I don't want to play ball, but let's go out anyway," said
+George.</p>
+
+<p>So the four ran downstairs and out of the rear hall-door to the piazza
+that had steps leading down to the square of grass that was used for
+drying clothes. Back of this plot was a small garden that was cultivated
+in the summer, but was now chiefly used for a basket-ball ground.</p>
+
+<p>The wash was out, so the grass-plot was impossible for the children, and
+they skirted the laundry and reached the barren garden.</p>
+
+<p>"What's on the other side of your high fence?" asked George, eyeing the
+six-foot boards that had nice cross-pieces at convenient distance from
+the ground to the top.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, only a big vacant lot. Father says the owners have had trouble
+over the title to it for so many years, that now they couldn't improve
+it even if they had the money left to do it on," said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"And every kind of youngster from down in those tenements comes up in
+that lot to play," added Anne, with disgust.</p>
+
+<p>Voices were now heard on the other side of the fence and George looked
+at his companions.</p>
+
+<p>"Guess I'll climb up and sit on top and watch 'em."</p>
+
+<p>"So'll I! That won't do any harm, I guess," said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>Anne and Martha watched their brothers climb up, and then following,
+they all sat on the smooth round top of the fence.</p>
+
+<p>Some boys from the tenements were about to have a game of baseball. At
+first, they failed to see the four spectators sitting on the fence. When
+they did, however, their remarks were not flattering.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! See the sports up on the bleachers!" cried one.</p>
+
+<p>"Come down and we'll show you how we bat!" called another, and at this
+his friends all jeered.</p>
+
+<p>Jack wrinkled his nose and stuck his tongue in his cheek, making a wry
+face at the last speaker.</p>
+
+<p>That led to more remarks from the diamond, and more faces from all four
+perched on the fence; finally, at a taunting sneer from one of the team
+on the diamond, Jack replied angrily.</p>
+
+<p>Over at one side of this large vacant area was a depression that
+generally held muddy water from past rain storms. It seldom filtered
+into the earth, and the sun not reaching that side of the property,
+failed to dry it up. Hence, the younger children from the tenements
+played in this large puddle, sailing boats, or throwing stones to watch
+the splash.</p>
+
+<p>As Jack retorted, one of the boys standing near the puddle, stooped and
+flung a handful of dripping mud at the fence. It struck low, but George
+instantly shouted:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you do that again! It's against the law to throw things in city
+limits!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! Lot you know about law! Why, sissy, we're a law by ourselves!"
+laughed one of the boys, going over to pick up a handful of the ooze.</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the gang instantly followed their leader, and before the
+four on the fence could imagine what would follow, the air was filled
+with flying mud-balls. Some struck the fence, some flew over and
+spattered the clean white clothes, and some struck the four defiant
+citizens on the fence, although they ducked and dodged many of the
+missiles.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we jump down and let them laugh at us?" asked Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you dare! Even if you do I won't!" cried Anne, too furious to
+wonder what might be the result of this fracas.</p>
+
+<p>"I should say <i>double no</i>! For a dare, I'd jump over and fight them!"
+declared George.</p>
+
+<p>"Wish we had our air-rifles!" said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Are they fighters? Do they play fair?" asked George.</p>
+
+<p>"Fight! Like tigers, but they don't know what fairness means. The whole
+mob'd just as soon light on you if you went over as they would throw
+these mud-balls," sneered Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's all four attack them!" ventured Martha, who was as daring as
+George.</p>
+
+<p>"There are six of them&mdash;besides the mob that will run the minute they
+sniff a fight!" warned Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"I've got it! Let's jump down, run alongside the house by the areaway,
+and get out on the street. We can run around the corner and get to the
+empty lot from the street, then they will be taken by surprise and can't
+run away," suggested Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to goodness we had two other friends," sighed Jack, as the four
+dropped from the fence to the wild jeering of the six boys on the other
+side.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Jack! Maybe Bob and Dick are home by this time. You know, when we
+went away, they were expected back from the country that Saturday," said
+Anne significantly.</p>
+
+<p>As the children ran across the garden they beheld with dismay that the
+lovely white clothes on the lines were now all bespattered with mud.
+This made them determined to mete out judgment.</p>
+
+<p>"Coo-ooh! Bo-ob!" shouted Jack, as he stood under the neighboring
+dining-room window.</p>
+
+<p>"Come ahead out, Dick!" yelled Anne, making a megaphone of her hands.</p>
+
+<p>Two heads appeared at the side window almost immediately.</p>
+
+<p>"When did you get home?" called Bob, raising the sash.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind that! Hurry out&mdash;Dick and you! Big fight on," said Jack
+hurriedly, running to the street.</p>
+
+<p>Bob and Dick needed no further incentives, but were soon with the other
+four children on the sidewalk.</p>
+
+<p>"Where?" was all they said.</p>
+
+<p>"Empty lot back of our house. Those boys dirtied all of Bridget's clean
+clothes and pelted us with mud too, besides insulting and doing lots of
+things to us!" said Jack, while the six comrades, friends on the spot
+without introductions to the two southern cousins, ran around the corner
+of the street.</p>
+
+<p>When they reached the vacant lot, however, they hid back of the stone
+steps belonging to the adjoining house, and peeped about the corner to
+see what chances they had for a victory.</p>
+
+<p>To their delight they found that the two larger boys had been called
+away for some reason, and only four boys of their own size were left
+playing ball in a half-hearted way.</p>
+
+<p>"Agh! dem sissies ain't fighters! I t'ought sure dey would come ober de
+fence and pitch in!" said one of the ball-players to his companions.</p>
+
+<p>"Yeh! So'd I. Ef Bill and Huck stayed here, we coul' have chased 'em
+over into their own yard and licked 'em!" said another.</p>
+
+<p>At this information, George exchanged glances with Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we warn them, or just fall in?" asked he.</p>
+
+<p>"Did Washington send a polite letter to Howe or any of the British, when
+he started a fight?" was all Jack replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Here you, Bob&mdash;you tackle that red-headed fellow. Dick&mdash;you take care
+of the fat one. Jack can fight the thin one and I'll take charge of that
+freckled scrawny one&mdash;I can fight better than any of you, I guess!"
+planned George hurriedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Here! here, what about us two girls! Can't we help?" cried Martha, with
+deep grief at the turn events appeared to be taking.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure! You watch and warn us, and if the other two fellows come back,
+you blow this whistle for help!" advised Jack, handing his
+newly-acquired police-whistle to Anne.</p>
+
+<p>Before the four ball players could well understand who was rushing, or
+what the four boys were about, each one of the Washington forces had
+picked his man and was already busy on the offensive.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments, the ball players, termed by George the low-down
+Hessians, recognized the two boys from the fence-top and with a yell of
+fury, pitched in to fight with all their strength.</p>
+
+<p>George bawled out orders for his companions to follow, and at every
+fresh attack upon the Hessians, the four Americans whooped and fell to
+with renewed lust of battle.</p>
+
+<p>Martha and Anne were deeply interested in hoping and watching for the
+Hessians&mdash;those cruel heartless fellows, who had injured and destroyed
+the lives and properties of the American citizens at Brunswick,
+Princeton, and other Jersey towns. It served them good and right to have
+Washington's men flay the breath out of them.</p>
+
+<p>But the Hessians were almost spent and ready to give up when Cornwallis,
+in the form of two pals from the tenements, came along and seeing the
+battle, added reinforcements to their almost vanquished army.</p>
+
+<p>Now Washington was desperate. He and his men were out-numbered by the
+arrival of the new forces, who were fresh and somewhat larger than the
+rest of the Hessians, and this meant watchful and wary war.</p>
+
+<p>But they had not counted on Anne and Martha. The moment the two
+reinforcements from the Hessians arrived, Martha cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Come on, Anne! Let's throw mud at them!"</p>
+
+<p>Mud-balls flew thick and fast for a time, and every one&mdash;Americans as
+well as Hessians&mdash;was blinded, choked, or spattered before Anne
+remembered the whistle! Neither Jack nor she knew what would happen if
+it were used. They had heard, however, that in times of dire need help
+would come upon the blowing of a whistle.</p>
+
+<p>The whistle did bring help. But Anne wished she had not used it when she
+saw a strange officer run across the street, and rush into the mob of
+boys where nothing but flying fists could be seen. The Hessians were
+accustomed to being routed by the police, and instantly took to their
+heels, leaving the battle-field to the American forces.</p>
+
+<p>The officer thought the four remaining boys were also from the tenement
+district, as their clothes were torn and spattered with mud. He mustered
+them in a group, and was about to march them off to the station-house,
+when the fat laundress from the Davises' house mounted a ladder she had
+placed against the fence, determined to investigate the cause of the mud
+which she had found all over her clean laundry.</p>
+
+<p>The policeman was a friend of Bridget's, and she berated the "durty
+varmints," who ruined her week's washing. She shook two great fists at
+the four boys, but not until the two girls had explained, would they
+believe that the boys had been erstwhile clean, decent citizens fighting
+under Washington's command.</p>
+
+<p>So the battle with the Hessians ended, and the American troops had to
+retreat to their "fastnesses in the Jersey Hills."</p>
+
+<p>As the six warriors and the policeman walked up the street where the
+houses of the children stood, a taxicab pulled up alongside the curb and
+stopped before the Davises' house. Two ladies alighted, and one of them
+paid the chauffeur. As they turned to go up the steps of the house, the
+vanquished army met them.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, mother, that was a great battle, and I'm sure those Hessians
+will know better than to attack defenceless people again," bragged
+George, trying to see from a swollen eye.</p>
+
+<p>"Not defenceless&mdash;but 'on-the-fence' Americans," corrected Jack,
+tittering.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh! Are these our children?" wailed Mrs. Davis, backing away from
+the muddy, tattered group.</p>
+
+<p>"They says they are&mdash;and Miss Bridget&mdash;she oughter know when she sees
+'em. She says dey are belongin' here, all right!" said the officer,
+grinning at their plight.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you find them, officer?" asked Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"Yander, on the nex' block! They were fighting with a lot of ruffians,"
+said the officer, lifting his hat and preparing to leave.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, thank you so much for taking care of them! And do buy some candy
+for your children at home, officer!" said Mrs. Davis, handing the man a
+dollar.</p>
+
+<p>The children then proudly related the "Battle of the Hessians." The
+mothers, however, were not impressed, and soundly reproved them for
+their failure to keep the promise of good behavior.</p>
+
+<p>As they left the dining-room after lunch, Mrs. Parke remarked: "We
+secured tickets for the circus, but I don't see why we should take you
+performers when you manage to have all the circus you want without
+troubling us."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you suppose we hurried and bathed and combed our hair and
+dressed up for, if not for the circus this afternoon?" complained Jack,
+thinking of all the wasted moments used to make his neck clean, and to
+brush down his unruly cow-licks.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely you didn't expect to come into this dining-room covered with mud
+and rags, did you?" cried Mrs. Davis, aghast.</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly, but we didn't have to <i>waste</i> so much soap and hot water,
+if we thought you were going to turn traitor. I'm not surprised
+Washington had such a hard time in that war, when even his own relations
+went back on him&mdash;after he fought for the honor of his people the way
+he did!" grumbled George.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd just as soon be born a descendant of Howe as to have folks
+misunderstand your Americanism!" added Jack.</p>
+
+<p>But this was too much for the mothers, who were Daughters of the
+Revolution, and although the connection between Washington at Princeton
+fighting the Hessians seemed to have nothing in common with the boys of
+the tenement alleys, they felt the spirit of patriotism that had moved
+their army to enter the defence of the place.</p>
+
+<p>So, in spite of the dire need of punishment for four fighting Americans,
+they were treated to the circus instead. And the event of the battle in
+the morning was quite erased from their minds when they came forth from
+that wonderful place, having feasted their eyes on animals, tricks,
+clowns too funny to describe, trapeze actors, acrobats, and too many
+things to remember all at once.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h3>FAREWELLS TO WASHINGTON</h3>
+
+
+<p>Letters came from New York, stating that Mr. Parke and Mr. Davis would
+be in Philadelphia the following day, so if the children had not yet
+visited various sights of historic interest, they would escort them
+about and give the ladies a rest.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, I'll tell you, mother! It is my birthday, you see, the day after
+to-morrow, and you promised me a party this year. While father and uncle
+take us about, you and Aunt Kate can fix up a fine party at home. Ask
+every one you know and let's play Hallowe'en games, even if it is too
+soon," said Jack coaxingly.</p>
+
+<p>"It would be nice to have that party while your cousins are here,"
+admitted Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, aunty, you don't know what a good worker mother is when there's a
+party to be made ready!" exclaimed Martha eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"That settles it! Aunty must work for the party," laughed Mrs. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll all work for it. You just tell us what to do, and see if we can't
+hustle!" bragged Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you will be glad to crack walnuts and shell them for cake,
+eh?" teased Mrs. Parke, who knew of her children's failing in that line
+of work.</p>
+
+<p>"Try me!" laughed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>So it was hastily decided to celebrate Jack's birthday with a sort of
+Hallowe'en party, although it was only the middle of October. And every
+one went to work on the plan for the celebration.</p>
+
+<p>About a dozen invitations were sent out, which, with the four cousins,
+would make sixteen guests for the party; this was said to be quite
+enough for a jolly time. Then cakes, prizes and other things had to be
+prepared, and in the midst of the pleasant excitement the two fathers
+arrived.</p>
+
+<p>"Seen all of Philadelphia, I suppose," said Mr. Parke later in the
+evening.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing but the battle-field between the Hessians and Washingtons,"
+said George.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what does that mean?" asked Mr. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>So the boys told about the fight, in terms to suit their patriotic sense
+of the affair, so that it did not appear to the men as having been just
+an ordinary brawl between two hostile factions, but that is what both
+the ladies persisted in calling it.</p>
+
+<p>The next day the two men escorted the four children as promised, Mr.
+Davis using the automobile for the trip. They visited the old state
+house, Girard College, the Custom House and Subtreasury, and the new
+city hall, which had cost more than $20,000,000, and is one of the
+finest and largest of municipal buildings in the United States. The
+statue of William Penn crowns the top of its dome. Then, too, they saw
+the post office, built of granite, which, they were told, has no
+superior in postal buildings in the country.</p>
+
+<p>In the state house the four little patriots saw a large apartment on the
+first floor which the men said was Independence Hall. It was decorated
+with quaint carvings, and pictures of famous Americans adorned its
+walls. Many of the chairs used by the members of Congress in 1776 still
+stood here to remind the children of that great event&mdash;the reading and
+signing of the Declaration of Independence, executed in this city.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, children, let us go and see the famous Liberty Bell. After that we
+will visit the rooms where Colonial relics are kept on exhibition," said
+Mr. Davis.</p>
+
+<p>The children looked well at the token of what the great Revolution stood
+for, and having read the inscription and felt sorry for the crack in its
+side, they followed Mr. Parke to other sights.</p>
+
+<p>They drove to Carpenters Hall, the building where the first Colonial
+Congress met, the board that abetted Washington in his endeavors for
+his country. Then they saw the William Penn dwelling, moved to Fairmount
+Park. They visited Christ Church, where Washington worshipped when
+president. Also Old Swedes Church, which was a memento of the old days.</p>
+
+<p>Then, among the modern places of interest, they took the children to
+Masonic Temple, because Mr. Davis was a Free Mason, and was very proud
+of the granite structure. Then they drove past the Academy of Fine Arts,
+containing the pioneer art collection of the United States, as the
+children did not particularly care to go in and examine the objects.</p>
+
+<p>They stopped for a short time in the Academy of Natural Sciences, where
+the oldest and most extensive collection of natural history objects can
+be found.</p>
+
+<p>From there they passed the Ridgway Library, the United States Naval
+Asylum, and many other great and well-known buildings. In Fairmount Park
+they visited the Memorial and Horticultural halls, both being handsome
+souvenir buildings from the Centennial Exhibition of 1876.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you two Southerners know who first settled our fine city?"
+asked Mr. Davis, as they came from the museum and climbed into the
+automobile again.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I think Benjamin Franklin did, didn't he, Jack?" said George,
+taken unawares.</p>
+
+<p>"No; William Penn did. He located and planned the city, and also made it
+the chief city of his province of Pennsylvania. He also settled the
+first order of 'Friends' in this country, and because the name
+'Philadelphia' means 'brotherly love,' he called it that. In 1701 Penn
+granted the town a charter, which constituted it a city with city
+privileges.</p>
+
+<p>"Benjamin Franklin, who lived in Philadelphia during the greater part of
+the eighteenth century, planned many of its institutions, such as the
+fire department, libraries, parks, and other public places. As Congress
+first met here, and continued to do so after the British evacuation,
+Philadelphia became the seat of government from the year 1790 to 1800.
+The United States mint was built and established here in 1892."</p>
+
+<p>On the homeward drive the children passed the oldest public library in
+the United States, founded by Benjamin Franklin, containing about
+175,000 volumes.</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow, if you like, we will drive you out to the suburbs of
+Germantown, Manayunk, and Frankford, thence on to the places where you
+have heard of the battles Washington fought with the British," promised
+Mr. Davis, as they reached the house and wearily climbed the front
+steps.</p>
+
+<p>But the party engaged so much attention that the trip to historic spots
+was almost forgotten in the flood of events which followed.</p>
+
+<p>Every one invited came, of course, and besides Bob and Dick, the boys
+next door, there were other girls and boys of Jack's age. As it was said
+to be a premature Hallowe'en party, because the two cousins would soon
+be going home again, no one brought a birthday gift, as most of the
+guests had forgotten entirely that it was the date of Jack's birthday.</p>
+
+<p>But he had received a gift from uncle Parke that morning that fully
+recompensed him for the lack of any others. He found the small box at
+his breakfast plate held something that made a significant noise, as it
+regularly ticked away inside the paper wrapper and satin-cushioned case.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I know what this is&mdash;right off without opening it!" cried Jack,
+jumping up to run and throw his arms about his uncle.</p>
+
+<p>Anne did not wait for him to finish his violent protestations of
+affection, but broke the string and tore away the paper. By this time
+Jack was back at his chair to rescue the gift, and upon opening the
+spring lid, a boy's fine watch was displayed to his delighted eyes.</p>
+
+<p>It was then passed around and admired by every one, George handling it
+longingly, while Mr. Parke shook his head in a knowing manner.</p>
+
+<p>Jack had other gifts, but the watch was the most treasured of all. What
+boy or girl does not worship his first watch, and find it necessary to
+consult the time every few minutes during the first days it is carried?</p>
+
+<p>That night the watch was much in evidence, and every one present had to
+hear it tick or handle it before full justice could be done to it.</p>
+
+<p>When the guests were assembled, they played different games, and for the
+diving contests, blindfolded games, and other guessing amusements,
+suitable prizes had been provided, which added greatly to the evening's
+enjoyment. Then, just as the two men went out to the dining-room to
+light the pumpkin jack-o-lantern and put the finishing touches to the
+witches' cave, where Mrs. Parke sat, dressed like an old gray-haired
+sibyl, a fearful rattling sounded on the front windows.</p>
+
+<p>"Some one's playing tick-tack!" cried Jack excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"But who can it be?&mdash;all the boys are here to-night!" said Dick. Bob and
+George hurried to open the front door to run out on the piazza and see
+if they could find the string that is used to fasten a nail or other
+metal object so it will strike the glass when drawn sharply by some one
+hiding across the street. But no sooner had they passed the threshold
+than a large bag of flour descended upon their innocent heads, breaking
+open and covering them with white, and causing them to choke and cough
+furiously.</p>
+
+<p>The other children had followed to the hall, and now seeing what had
+happened to the two scouts, they stood together, not daring to move
+nearer the door. Jack and Dick, believing the flour-bag trick to be one
+of Mr. Davis's practical jokes, rushed out to capture him, but both boys
+tripped over a string stretched across the steps and rolled down the
+four steps going to the street. At the same time, dreadful cabbages,
+tomatoes, and every other form of vegetable used for saluting unwelcome
+stage performers, were showered plentifully into the hallway and
+against the windows.</p>
+
+<p>"The Hessians! The Hessians!" yelled George, spluttering flour from his
+mouth to give the battle-cry of the Washingtons.</p>
+
+<p>In another moment the American army was running in full pursuit of the
+enemy. The six boys who had not known of the party, but took this
+evening to show their attentions to the "American army," were
+out-numbered and quickly outdistanced. When Jack and George, and their
+two boy neighbors, caught up with the rear guard of the Hessians, they
+fell upon them with great gusto. The other six boys soon came up, and
+had not the old friendly officer hurried up to see what all the
+hullabaloo was about, the chances are the Hessians would have been
+entirely destroyed and Howe would have lost a signal battle. Even as it
+was, the six Hessians were carried from the field of battle with sore
+heads, black eyes, skinned shins and lame backs.</p>
+
+<p>"My! Nothing like a little fight to give one an appetite, eh?" laughed
+Jack, as he and his friends went back to the party.</p>
+
+<p>The boys were not much the worse for the scuffle; their hair was
+tousled, collars loosened, and ties hanging, but that was about all the
+damage done them. The witch in the cave, and the two gentlemen who
+offered to serve refreshments, had not heard a thing of the assault
+until Martha ran into the dining-room with the news.</p>
+
+<p>"We licked the Hessians! They got it this time!"</p>
+
+<p>Without a second's hesitation (so certain were these parents of their
+children's tendencies), the fathers and Mrs. Parke rushed out to the
+hall to meet the victorious warriors returning from the scene of battle.</p>
+
+<p>Although parents may try to dampen the ardor of youth from such warlike
+fun as battles and assaults on an enemy, still it was in the blood of
+these little Washingtons, and would crop up when chance offered as
+naturally as General Washington rode his white charger on to victory.</p>
+
+<p>The supper was greatly enjoyed, not only for the great plates of cake
+and deep cereal-bowls of ice cream that were passed and passed in
+endless procession, but for the realization also that one great battle
+had been won over the Hessians without as much as bloodshed on the side
+of the Americans.</p>
+
+<p>A few days after this party, the Davises accompanied their relatives to
+the station, where the Parkes boarded a train bound for Washington. A
+few hours later they reached that fine city, and took a trolley about to
+leave for the nearest road that passed their country estate.</p>
+
+<p>Late that same afternoon, as the travellers walked up the driveway, they
+spied Jim and old mammy waiting with the baby on the front veranda, to
+welcome them.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, George! I almost forgot we had a baby at home during all the
+wonderful travels and sights we have had since leaving home almost ten
+days ago!" sighed Martha, with compunction.</p>
+
+<p>"And just see how funny Jim looks! Why, he isn't half as big as I
+thought he was. Jim, maybe we haven't a lot to tell you! Oh, Jim, <i>what
+a fight</i> we gave those Hessians when we drove them from Philadelphia!"
+cried George, as he went running up the pathway.</p>
+
+<p>But Mrs. Parke had not forgotten she had a baby at home, as old mammy
+could testify, for long letters had reached her daily, advising and
+reminding her what to do for baby while she was away on this unusual
+visit.</p>
+
+<p>That dinner was a happy reunion; not only for mother and baby, but also
+for the faithful colored help. And what do you suppose Jim did?</p>
+
+<p>George and Martha were so eager to explain all about the historic sights
+and places they had visited, that they could not wait for the next
+morning, so Jim was invited to sit at the table when fruit and nuts were
+served, and there he rolled his widened eyes dangerously backward when
+he heard about the battle with the Hessians.</p>
+
+<p>"Jim, that was a <i>real</i> fight! Not the make-believe kind we always play
+down here!" said Martha impressively.</p>
+
+<p>"And, Jim, you can believe those Hessians knew <i>how</i> to fight, too. But
+it took Washington's army to lick them, didn't it, father?" gloated
+George, mentally patting himself on the back.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and I remember the story of a great battle waged on Brooklyn
+Heights, when Washington had to cross the East River in the fog. That
+scene will never be forgotten by many of the New Yorkers who felt sure
+they had cornered the Black Hand and kidnappers of some very sweet
+little angels," remarked Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"Father! Who told you about it?" asked Martha, who had felt quite sure
+that not one of the elders had discovered anything at all about that
+long-to-be-remembered escapade.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, the American eagle whispered it in my ear when we came in from
+the theatre party that night!" teased Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>Then George had to tell Jim all about that battle on the roof when they
+were dressed in the bellboys' uniforms. And Jim sighed and sighed, and
+wondered why it was the lot of some folks to have all the joys of life,
+while others have bandy-legs and stay at home! Ah, Jim, such is life! I
+have never been able to explain the cause of such partiality, either.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, George, tell Jim about your wonderful dream, when the Germans
+captured you in the submarine and you escaped on the torpedo!"</p>
+
+<p>Here was another marvelous tale for the most attentive of listeners, and
+Jim's eyes opened again, wider and wider as George described his
+experience, and it lost nothing of its weirdness and wonder in the
+telling, either.</p>
+
+<p>Then he stopped the story just as the American eagle dropped to let him
+slide off from the cupola, but failed to explain to Jim that it was all
+a dream.</p>
+
+<p>"Jim, do you know what saved George from bumping his head on the ground
+of City Hall Park that day?" asked Mr. Parke.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sah, Ah don'. He diden bump, did he?" worried Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"No, because we all came into the room in time to wake him out of his
+nightmare. He was on the floor, where he had rolled when he fell from
+the couch."</p>
+
+<p>Jim pondered this information deeply, and that night in bed, as his
+mammy was turning over to see if it was daylight, he sat up and
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, mammy! Dat mus' hab been a dream Garge had!" Then he cuddled down
+again and was fast asleep in another moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, whad's dat chile talkin' uv in his sleep? He shore is a queer lil'
+honey-boy!" sighed mammy, finding she still had an hour before it was
+time to rise and get breakfast for the master.</p>
+
+<p>John came home from his visit to his great-aunt the day following the
+arrival of the Parkes, and many new and exciting experiences had to be
+retold. John had some of his own that were quite as exciting in their
+way as the battle with the Hessians, but he has to tell them in the next
+book of the little Washingtons.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Parke wrote to thank Mrs. Davis for the lovely visit they all
+enjoyed in Philadelphia, and at the last, she had a revelation. Both
+ladies had wondered and wondered what caused the battle between
+Washington's army and the Hessians that day, and now that Mrs. Parke
+thought again over the event and retraced her steps mentally, she
+suddenly remembered the half-finished story told to the children on the
+cars from New York to Philadelphia. They had heard enough of the warfare
+between the Americans and British on the Delaware, that they needed no
+more of a cue to start on.</p>
+
+<p>So she explained to her friend what had been the cause of the spirit of
+'76 showing itself so powerfully in the four cousins that day the wash
+was covered with mud from the back lot.</p>
+
+<p>"And do you know, my dear, I am greatly relieved now, when I remember
+that the most dangerous period of George Washington's career is over.
+From now on I shall only touch lightly on the battles he fought with the
+British, so that the children cannot try them out in real life. But it
+will be a satisfaction to have them play President and Lady Washington
+in the White House, and later, when Washington returns to his farm to
+spend his days there, that will be very quiet, acceptable fun, I think."</p>
+
+<p>But Mrs. Parke forgot that her children, as well as John and Jim, their
+playmates, were not of the kind that cared for quiet play. So she still
+had many experiences before her that resulted from the reading of George
+Washington's life history.</p>
+
+<p>And naturally, the little Washingtons had loads of fun in applying this
+history, as you will see when you read the next book of their doings,
+called "Little Washington at School."</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE END</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+
+<h3>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS SERIES</h3>
+
+<h3>By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY</h3>
+
+<h3>For Children 6 to 12 Years</h3>
+
+
+<p>This series presents early American history in a manner that impresses
+the young readers. George and Martha Washington Parke, two young
+descendants of the famous General Washington, follow in play, the life
+of the great American.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS</h3>
+
+<p>Their thrilling battles and expeditions generally end in "punishment"
+lessons read by Mrs. Parke from the "Life of Washington." The culprits
+listen intently, for this reading generally gives them new ideas for
+further games of Indian warfare and Colonists battles.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' RELATIVES</h3>
+
+<p>The Davis children visit the Parke home and join zealously in the games
+of playing George Washington. So zealously, in fact, that little Jim
+almost loses his scalp.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS</h3>
+
+<p>The children wage a fierce battle upon the roof of a hotel in New York
+City. Then, visiting the Davis home in Philadelphia, the patriotic
+Washingtons vanquish the Hessians on a battle-field in the empty lot
+back of the Davis property.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS AT SCHOOL</h3>
+
+<p>After the school-house battle the Washingtons discover a band of gypsies
+camping near their homes and incidentally they recover a stolen horse
+which the gypsies had taken from a farmer.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' HOLIDAYS</h3>
+
+<p>They spend a pleasant summer on adjoining farms in Vermont. During a
+voyage they try to capture a "frigate" but little Jim is caught and
+about to be punished by the Captain when his confederates save him.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS; FARMERS</h3>
+
+<p>Nero, the donkey, had never heard of George Washington, and so the game
+the children had planned after reading the story of the General's life
+on his farm turned out to be quite a different game altogether.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+
+<h3>LITTLE JOURNEYS TO HAPPYLAND</h3>
+
+<h3>By DAVID CORY</h3>
+
+<h3>For children from 6 to 8 years.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A new series of exciting adventures by the author of the LITTLE JACK
+RABBIT books. This series is unique in that it deals with unusual and
+exciting adventures on land and sea and in the air.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE CRUISE OF THE NOAH'S ARK</h3>
+
+<p>This is a good rainy day story. On just such a day Mr. Noah invites
+Marjorie to go for a trip in Noah's Ark. She gets aboard just in time
+and away it floats out into the big wide world.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE</h3>
+
+<p>The king of the gnomes has a magic pipe with which he blows a wonderful
+bubble and taking Ed. with him they both have a delightful time in
+Gnomeland.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE ICEBERG EXPRESS</h3>
+
+<p>The Mermaid's magic comb changes little Mary Louise into a mermaid. The
+Polar Bear Porter on the Iceberg Express invites her to take a trip with
+him and away they go.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE WIND WAGON</h3>
+
+<p>Little Hero stepped aboard the Wind Wagon and started on a journey to
+many wonderful places and had a delightful time.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE MAGIC UMBRELLA</h3>
+
+<p>A little old man gave Jimmy the Magic Umbrella which took him to
+Happyland, where he had many adventures.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h3>TUCK-ME-IN TALES</h3>
+
+<p class="center">(Trademark Registered)</p>
+
+<h3>By ARTHUR SCOTT BAILEY</h3>
+
+<h3>AUTHOR OF THE SLEEPY-TIME TALES and SLUMBER-TOWN TALES</h3>
+
+<p>A delightful and unusual series of bird and insect stories for boys and
+girls from three to eight years old, or thereabouts.</p>
+
+<p class="center">THE TALE OF JOLLY ROBIN<br />
+THE TALE OF OLD MR. CROW<br />
+THE TALE OF SOLOMON OWL<br />
+THE TALE OF JASPER JAY<br />
+THE TALE OF RUSTY WREN<br />
+THE TALE OF DADDY LONG-LEGS<br />
+THE TALE OF KIDDIE KATYDID<br />
+THE TALE OF BETSY BUTTERFLY<br />
+THE TALE OF BUSTER BUMBLEBEE<br />
+THE TALE OF FREDDIE FIREFLY<br />
+THE TALE OF BOBBIE BOBOLINK<br />
+THE TALE OF CHIRPY CRICKET<br />
+THE TALE OF MRS. LADYBUG<br />
+THE TALE OF REDDY WOODPECKER<br />
+THE TALE OF GRANDMA GOOSE</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft">
+<img src="images/backa.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright">
+<img src="images/backb.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Little Washingtons' Travels, by 
+Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
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+Project Gutenberg's The Little Washingtons' Travels, by Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+Title: The Little Washingtons' Travels
+
+Author: Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+Release Date: April 24, 2012 [EBook #39518]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                 THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS
+
+                    BY LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+    AUTHOR OF THE POLLY BREWSTER BOOKS, THE GIRL SCOUTS BOOKS, Etc.
+
+
+    ILLUSTRATED
+
+    GROSSET & DUNLAP
+    PUBLISHERS NEW YORK
+
+    Made in the United States of America
+
+    Copyright, 1918, by
+    THE PLATT & NOURSE COMPANY
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THEY WERE SEATED ON THE FLOOR READING.]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+    CHAPTER                                       PAGE
+
+       I. NEW YORK THE GREAT MECCA                   7
+
+      II. THE JOYS OF NEW YORK LIFE                 26
+
+     III. SIGHT-SEEING IN NEW YORK                  41
+
+      IV. THE BATTLE OF NEW YORK                    57
+
+       V. SOME OF WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS         79
+
+      VI. GEORGE'S STRANGE BATTLE                   92
+
+     VII. BATTLE-GROUNDS AROUND PHILADELPHIA       108
+
+    VIII. A FIGHT WITH THE HESSIANS                121
+
+      IX. FAREWELLS TO WASHINGTON                  137
+
+
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+NEW YORK THE GREAT MECCA
+
+
+"My parlor chair swings around every way!" exclaimed Martha Parke,
+thoroughly enjoying the novelty of whirling on a Pullman parlor chair.
+
+"They all do, but folks are supposed to sit quiet and only swing when
+they want to see who's sitting on the other side of the car, or perhaps
+if a friend sits next to them and talks--then you have to turn and
+answer, of course," explained George Parke.
+
+Jack Davis, the Philadelphia cousin of the two Parke children, had the
+vast experience of travelling from his native city to the country home
+of the Parkes just outside of Washington, D. C., a few weeks prior to
+the opening of this story. So, of course, he knew all about the Pullman
+parlor chairs.
+
+"That isn't why they whirl at all! It's so you can turn to look out of
+the opposite windows, 'cause both sides of a railroad track have
+scenery, you know," glancing at the elders of the party to make sure
+they had overheard him.
+
+"Why, Jack Davis! That isn't the reason at all! It's for the convenience
+of the conductor to take up tickets, so he won't have to lean away over
+or knock off the passenger's hat. Then, too, when the buffet waiter
+serves luncheon on those folding tables, he has to have room to move the
+chair around and place the stand right over the passenger's lap. Don't
+you remember?" explained Anne Davis to her brother.
+
+"I'll ask mother--shall I?" ventured John Graham, a member of the
+travelling party from the South.
+
+"No, no! We don't want to know anything! Let's see who can find the
+first church along the line," quickly said George, to divert attention.
+
+For some time thereafter the young travellers were quiet, until Jack
+shouted: "I see one! It's old and tumble-down, but it has a steeple just
+the same!"
+
+While the children were playing this game, the elders sat planning about
+the New York trip. They had started from the country estate that morning
+without mishap, which was remarkable, considering the many ways the
+"Little Washingtons" had of getting into trouble. But now that all were
+_en route_ for the great city of the north, they wondered whether it had
+been wise to bring five lively children on such a trip.
+
+"If John doesn't behave when you take him to visit the historical
+places, just let me know, and I will keep him at his great-aunt's. She
+hasn't a thing he can do mischief to!" said Mrs. Graham.
+
+Mr. Parke laughed. "That would be a severe punishment for John. But I
+feel quite sure he will be the least troublesome of the party. George
+generally takes the lead in all escapades, you know."
+
+"Not when Jack is around to suggest mischief!" added Mrs. Davis from
+Philadelphia.
+
+"Well, there will be two of us, anyway, to keep them in order. And
+little Jim won't be here for them to use as a scapegoat, you know,"
+laughed Mrs. Parke, thinking of the happy little face of the pickaninny
+who was last seen on the steps holding a book and a box of candy
+presented him by the Davis children.
+
+"Did Sam wire you he would meet us?" asked Mrs. Davis of Mr. Parke.
+
+"Yes, when I telegraphed him from home, he replied to my office in
+Washington. He will arrive in New York a train before us, and meet us at
+the Pennsylvania Terminal at Thirty-third Street. Then we will go to
+some large hotel until we see what we wish to do for the week."
+
+"George sat looking over the newspaper this morning while we were
+waiting at the station in Washington for this train, and I leaned over
+to see what was engrossing his attention. What do you think he was
+reading?" asked Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Goodness only knows what George reads--anything from the last drive of
+the Italians on the Alps to the present quotations on Wall Street!"
+laughed Mr. Parke, the father.
+
+"Neither! He was poring over the list of hotels and restaurants in New
+York City. Finding I was watching, he said: 'I just found the place for
+us to stop.'
+
+"'Yes?' said I. 'Where is it?'
+
+"'The Martha Washington Hotel. We wouldn't think of boarding anywhere
+else, would we, when we are related to Martha?'"
+
+The others laughed at this, and Mrs. Graham added: "Did you explain
+that that hotel was a ladies' hotel, and neither he nor his father nor
+his uncle would be allowed to stay there?"
+
+"No, because he forgot all about the hotel when he saw Jack and the
+girls leading John over to the candy booth. That was enough for George!"
+laughed Mrs. Parke.
+
+"I suppose you ladies have planned a campaign for going about to show
+the 'patriots' the historical points of interest in the city--that is
+why you came up here, you know," teased Mr. Parke.
+
+"You came for business purposes, you said, so we will not trouble you
+with our plans," retorted Mrs. Davis.
+
+But further conversation was interrupted by the children. "Mother,
+didn't you bring the copy of our Washington history with you?"
+
+"I have it in the trunk.--Why?" said Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Because Jack says Washington was in Boston in the spring of 1776, and I
+say he was in New York, where he thought General Howe was going after
+being driven from Boston," explained George.
+
+"You are both right, son. Washington remained in Boston for a time to
+see just what Howe would do, and then fearing the weakness of defence of
+and about New York, he started for that city. It was while he was at New
+York that the letter from Congress was given him, in which he was so
+highly commended for the bravery and conduct of himself and his men at
+the siege," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+Both boys had been so sure that each was right, that this information
+caused a sudden spell of humility, which gave the girls an opportunity
+to speak.
+
+"Mother, didn't you read one day that the American army was vanquished
+on Long Island, and Washington had to hide up in the hills of Harlem
+until he got some more soldiers together?" asked Martha earnestly.
+
+"Oh, oh! Is this the way my historical readings are interpreted?" sighed
+Mrs. Parke, in mock despair, while the other elders of the party laughed
+at Martha's presentation of the battle on Long Island.
+
+"I think it best not to describe any more history now. When you are all
+on the spot of the battle scenes, the children will feel the actual
+spirit of the thing more than by listening to a tale," said Mr. Parke.
+
+"I will follow your suggestion later, but just now I am not going to
+allow this misunderstanding to rest. Come here, children, and let me
+explain."
+
+As there was nothing more exciting offered them, the five children
+turned their chairs about and listened to the story.
+
+"You see, when General Howe sailed from Boston with his fleet, it was
+circulated that he proposed going to Halifax. But Washington was too
+wise a general to believe everything he heard, especially when it came
+from such a wily man as General Howe. So he figured out just about what
+Howe might do now that he was out of such nice, comfortable quarters
+like Boston.
+
+"New York was another fine city, with every comfort to be had, so
+Washington thought that the British would prefer that life to one of
+privation and discomfort elsewhere.
+
+"With the seized boats that had sailed into Boston harbor, ignorant of
+the fact that the British had left there, Washington was able to supply
+his men with guns, ammunition and goods greatly needed by them. Then,
+when Campbell of the British navy sailed serenely into the net of the
+enemy, a large quantity of military stores was captured, besides the
+fine vessel that carried over two hundred and seventy men. The latter
+were made prisoners, and the ships were turned into privateers, to act
+as sea-scouts in place of a regular naval force, which the colonists had
+not been able to raise as yet.
+
+"Anxious for the safety of New York, Washington started an army from
+Boston, leaving five regiments under General Ward to defend the city.
+Passing through Providence, Norwich, and New London, he and the army
+arrived in New York on the 13th of April, where he found, as he feared,
+that city ill-prepared for defence against Howe.
+
+"It was soon ascertained, however, that Howe had really sailed for
+Halifax, where he went to secure the cooperation of the forces of
+Canada.
+
+"So you see, boys, Washington was in both cities that spring, but he
+spent the late spring and summer in New York, fortifying and preparing
+that city for the battle which he knew was sure to come."
+
+"Tell us some more, mother," said Martha.
+
+"Is it time for the luncheon?" asked George anxiously, as the porter
+passed through the car.
+
+"No, sah; not yet!" replied the grinning colored man.
+
+"Then go on, mother!" sighed George resignedly.
+
+"Well, when Washington found how valuable the Hudson River was for
+crossings, and for transmitting supplies to the northern army under the
+command of Schuyler, he immediately began to fortify the passes
+bordering on that river.
+
+"So, while Howe was in Halifax, the American army was engaged in
+defending its river front, and the City of New York.
+
+"Meantime, a large fleet was fitted out by the British under the command
+of Sir Peter Parker. In June, this fleet came to anchor in Charleston
+harbor, where it was joined by General Clinton's forces.
+
+"Fortunately, an intercepted letter warned the Americans of the
+destination of this armament, and this gave the colonists time to
+prepare defence against the English. Lee had been sent by Washington to
+command the forces in the southern country, and his popularity soon
+amassed over five thousand men. Under him were Gadsden, Moultrie, and
+Thompson. At the entrance of the Charleston harbor a fort had been
+constructed of the palmetto tree, which resembles cork in its looks and
+action.
+
+"When Clinton landed some of his troops, he found Colonel Gadsden
+commanding a regiment on the northern extremity of James Island, and two
+regiments under Moultrie and Thompson, stationed at opposite extremities
+of Sullivan's Island.
+
+"The attack on the fort began in the morning, while the ships threw
+their broadsides upon it, but the little fort returned the fire with so
+much skill and spirit that the ships suffered severely. One ran aground
+and was burned, while others were temporarily disabled. The British
+finally abandoned the enterprise, having lost over two hundred men,
+while the Americans only lost twenty.
+
+"The failure of the attack was of great importance to the American
+cause, for it not only contributed much to the permanent formation of
+their independent government, but it had an effect on the half-hearted
+people who feared the power of England.
+
+"The abrupt departure of General Howe from Boston had upset his plans,
+for all of his supplies had been sent to that city, and consequently
+fell into the hands of the American army. After waiting at Halifax for
+the appearance of the reinforcements he expected, but which did not
+arrive, he set sail for New York with his original army, where he landed
+on Staten Island the third of July, the same day that the Declaration of
+Independence was reported to the members of Congress at Philadelphia."
+
+Mrs. Parke reached this point in her story when a waiter entered the
+car, making announcement of an interesting fact.
+
+"Dinnah now served in th' dinin' car--foh cars ahead! Dinnah now served
+in th' dinin' car--foh cars ahead!"
+
+"Oh, oh! they're going to have a dinner in the cars! We won't have to
+eat on the little tables brought in here," cried Jack, looking eagerly
+at Mr. Parke.
+
+"Why, I don't think we'll need any dinner, do you? We will be in New
+York in an hour's time, and can have something at a quick lunch
+restaurant," replied Mr. Parke very seriously.
+
+The children stared at him in such surprise that he was compelled to
+laugh outright. At that, they knew he was only fooling about dinner.
+Meantime, the ladies began to gather their various wraps and bags and
+arrange them in order back of the parlor chairs.
+
+When all were ready to go forward, Mr. Parke beckoned the children to
+gather close about him, and gave them warning.
+
+"Now look over the bill of fare carefully, and order the cheapest dishes
+there. I haven't much money with me, and it would be dreadful to have
+the bill come to more than I would be able to pay."
+
+The three ladies had passed on before Mr. Parke whispered the
+embarrassing news, and George, making sure his father was not joking
+again, said:
+
+"I've got fifty cents in my pocket; I'll eat that up!"
+
+"It may not digest, George, because silver is not considered healthy for
+the human stomach, you know," replied Mr. Parke.
+
+"Oh, you know what I mean! I'll order that much," said George, laughing.
+
+"Will you have enough to pay for a dish of ice cream and a sandwich?"
+asked Martha anxiously.
+
+"We'll have to see what they charge for ice cream. You see the prices
+have gone so high since the war," returned Mr. Parke.
+
+They were passing through into the forward car as they conversed, and
+now the children had all they could do to balance themselves as the car
+swayed from side to side in its rapid flight on the tracks.
+
+At last they were safely seated in the dining-car, but the ladies and
+Mr. Parke occupied one table for four, while the children occupied
+another across the aisle.
+
+Every one studied the menu card diligently, but to the horror of the
+children the ice cream was forty cents per plate. Sandwiches were twenty
+cents each, and tea or coffee, or cocoa, was twenty cents per cup.
+
+"Humph! We won't eat much at this rate!" grumbled George.
+
+"I think it is much cheaper to have luncheon served on a table in the
+parlor car. We had a nice lunch, and I'm sure it wasn't as much as
+this," remarked Jack.
+
+"Shall we whisper to father and ask him what he can afford to pay for?"
+suggested Martha.
+
+But the waiter stood right at Mr. Parke's elbow writing down some words
+on a pad, so the children politely waited. When he finished and hurried
+away, George and Martha excused themselves to the other children, and
+crossed the aisle.
+
+"What shall we order?" asked George.
+
+"How much can you pay for?" added Martha.
+
+Mrs. Parke looked in amazement, while aunty and Mrs. Graham laughed. Mr.
+Parke drew both children down so they could hear him whisper.
+
+"I think you had better sit still and not order a thing. If the waiter
+comes up for your order send him to me. You see, Mrs. Davis and Mrs.
+Graham ordered so much that I shall have to pay for, that we will have
+to go hungry."
+
+George sent an angry glance at the ladies who thus deprived him of
+necessary food for the rest of the journey, but Martha heaved a
+tremendous sigh, as she relinquished her hopes of a deep dish of ice
+cream.
+
+Before the two food ambassadors were settled in their chairs again, a
+waiter hurried over and began arranging silver, bread and butter, and
+relishes before them.
+
+The children exchanged glances, and as the man went away again, George
+said: "We won't say anything yet--not until he asks us to order."
+
+But he failed to ask. When he next appeared, he carried cups of broth
+and placed them before the children. This done, he stooped and said to
+George, in a voice distinctly heard by those fearfully listening:
+
+"Ah'm goin' to pile dat cream up high when yo' all is ready for
+dessert!"
+
+Then winking understandingly at the doubtful faces, he went back to the
+kitchen.
+
+George looked in the cup of broth and turned to glance at his father for
+instructions, but the elders were busy with their own broth. Then George
+decided upon a courageous measure.
+
+"We need something and we didn't order this soup. If we take it now the
+ladies who ordered more than they should will have to cancel some of
+their dinner. Come on and drink the broth before we are told not to."
+
+Thereupon, a great sipping and swallowing of hot liquid ensued, and
+soup, that despised item at home, was quickly enjoyed, for there was a
+dearth of more to follow--so thought the travellers about that table.
+
+Before they were quite finished, however, fish was brought on and the
+waiter said: "Ah'm tol' to bring turkey wid cranberry sauce and candied
+sweets. Is dat all right foh de whole party?"
+
+Then George suspected a hoax. He jumped up and caught his father trying
+to hide a smile back of his dinner napkin.
+
+"Is this one of your practical jokes again?" demanded George.
+
+But an answer was unnecessary when he laughed so heartily that the
+ladies joined in. George was disgusted as he turned and remarked:
+
+"Well, you made us drink the soup, all right, and I s'pose we all want
+turkey, but just you wait till dessert comes along--we're each going to
+eat ten plates of ice cream and make you pay for it, too!"
+
+With that threat ringing in his ears, it was a wonder Mr. Parke enjoyed
+his dinner, but he did, and when dessert was ordered he watched the
+children eat two great dishes each of ice cream, and never blinked at
+the bill presented to him for it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE JOYS OF NEW YORK LIFE
+
+
+"Oh, oh, but this is a bee-autiful station!" gasped George, when the
+tourists came from the train and entered the great domed concourse.
+
+"Isn't it lovely? Look at the ceiling--all painted and lighted so fine!"
+sighed Martha, with satisfaction at art thus expressed.
+
+"I should think everybody would get lost in this great place. Do you
+know where you are going, uncle?" said Jack, gazing first at the
+hurrying mobs going every way across the main hall to reach the numerous
+outlets.
+
+"No, I am lost already! I shall have to ask a policeman to take us to
+the station-house for the night, so we can find ourselves again,"
+replied Mr. Parke with a worried air, as he went over to speak to a man
+in uniform.
+
+"Did he mean it?" whispered John to his mother.
+
+She smiled and shook her head, as she replied: "He is going to order
+taxicabs to convey us to the hotel."
+
+"What hotel are we going to?" wondered Martha.
+
+"Well, seeing there are scores of fine hotels in New York, it is
+difficult to tell which one Mr. Parke will select," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+Shortly after this the party was snugly seated in cabs and whirled away.
+There was no signboard over the door of the hotel so the children could
+not tell the name of it. At home, the hotel in the village where the
+store was, had a swinging sign to say that it was "The Washington Arms
+Hotel." But the uniformed men standing ready to open the doors, and the
+crowds of people sitting about reading or chatting were very interesting
+to the children. Palms, great easy chairs, clusters of electric
+lights--lights everywhere--made the scene one to be remembered.
+
+"Must be something like the fine balls given Washington after the war,"
+whispered Martha to her companions.
+
+"If they only had on silk dresses and powdered wigs," returned John.
+
+It was late in the afternoon when the party arrived at the hotel. Mr.
+Parke decided it would be useless to try and see any of the sights that
+day. Besides, they expected Mr. Davis every moment, as he said he would
+be waiting for them. But the train had been late, and he probably had
+become tired of waiting in the hotel lobby.
+
+"I don't see how any one could tire of sitting down there and watching
+the fine folks," said Martha.
+
+"If you saw things like that every day you'd soon weary of them,"
+remarked Mrs. Davis.
+
+And Martha wondered if Philadelphia were anything like New York, to make
+aunty speak of seeing such sights every day.
+
+Before she had time to question about this interesting information,
+however, a cheery voice sounded outside of the large parlor they had
+with the suite of six rooms, and in came Mr. Davis.
+
+After greetings were all over, Jack began: "Daddy, are we going to do
+anything to-day? We must not lose time, you know."
+
+"Indeed no! Time is one of the things we can never find if it is once
+lost!" laughed Mr. Davis, patting Jack on the head.
+
+"Well--then----" ventured Anne eagerly.
+
+"I procured tickets for the 'Blue Bird' at the opera house to-night,"
+replied Mr. Davis, showing the tickets to prove the wonderful news.
+
+"Oo-oh! I've never been in a real live theatre before! We've gone to
+movies in the village--that's all!" cried John eagerly.
+
+"Well, this is a real live one all right!" bragged Jack.
+
+And so it was. It was an entrancing play, and the gowns of the audience,
+and the wonderful velvet curtains, and the gold boxes and trimmings of
+the opera house, all presented a dazzling sight. The visiting party had
+a large box quite near the stage, so that everything could be seen and
+heard.
+
+The next morning Mrs. Graham left the others and started for her visit
+to her aunt, leaving John with his friends to accompany them on their
+historical tour of the city.
+
+"The first thing I have on my program is a visit to the Statue of
+Liberty. As we will be near Governor's Island, we can have a look at the
+old fort there, and then on our way back to Battery Park, visit the
+Aquarium," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+So they left the hotel to walk to a car.
+
+"Is anything going on in New York to-day?" asked John.
+
+"Not unusual.--Why?" wondered Mrs. Davis.
+
+"Why, I see such a lot of people all running as if they were afraid of
+missing some big event," explained John.
+
+The elders laughed. "That is the way New Yorkers always rush about. One
+would think their very lives depended upon the saving of a moment's
+time. And then they stand and stare at a silly advertisement, or listen
+to a street-corner peddler trying to sell his wares, and not only lose
+ten times the moments saved, but block the way for other sensible
+pedestrians, so that every one loses time," said Mr. Parke, who was
+escorting the ladies to the car.
+
+At the head of a flight of steps, he started down.
+
+"Where are you going, father?" cried Martha, aghast at her father's
+going down the cellar steps of some big house.
+
+"To the train! Aren't you coming?"
+
+"Train? I thought we were going to take one of these cars," exclaimed
+George, looking at a crosstown trolley.
+
+"No, the subway takes us right down to South Ferry, where the boat
+leaves for Liberty Island," replied Mr. Parke.
+
+This was a new experience. The children stared at the ceiled arch
+overhead, and wondered if it would cave in while they had to wait for a
+train. Then the roar and rush of a long, snake-like string of cars swung
+around the bend and came to a sudden jerky halt opposite them. It was
+the northbound train.
+
+Then it rushed and roared out again, but before any one could catch his
+breath, another roar and rush sounded right before their very noses, and
+a brilliantly-lighted train of cars stopped beside the platform, and the
+guard shoved open the doors that had no handles or hinges.
+
+They all hurried in, crowds behind pushing wildly to get in first.
+Inside, the long rows of seats on both sides of the cars were filled
+with all sorts of people, and our travellers were compelled to stand up
+in the aisle.
+
+As the train went further downtown, the crowds increased until George
+said: "Every New Yorker must be travelling to South Ferry this morning."
+
+At Brooklyn Bridge many of the passengers got out, and Mr. Parke pushed
+his party into seats--one here, one there, some down the aisle in
+vacancies. Before he could get back to a seat himself an entirely new
+mob of passengers rushed on, and violently struggled to crowd in between
+other seated fellow-beings.
+
+"Say, Jack, I've been trying to figure up all the money this company
+made since we got on the cars at Grand Central," said George to his
+cousin.
+
+"Yes, and I think it would be a good thing for you and me to plan about
+our future business careers. S'pose we open a subway line like this and
+run opposition. Besides making a lot of money easy, we will help the
+public, 'cause there won't be such a fearful crowd going on two lines as
+there is on one," said Jack with good logic.
+
+"You're right! And what's more, we'll make our guards act politely to
+folks. I saw that horrid man slam the door right in an old man's face,
+as he was going to step inside! And those side doors were only opened
+once since we started, yet crowds of people waited outside and got left
+when the train pulled out of the station, and the guard leaned over the
+platform and laughed!" declared George, who, although on his first trip,
+saw conditions that make New Yorkers fume and fret, without redress
+anywhere.
+
+At this moment the guard shouted, "South Ferry! All out!" Mr. Parke and
+the ladies caught hold of the children's hands to save them from being
+crushed between doors and passengers, and after climbing another flight
+of concrete steps, they all breathed the sweet, fresh air once more, and
+Martha said:
+
+"Don't let us ever travel that way again! It's awful!"
+
+"But think of the millions who _have_ to travel that way, up to the
+Bronx or Washington Heights, or over to Brooklyn. There is no other way
+to get there except by foot, or paying several car-fares for changes of
+line," said Mr. Davis, who seemed thoroughly acquainted with conditions
+in New York.
+
+However, the children forgot the annoyance of travel the moment they
+found the small steamer "Liberty Island" at the wharf. They all hurried
+on board, and were danced over the choppy waves of New York bay. On the
+sail over to the statue, they saw Ellis Island where the immigrants
+landed, Governor's Island of Revolutionary fame, the heights of Brooklyn
+just on the edge of the water, and then were landed at Liberty Island.
+
+Troops were quartered here, and everything was under military
+discipline. Visitors were still permitted to the tower, but no one was
+allowed to go about the camps, or to question the men.
+
+The elevator landed the children high up where the balcony encircles the
+statue, but Mrs. Parke declared that they were not going to mount the
+steep and winding stairs, as nothing was to be gained by climbing up the
+hundreds of steps. The view from the balcony was the same as up in the
+head.
+
+As they walked around the outside of the figure, Mr. Parke told the
+children some interesting items about the statue.
+
+"Bartholdi's statue named 'Liberty' was presented by the French people
+to the United States in 1885. It is the largest statue ever built. It
+was conceived by the famous French sculptor whose name it bears. It is
+said that the face is a likeness of his mother, who was his model for
+this renowned figure.
+
+"It took eight years to construct the statue, and it weighed, when
+completed, 440,000 pounds. Of this, 146,000 pounds is copper and the
+balance iron and steel. The latter two metals were used to construct the
+skeleton framework of the inside.
+
+"The mammoth electric light held aloft in the hand of this giantess is
+305 feet above tide-water. The height of the figure is 152-1/2 feet; the
+pedestal is 91 feet, and the foundation 52 feet, 10 inches. Forty
+persons can stand at the same time in the top of the mighty head, which
+is 14-1/2 feet in diameter. The index finger of the hand is eight feet
+long, and the nose three and three-fourth feet. The colossus of
+Rhodes--once regarded as a world-wonder for its great size--is a pigmy
+in comparison with this figure."
+
+The children listened to these stupendous figures, that gave them a good
+idea of the great work done on Liberty Statue, and were all the more
+interested in seeing the giant steel beams and bolts that held up the
+skeleton of the figure.
+
+After they had gone down again and were walking about the base, while
+waiting for the return of the steamer to convey them back to New York,
+they listened to Mr. Parke describing the method of lighting at night,
+so that the entire statue seemed bathed in light. They looked at the
+great globes of electric lights grouped at various points of the stone
+parapet, and wondered at the unseen power that would reflect such
+brilliant illumination up at the figure as to make it plainly visible
+for miles across the sea.
+
+On the sail back, the children saw the old fort where prisoners were
+kept herded together in great masses when the British took possession
+of New York and Long Island.
+
+The Aquarium was visited, and after admiring the strange and beautiful
+fish in the glass tanks, the children found great sport waiting for the
+sea-lion to utter his fearful roar, as he flopped into the large tank of
+water, scattering water in every direction and thoroughly sprinkling the
+unwary who stood too near the railing.
+
+Then Mr. Parke led his party across Battery Park to a triangular green.
+
+"Who knows what this is?" asked he.
+
+"Why, it's another stairway to the subway cellar," said Martha, who
+spied the sign over the entrance.
+
+The ladies laughed, for they knew the right answer to the question; but
+the children had not the slightest clue to it.
+
+"This is Old Bowling Green. Here the Dutch used to meet daily and play
+bowls, while the wives and children sat on the rude wooden benches
+placed on the outside and chatted or watched the game."
+
+"Are there any more old places like this in New York?" asked John.
+
+"Yes, I thought we might go over and visit the place called 'Ye Olde
+Taverne,' that has been carefully kept from mercenary realty investors
+all these years. There you will find the quaint old style of building in
+vogue during the time of Howe's victory over the American forces in New
+York. If the old beams and wood could but talk, what interesting tales
+of treason, patriotism, plotting and celebrating, it could tell us.
+
+"As we will be right near the Stock Exchange after we leave Fraunces'
+Tavern, I will see if it is possible to have you visit and watch the
+buying and selling that goes on in the 'pit' every day. The Exchange
+closes at three, so we must not delay, if we would visit this scene."
+
+The children followed eagerly as Mr. Parke led the way across Broadway
+and down lower Pearl Street to the quaint old gable-roofed building
+still intact after all these years. They gazed wide-eyed at this relic
+of Washington's period, and felt that the hero of their readings and
+play was very real indeed.
+
+Coming out on Broad Street, they then went to the Stock Exchange
+building, but Mr. Parke discovered that no visitors were admitted there
+since war was declared. Only those known to be in business on the stock
+market were permitted to enter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+SIGHT-SEEING IN NEW YORK
+
+
+"Well, as long as we can't visit the Stock Exchange, we may as well stop
+at Wall Street and see the Subtreasury and Old Custom House."
+
+Mr. Parke's suggestion met with approval, so they all followed him up
+the wide street known as Broad, passing the curb brokers, as they stood
+screaming and gesturing at each other.
+
+"Oh, don't go so close to that street fight, uncle!" called Anne Davis,
+tugging at Mr. Parke's sleeve.
+
+"What's the matter there, father? Is some one killed?" worried George,
+watching the mob anxiously.
+
+"No, they are merely shouting out prices, or dealing in stocks. These
+are called curb brokers, because they have no 'seats' in the Exchange
+and cannot deal in there," said Mr. Parke.
+
+"Do any of you children know why Wall Street has its name?" asked Mrs.
+Davis.
+
+"I suppose because it does a wall of money business every day," ventured
+Jack, trying to be wise.
+
+"No, it was Wall Street long before any stock market was founded in New
+York. It had a high, long wall crossing here from the East River to West
+Street, and back of this wall stood an old Dutch Colonial house, with
+fine orchards about it. So solid was this wall that the conflicting
+armies of the British and American sides found it very convenient for a
+refuge and protection. Then, too, when some old Dutchman or alien of New
+Amsterdam--for it was so called by the discoverer of the island, Hendrik
+Hudson, in 1609--wanted to designate a certain district of the town, he
+would say 'in front of the wall', or 'so-and-so distant from the wall,'
+until it began to be known as 'The Wall.' Then the lane that ran in
+front of it was becoming quite a thoroughfare, as so many people had to
+go about the area of land enclosed by the wall, that it gradually became
+known as 'Wall Street.'"
+
+This information was very interesting to the children, and Mrs. Parke
+said: "Tell them about the purchase of this island."
+
+"The land on which New York stands to-day was secured from the Indians
+for $24.00 worth of beads and trinkets in 1626, although the island was
+found by Hudson in 1609 on his voyage of discovery along the bay and up
+the Hudson River.
+
+"In 1664 the English took it from the Dutch and changed the name to New
+York after the English nobleman. When Howe took it from Washington's
+army, his men were so reckless in their merry-making that fire broke out
+in a tavern down here and soon the wooden houses, with their
+dried-shingle roofs, were blazing. In that fire more than a thousand
+buildings were destroyed, and the fine old mansions of lower New York,
+then the fashionable section of Dutch and English wealth, were razed to
+the ground. The few places escaping the conflagration were those below
+this fire-line, or the homes better protected by owners, who kept a
+bucket-brigade at work to thoroughly soak the outside of the buildings."
+
+"Now that we have seen the sights on Wall Street, what else can we see
+downtown?" asked Jack.
+
+"Well, we can visit the old church here at the head of Wall Street, and
+then we can also visit the graveyard of the old church standing on the
+corner of Fulton and Broadway. Here we will find old flat stones marking
+graves made before the days of the Revolution; and some of the famous
+men we read about are buried in this busy section of lower New York.
+That will fill in our time until we start back uptown to the hotel,"
+said Mr. Parke.
+
+So the children wandered about the grass-covered burial spot, where
+centuries ago funerals of great men were held, and now old stones still
+showed the spots where they had been laid to rest.
+
+So completely worn out were they from that well-filled day of
+sight-seeing, that all were ready for bed soon after dinner that
+evening. When Mr. Davis came in from a late business conference, no one
+felt like talking of the day's exploits.
+
+Mr. Parke was to attend to his business the following day, and Mr. Davis
+offered to act as official guide to the party. John was sent uptown to
+his great-aunt in a taxicab and told to be sure and be on hand by ten
+the next day.
+
+"What shall we visit to-day?" asked Mr. Davis, when all the travellers
+had gathered about the breakfast table in the morning.
+
+"You know best--we want to see the forts and the places where they show
+things left by Washington," said George.
+
+"I have been thinking that we may as well keep right on visiting from
+downtown up, taking in important points of interest on the way,"
+suggested Mrs. Parke.
+
+"We can. Then we ought to go down to City Hall Park and take in the
+sights from there on," replied Mrs. Davis.
+
+The moment John arrived--which was fifteen minutes before the time
+set--they started out on their second day's trip.
+
+At Old City Hall, with its park of ten acres, they saw the county court
+house, the Old Post Office and the famous Woolworth building, said to be
+the tallest in the world. Finding they could visit the tower, they all
+went up in an elevator and had a bird's-eye view of the great city, with
+its great ribbons of river winding along on two sides of it, forming the
+island of Manhattan, where East and North rivers met.
+
+They saw the buildings where the New York _World_, _The Tribune_, _The
+Sun_, _The Mail_, and other papers were printed, and Mr. Davis secured
+permission for them to visit the plant in the Tribune building, so the
+children could watch the interesting process of turning out a daily
+newspaper.
+
+After this, they went to the Hudson Tubes Terminal building and had
+luncheon at the restaurant before walking down the incline of Fulton
+entrance to the concourse underground. The very fact that so much
+business went on continually underground, while other business continued
+above on the streets, filled the children with amazement.
+
+They saw the trains of the New York terminal come in and go out again,
+and were told how the tubes under the Hudson River had been built and
+were now conducted.
+
+As a crowded train left the platform, Jack sighed: "The same old thing
+as in the subway. Not half enough seats for the crowds of people that
+travel. When we run _our_ line we will see that every one who pays full
+price has a seat, or they won't have to pay but half fare."
+
+"Your plan is most sensible, but no monopoly will ever consent to lose
+half a nickel that way while it can get full fare out of the travelling
+public that must reach certain destinations in a given time," replied
+Mr. Davis.
+
+From the Hudson Tubes the visitors followed their guide crosstown again,
+and after walking a few blocks they again crossed City Hall Park. Here
+they entered the large Municipal building that stands near the entrance
+to Brooklyn Bridge.
+
+"I think it would be a treat to take you over the bridge on a trolley
+car. As we cross I can explain all about the great cables that suspend
+this tremendous structure."
+
+The children eagerly consenting, they were soon seated in a Flatbush
+trolley, Mr. Davis explaining during the ride the many interesting facts
+of the old Brooklyn Bridge structure.
+
+In Brooklyn, Mr. Davis showed them in passing, the City Hall, and as
+they passed down the streets so similar to the busy thoroughfares of New
+York, Anne said:
+
+"I don't see why they changed the name of these two towns; they are
+just alike and ought to be called by the same name."
+
+"They tried that some years ago," replied Mrs. Parke. "This is all known
+now as Greater New York, but we are now on the Brooklyn section of it,
+while on the other side of the river it is known as Manhattan. Then
+there is the Bronx section, and the Washington Heights or Van Courtlandt
+sections."
+
+On the way through Flatbush the children saw a number of genuine old
+houses, still standing since the time of the occupation of Long Island
+by the British.
+
+"It is no wonder the American army was overpowered here by General
+Howe," remarked Mrs. Davis. "The British had more than 30,000 men in its
+army and navy--all well-trained soldiers, with plenty of food, clothing,
+and camp equipment to keep them in good trim. Poor Washington had only a
+scattered force of less than 11,000 men, with scant rations, ragged
+clothes, no beds or tents for half of them, and constantly having to go
+from one spot to the other to defend that point."
+
+"Yes, and when we remember how badgered the Americans were, by not being
+sure where the English would strike first--landing on Staten Island as
+they did, and swarming in their fleet of battleships, transports,
+sloops-of-war and floating batteries of guns up the East River, along
+the Hudson and about the bay so that it would have taken a dozen armies
+to keep watch of their many maneuvers," added Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Then when Howe so arranged his army that one regiment threatened from
+one side, another from another side, and the main army from the rear,
+what were the Americans to do but fight or give up?" said Mr. Davis,
+while the children listened eagerly to this history, which was very real
+when on the ground of the scenes.
+
+"Had it not been for that master-stroke of Washington's, when he had but
+one tiny hope left to save his men--retreat and move over the East
+River during the heavy fog, what might have been the final result of
+that war? When we think of the way he handled that great army of sick,
+hungry, weary and wounded men, discouraged and broken-spirited as each
+one was, and inspired them with enough will-power and patriotism to
+brace up and start in absolute silence and under cover of the fog, to
+cross the deep and dangerous current of the river on flat-bottomed
+boats, we, at this late day, but faintly feel the great praise due him;
+and to think that not one man was lost or injured in that transport
+work!"
+
+"It must have been a terrible blow to Howe, when he discovered his birds
+all flown in the morning and no one knew how or when!" Jack chuckled in
+hearty enjoyment.
+
+"I wish I had been there to laugh in his face!" declared George.
+
+"Huh! You wouldn't have laughed long or very loud--he would have clapped
+you in irons and thrown you into one of those wet, filthy, dark holes
+he used for the American prisoners!" said John.
+
+"Well, even if I wasn't at the battle scene of Long Island, I would have
+loved to stand in front of the Old City Hall on Wall Street on that
+Fourth of July, 1776, and listen to Washington read from the balcony the
+Declaration of Independence to his army. How that must have cheered them
+up and made them willing to fight all England!" said George, with
+emphasis.
+
+Mr. Davis hired an automobile when the party reached the end of the
+Flatbush ride, and took the children to Gowan's Cove, to Wallabout
+Market, which used to be called "Walla Bouche" by the Walloons, who
+settled this section of Brooklyn. They also passed the Gowanus Canal of
+historic fame, and many other places, stopping at Fort Hamilton to be
+able to see Governor's Island at close range, as no visitors were
+admitted on the Island since the declaration of war on Germany.
+
+On the way back from Fort Hamilton, the sight-seeing party visited the
+Throgg's Neck, Red Hook, and other districts where battles had occurred;
+but so modernized were these spots, that no one would have dreamed that
+any disastrous battle had ever taken place there.
+
+The next day, both gentlemen being free to escort the party about the
+city, they started at nine o'clock to get in a full day. John was on
+hand right on the minute, and they started out by visiting Central Park
+first. The great Egyptian obelisk, brought across seas from Alexandria
+in 1880, was studied, but no one could decipher the strange symbols
+carved on its surface.
+
+"It is called 'Cleopatra's Needle,' and is said to be the finest
+specimen of old Egyptian monuments in existence," said Mr. Parke,
+focussing a camera to take a picture of it.
+
+Then they visited the Museum of Art, where treasures of all kinds are to
+be found: paintings, statuary, collections of stones, jewels, antiques
+of all kinds, and a famous collection of tapestries.
+
+The zoo proved to be a diversion from the other sights, and could the
+children have remained long enough, it is quite certain that the monkeys
+would have been made ill by all the peanuts fed them.
+
+From the museum and zoo, the children were taken to the Museum of
+Natural History, on the Park Annex grounds, located on 77th Street and
+Central Park West. Here, too, they found interesting things: all sorts
+of stuffed birds, animals and American relics. Of all the animals, the
+dinosaur interested them the most, for its great size and queer snout.
+
+"Now we'll cross to Riverside Park and visit the Sailors' Monument,
+which is considered one of the finest erected to our marines," said Mr.
+Davis.
+
+"And when we finish that, we will get on a bus and ride up to Grant's
+Tomb and let the kiddies see the great monument raised by a grateful
+people to the general of the Civil War," added Mr. Parke.
+
+"We haven't seen Washington's Arch down at Washington Square yet,"
+reminded George, fearful of missing something.
+
+"I know, but I thought it would be fine to get on a Fifth Avenue bus
+when we finish Columbia University on the Heights, and complete our
+college tour with the City College on 137th Street and Amsterdam Avenue,
+and ride all the way downtown along Riverside Park to 72nd Street,
+thence to Fifth Avenue. Down that famous avenue we can see many
+interesting buildings and sights, and at last we will jump off at
+Washington Square," promised Mr. Parke.
+
+So the time flew rapidly by while the different places were visited, and
+finally the tired group almost rolled from the bus when it reached
+Washington Square. Here they took but half interest in the great arch
+erected to the memory of Washington, and all were thankful enough to get
+on another bus to ride uptown to the hotel.
+
+"Oh, I'm glad we haven't all Europe to see like this!" sighed Martha,
+throwing herself on a couch the moment they entered the parlor of the
+suite.
+
+"Poor John! I think I will telephone his mother and ask her to allow him
+to remain with us for to-night," said Mrs. Parke, when she saw the
+drooping eyelids of the weary boy.
+
+"Oh do, please, and then I won't have to get up so awfully early in the
+morning. Why, Great-aunt Belinda makes every one in her household rise
+at six o'clock, and we breakfast at seven," said John, revealing the
+cause of his prompt arrival each morning at the hotel.
+
+John was given permission to remain that night, and Mrs. Graham added
+that she would be down herself at nine in the morning to accompany her
+friends to Washington's Headquarters, where they proposed to visit the
+next day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE BATTLE OF NEW YORK
+
+
+Every one was hungry, and when they had gathered about the dining-room
+table, full justice was done the viands served in the restaurant. While
+waiting for dessert (the children had ice cream every time) Mr. Davis
+remarked:
+
+"Any one want to go to the theatre to-night? I had some tickets reserved
+for a play that is said to be very good."
+
+"Do you mean us, too, when you say 'any one'?" asked Anne.
+
+"Goodness, no! You youngsters are too tired," laughed her father.
+
+"Oh, no, we're not! We're never too tired for fun," replied Jack
+quickly.
+
+"I think it will be very nice to see a play, Sam," said Mrs. Parke,
+thanking him for the suggestion.
+
+"Well, then we must hurry and not miss the whole of the first act.
+Couldn't we leave the children to go to bed alone for this time?" asked
+Mr. Parke.
+
+"I'll ask the chambermaid to see that they are all right and have what
+they want," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Mother, if you all are going to have a good time, why can't we have ice
+cream and cake for a treat up in the parlor?" begged Anne.
+
+"Why, you're having ice cream now!" exclaimed Mrs. Davis.
+
+"But this is dessert--upstairs it will be a party!" cried Jack.
+
+The elders laughed, and promised that Maggie, the maid, should be told
+to give the children a party as they desired.
+
+After the elders had gone, the five children gathered in the parlor
+waiting for Maggie's appearance. She was having her supper, and said she
+would be upstairs in a short time.
+
+"Do you know, we haven't played war in the _longest_ time--I've almost
+forgotten how!" sighed George.
+
+"That's 'cause we had so much other stuff to do," replied Martha.
+
+"I wish we could play Nathan Hale and the British now," ventured Jack.
+
+"You just can't in a place full of furniture--no trees, no grass, no
+creek to play with," remonstrated George.
+
+"It's 'most eight o'clock. Maggie should be finished with her supper
+long ago," said Martha, getting up to peep out of the door to see if
+there were any signs of the maid in the long hallway.
+
+To her great delight she saw Maggie coming down the soft carpeted
+corridor, and soon after, she knocked at the door.
+
+"Is you'se all right in here?" questioned Maggie.
+
+"As right as can be without that ice cream," retorted George.
+
+Maggie grinned. "Yer mudder said you'se were to have it sent up at
+eight-thirty. I th'ot like as how I'd stop to see if I wuz wanted for
+anything and if not, I'd run upstairs to get the clean towels for your
+rooms."
+
+"Run ahead, and don't be behind time with the cream," agreed Jack,
+sighing, as he took up a magazine from the center table.
+
+"This is a tiresome life when there's nothing to kill time with," also
+sighed George, after Maggie had gone.
+
+"Let's have a pillow fight," suggested Martha.
+
+"Come on, boys, that'll be better than nothing," added Anne, taking the
+magazine from her brother.
+
+John was spending the night with them, so the five had quite a lively
+time in the fight, until the clock on the mantel chimed eight-thirty.
+
+"Time for the cream!" shouted George, picking up the down that had
+escaped from the pillows while batting them back and forth.
+
+The children waited fully five minutes for Maggie and the cream, and
+then Jack declared he would not stand for such neglect! He took up the
+telephone from the wall near the door and asked the clerk to find out
+where Maggie was.
+
+The clerk ascertained that Maggie was the maid for their floor, and said
+she had been sent upstairs to help another maid who was ill that
+evening. He would let her know that she was wanted.
+
+Five minutes more passed by, and still no Maggie. Then George had a
+brilliant idea.
+
+"I'll run and scout for her. I've never been anywhere about this hotel,
+except down in the dining-room and entrance. I'll have a look around,
+and find her at the same time."
+
+"I'll go with you," suggested Jack.
+
+"Can't we go, too?" asked the girls.
+
+"No, girls mustn't wander around like this, but John may come if he
+likes," replied George, going out into the corridor.
+
+Not wishing to let the elevator boy know they were on a tour of
+inspection, the three boys walked up to the next floor. A corridor
+exactly the same as the one they were on, was the only thing to see.
+Voices were heard--seemingly from the floor above.
+
+"That must be Maggie upstairs," said Jack.
+
+So up another flight they went, and found a couple at the head of the
+stairs talking loudly to a deaf old lady. Maggie was not to be seen. The
+three strangers got on the elevator, and the three boys walked down the
+length of the corridor. Almost at the extreme length of it, a door stood
+open, and the boys were sure Maggie would be in that room, very probably
+making it ready for guests.
+
+"My, this is an awful big house," remarked John.
+
+"Almost like a canyon--these high, dark corridors," said Jack.
+
+"It would be great sport trying to catch a spy running away from us down
+these gulleys and mountain-steps," grinned John.
+
+By this time the boys had reached the end of the hallway, and stood
+looking in at the opened door of the room; but it was not a guest-room.
+It was a store-room of some sort. The door had been left open by
+mistake, most likely, for no one was about on the entire length of the
+corridor.
+
+"It must be a junk room," said George.
+
+"They keep old half-worn stuff in it, I guess," added Jack, glancing at
+the shelves on one side, piled up with miscellaneous items.
+
+"Oh! Look at all the bellboys' uniforms! All colors, different from what
+some of them wear now," said John.
+
+"Maybe they're here to be repaired or for extra help," suggested George.
+
+The boys stood looking over the motley assortment of things, when
+suddenly Jack exclaimed:
+
+"What do you say to playing war? Let's dress up in the old uniforms and
+have some sport!"
+
+"Say!" admired John, looking at Jack with envy.
+
+George said not a word in reply, but looked up and down the corridor to
+see if any one was about. It was empty and quiet.
+
+"Let's take one each, and two for the girls," whispered George,
+tiptoeing into the room and selecting a green cloth suit, trimmed with
+gold braid and brass buttons. After holding it up against him to gauge
+the size, he threw it over his arm, and then selected a similar suit for
+Martha. John also found a uniform about his size, and Jack took two--one
+for himself and one for Anne.
+
+Just as the three raiders reached the head of the stairway, they heard
+the elevator coming up to that floor. Quick as a flash, they slid down
+the first section of the stairs, to let the elevator continue past the
+floor before they ran down the other flights.
+
+Into the parlor bounced the three boys, laughing and bursting with plans
+for a campaign. The two girls had grown tired of waiting for the boys
+and Maggie, and were watching the crowds on the brilliantly-lighted
+street many stories below.
+
+"What do you think? A battle in New York!" cried Jack, throwing the
+uniforms on the floor.
+
+"Now we can have some fun!" added George.
+
+"Oh, where'd you find them?" asked Martha and Anne in one breath.
+
+"Never mind where--get into them and let's go to war," retorted John,
+taking his uniform to one of the bedrooms.
+
+The outer door from the parlor to the corridor was well secured against
+surprise, and then the children quickly dressed in the uniforms. Canes
+left by the two gentlemen, and umbrellas, were perfectly satisfactory
+guns for the soldiers. One after the other they appeared in the parlor,
+and laughingly admired one another.
+
+"Now what? We're all ready," said John.
+
+"Martha, twist up your curls! Soldiers can't have such hair when they
+fight!" scorned George.
+
+So Martha ran to her mother's room and pinned up her hair, keeping it on
+top of her head by dragging her father's travelling cap over it.
+
+The boys also got their caps, and then they stood in line while George
+drilled them.
+
+"This room is too small for any fun," said Jack.
+
+"Can't we parade down the hallway? If we hear any one coming we can
+hide," suggested Martha.
+
+The others exchanged looks. That was a tempting idea.
+
+"Might as well. No one is about as early as this," said Jack.
+
+"Come on, then! George, you're general, you know, so you must go first,"
+advised Anne.
+
+Nothing loath, George opened the door softly and peeped out. "All's
+quiet on the Brandywine!" reported George, going out on tiptoes.
+
+Once out in the hall, however, the five Yanks seemed to lose their
+nerve. First Anne rushed back to the parlor, then Martha followed.
+Finally, the three boys came tumbling in, for no other cause than that
+they thought they heard footsteps somewhere.
+
+"You're a lot of cowards! If Washington ever had to fight with runaways
+like you two, I pity him!" sneered George.
+
+"Well, didn't you run back, too?" exclaimed Martha.
+
+"Only to see what you girls were after! We're going out now and march
+properly!" declared Jack.
+
+"So'll we--this time!" promised Anne.
+
+Again the army sallied forth, George telling them that they had to storm
+the heights of Brooklyn and Harlem to hold the forts in New York.
+
+The general marched his army down the whole length of the corridor
+without meeting any one, and then they stormed the stairs at the end of
+the hallway. Up on the next floor they marched again, and not a soul was
+there to watch or applaud, although the uniformed army marched as well
+as a squad of bellboys--in fact, they resembled them closely.
+
+"Now, men! Howe and his men are climbing up the ridge and we must fight
+on the Heights or be captured!" warned the general, waving his cane at
+the next flight of stairs.
+
+Up this flight swarmed the five Continentals, and at the top they
+turned to shoot down any English that dared to follow; but no one was to
+be seen.
+
+The general held a council of war with his army. What was there to do in
+this terrible extremity--the East River on one hand, the different
+regiments of the British on two sides, and Howe, with his main army,
+back of them?
+
+"There's only one thing left for us--to cross the river in the fog and
+gain New York again," declared George.
+
+"How can we cross, when there is nothing to cross?" asked Anne, with
+great lack of imagination.
+
+"Oh, if our creek were only here, wouldn't it be a lark!" sighed Martha.
+
+"Why, this hallway is our river, can't you see? The fog is so thick one
+can hardly tell which is land and which is water, but we can cross it
+all right, if you only follow me!" cried Washington courageously.
+
+Down the whole length of the corridor he tore, eagerly followed by his
+four men, and reaching the stairway at the end he rushed up to the next
+floor.
+
+This happened to be the top floor, and the roof, which was used in
+summer as a garden dining-room, and was now deserted, except for a few
+tubs of greens and some odd chairs standing about, was at the top of the
+next flight.
+
+In marching the army from the East River to camp in New York, George
+found the roof and exulted in the spot.
+
+"Just the place for an engagement! We can hide behind the palm trees and
+shoot at each other when one of us tries to cross the city. Two of us
+have to be British, though."
+
+"John and I will be English, and the girls and you will be Yanks," said
+Jack, looking around to make sure no one was about.
+
+"If we only had some of those apples for ammunition! Do you remember how
+soft and squashy they were when they hit you in the head?" laughed John,
+at the memory of that conflict on the creek.
+
+"Well, this must be a bayonet fight. No guns or cannon on hand, you
+see, and the men at close quarters," said George.
+
+So, making their fortifications of the tables and chairs waiting to be
+removed to the storehouse of the hotel, and then taking their places as
+American and British armies, the two sides opened warfare over the
+possession of New York City.
+
+The battle waged furiously in the semi-light of the electric brilliancy
+which reflected from the dazzling advertising signs of the city. Both
+sides tried to capture each other and make them prisoners, which would
+end the war, but all five were agile and experienced warriors.
+
+While Howe and Washington were engaged on the roof, Maggie had finished
+her extra tasks, and suddenly remembered the children. She hastily
+ordered the ice cream and cake to be sent up, and hurried to the suite
+to humbly apologize for her tardiness.
+
+She knocked softly at the door, while framing excuses.
+
+No one answered.
+
+She knocked again--this time much louder, but still no one answered.
+Quickly then, she opened the door and found all quiet and no one in the
+parlor. Some odds and ends of clothing--such as George's shoes, and
+Jack's coat, lay on the floor.
+
+"Poor little dears! They waited jest as long as they could an' then they
+got tired and went to bed widout that cream!" said Maggie, opening a
+bedroom door softly to bless the little sleeping darlings. But not a bed
+was disturbed.
+
+Maggie hurried from one room to the other, to find clothes scattered
+about in each room, but not a sign of the children.
+
+"Oh, oh, oh! What has happened to thim children? Here I was told to
+watch thim, and now there ain't nothing but clothes to watch!" cried the
+distressed Maggie, as she hurried for the door leading to the main
+corridor.
+
+Half beside herself with fear of the unknown, Maggie flung the door
+open, and was about to rush out, when she collided with the waiter, who
+carried the tray of ice cream and cake. As can be expected from such an
+impact, the tray crashed to the floor, mixing cake, cream and broken
+dishes well together.
+
+The waiter shouted and berated Maggie, and she pulled at her hair and
+rolled her eyes upward, crying: "What shall I do? What shall I do? Thim
+children is kidnapped er else they've run away!"
+
+The waiter quickly ran in to inspect the premises, and came back with a
+fearful idea: "Black Hand again! The city's full ov thim, and these
+folks are rich, yo' know, an' kin pay the reward!"
+
+Maggie and the waiter rushed down, down and down, the many flights of
+stairs, never stopping to take an elevator, and then ran breathlessly up
+to the desk to stammer hoarsely:
+
+"Children gone! Clothes laying everywhere, and kidnappers carried them
+off!"
+
+It caused a tremendous commotion. Every one within hearing crowded up
+to the clerk and wanted to know who was gone, where the thieves went,
+what floor the burglary took place on, and many other exciting
+questions.
+
+The proprietor was called out to quell the disturbance, but long before
+he reached the lobby, dozens of guests and callers streamed up the
+endless flights of steps to examine the vacant suite of rooms.
+
+Some of the guests, who had not heard distinctly on which floor the
+kidnappers had found the children, climbed to the top flight. Suddenly a
+nervous woman clutched her husband's arm.
+
+"Oh, oh! Those wicked men are on the roof with the dears! Hear them
+shouting and things bumping about up there?" cried she.
+
+Instantly the man, who had powerful lungs, leaned over the stair-rail
+and bawled down:
+
+"Come up! Come up! The thieves are on the roof ready to throw the
+children down to the street if they don't stop crying!"
+
+That brought the endless line of excited folks up and up the remaining
+flights of stairs, until all could quite plainly hear the noise on the
+roof overhead.
+
+Suddenly a voice yelled: "Surrender! I got you cornered."
+
+The words were ominous, but the voice was boyish. Maggie recognized it
+as the leader of the party of children, and she ran recklessly up to
+grapple with the fierce kidnappers, should it be necessary to help
+Mister George capture the rascals.
+
+The guests followed closely after the brave maid, and as the crowd
+pushed out upon the roof, they beheld a stacked-up rampart of tables and
+chairs and five bellboys in a close struggle with each other.
+
+"Where are the stolen children?" cried Maggie, rushing over to the boys,
+with whom she was quite at home, and, in fact, felt she was their
+superior.
+
+At the unexpected interruption, the contending forces separated and
+looked about. To their consternation, scores of wondering people stood
+near the door of the roof, staring at the five boys. The cap and
+hairpins of one had slipped from his (or her) head, and yellow curls
+blew about her head in the breeze.
+
+George never lost his presence of mind for an instant, although he
+feared this surprise meant the total collapse of both armies. He called
+to the four children:
+
+"Attention!"
+
+Instantly the four stood erect and took up their arms.
+
+"Shoulder arms!"
+
+The four obeyed.
+
+"Form line!"
+
+This was also done, to the unbelief of the audience.
+
+"Forward--March!" cried George, taking his place at the head of the
+line.
+
+They started and marched directly for the door leading to the roof,
+where crowds of curious guests stood gaping. As the army reached the
+doorway, the people fell back on both sides and the victorious general
+led his men down the stairs, down, down, down, followed by the throng,
+now laughing and gesticulating as wildly as any New Yorker can when he
+has been well fooled!
+
+Along the corridor of the floor where their own suite was located,
+George led his army, and once safely inside that friendly door, he
+quickly slammed and locked it.
+
+The five sank down on the floor, and rocked back and forth in hysterics
+of fun.
+
+"Oh! That was the best fight we've ever had!" finally cried Martha.
+
+An imperative knock at the door made them all jump, however.
+
+"Run to your rooms and tear off these uniforms! Fire them in the closets
+or anywhere and jump in bed. Cover yourselves with the bedclothes before
+Maggie comes in with a pass-key!" ordered George quickly.
+
+A second rap on the door found them all quickly removing the uniforms,
+and before Maggie could get her pass-key, the five quiet, dear little
+darlings were snugly tucked in five beds snoring soundly.
+
+The proprietor stood in the parlor wonderingly, but Maggie crept to the
+doors and held up a warning hand for quiet.
+
+"They is all fast asleep, sir!" whispered she.
+
+The dazed man shook his head, and went out thinking deeply over the
+queer occurrence. Could five bellboys have played that joke? But no,
+there was one with curls, and the maid had said the five children were
+not in the rooms when she sought for them!
+
+As soon as the crowd had dispersed, Maggie went to the room where the
+two little girls slept in twin beds.
+
+"That ice cream will all be melted to nuthing," said wily Maggie.
+
+Instantly the girls were out of bed. "Where is it?"
+
+"Ha! Tell me the truth and I'll give you the cream!" said Maggie
+coaxingly.
+
+The boys heard the word "cream" and they fell into their clothes and
+appeared at the parlor door about the same time the two girls and
+Maggie came from the room.
+
+The story was told, and Maggie, finding herself as much at fault as the
+soldiers, promised to put the uniforms back in the closet, while the
+children sat down and enjoyed a double portion of ice cream.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+SOME OF WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS
+
+
+An automobile was hired for the day, and as early as was practical, the
+party started for Bronx Park. Here they took a quick survey of the
+horticultural gardens and stopped a short time at the zoo, then on to
+the historic points of Fordham and the Bronx. Then they visited the
+stately mansion of the old Morris family on the Harlem River, where
+Washington had made his headquarters during the time he was in New York
+with his army.
+
+From this place, the party went to White Plains, and saw the places
+still remaining to mark the points of historic interest. Thence to
+Dobb's Ferry, where the fine old house used by Washington for his
+headquarters had been purchased by a rich American, and restored to its
+original state.
+
+The visitors crossed the river at this place and went to Fort Lee, but
+nothing of interest could be found here.
+
+"It is much like the man himself! General Lee ruined his character and
+honor when he permitted the British to capture him in dressing gown and
+slippers!" scorned Mrs. Parke, who had always felt the utmost contempt
+for this disobedient American.
+
+"I wish we had time to cross from here and visit Morristown--it is not
+so far in distance, but have we time to-day?" ventured Mrs. Davis.
+
+"I have an idea!" exclaimed Mr. Parke. "What do you say if we wire the
+garage in New York that we will not return till to-morrow? We can then
+go to Newburgh and West Point, and later on to Morristown, and remain
+there for the night at some first-class hotel. It will be a relief to
+get away from the din of the New York streets, and rest in the quiet
+peace of a suburban town."
+
+"We would not reach Morristown till long after dinner," said Mrs.
+Parke, thinking of the tiresome ride for the children.
+
+"Well, ask the chauffeurs about it--they ought to know the distance and
+time it would take to go from Newburgh to Morristown," said Mrs. Davis.
+
+Both chauffeurs declared that it was too late to think of visiting West
+Point and Newburgh that day, and to cross-country to Morristown was a
+very poor road to travel. So it was decided to return to the city and
+start the next morning for West Point on the small steamer running
+between that point and New York. In this way, the children could see the
+grand old Hudson and its sights. If it were possible, and the day fair,
+they would drive to Morristown and the places in its vicinity made
+famous by Revolutionary tactics.
+
+Mrs. Graham had arranged with her aunt that John and she would remain at
+home all of the following day to meet friends and distant relatives of
+the family. Thus John was disappointed in this trip up the Hudson, for
+he would have much preferred to be with his friends, than sit in a
+darkened old city mansion, listening to folks talk about their family.
+
+Early on the following day, therefore, the Parkes and Davises sailed up
+the Hudson, passing the Sailors' Monument and Grant's Tomb on the way.
+The Palisades attracted admiration, for the foliage of late fall
+glorified the steep cliffs of the river.
+
+Past Yonkers, called "Younkers" in the old Dutch days, they sailed
+again, passing Dobb's Ferry, where they had visited the day before, and
+so on to Stony Point.
+
+"Who can tell the story of Stony Point?" asked Mr. Parke.
+
+The children looked at each other, but they seemed anxious not to
+venture information which might be incorrect, so Mrs. Parke decided to
+help them over the difficulty.
+
+"Fortifications had been started at West Point, as it looked more
+defensible than positions lately occupied by Fort Clinton and Fort
+Montgomery. But the works at West Point were far from completion, and
+Washington knew that communication must be kept open between the middle
+and eastern states. Detachments of his army occupied positions on both
+sides the river, commanding the ferry and protecting the incomplete
+works above. On the west bank, stationed on an elevated section of
+ground called Stony Point, defences had been started but were far from
+being completed. On the east bank, a small fort called Lafayette's on
+Verplanck's Point, projecting out into the river, was nearer completion
+than the works on the other side.
+
+"Now, the intention of the British was to reduce both these works and
+capture West Point, along with Washington's division, and perhaps, that
+of the State of the Confederacy.
+
+"The unfinished works at Stony Point, garrisoned by but forty men, was
+too weak to defend itself against Clinton's large division of the
+British army, landing on the eastern bank of the river, placed under
+command of Vaughan, so it was abandoned after setting fire to the
+block-house. The garrison took stores and ammunition with them, and
+Clinton took possession of it without opposition. During the night he
+had cannon and mortars brought up and planted on the brow of the hill,
+opposite the fort on the other side of the river.
+
+"At five o'clock in the morning, a heavy fire was opened upon Fort
+Lafayette by the command at Stony Point, and two vessels in the river
+managed to pass the fort, thus cutting off all chance of escape by
+water. General Vaughan made a circuit by land, thus completely
+surrounding the little garrison of seventy men. Captain Armstrong, the
+commander of the fort, and his men, held out all day and then
+capitulated.
+
+"Clinton ordered both forts completed at once, but Washington, having
+heard of the British general's advance up the river, had strengthened
+West Point and taken up a strong position at Smith's Cove, so that the
+English found it unwise to attack the American forces at that time.
+Besides Staten Island was threatened in his absence, so he left
+garrisons at the two posts captured, and retired to Phillipsburg, to be
+ready to assist in New York and its dependencies, or at either of the
+other captured forts if necessary.
+
+"A garrison of 1000 men was left at Stony Point, and one of 5000 men at
+Fort Lafayette, but Clinton determined to draw the American army, so he
+sent Tryon with 2600 men into Connecticut. After pillaging New Haven and
+destroying property at Fairfield, Norwalk and Greenfield, laying the
+towns in ashes, and treating the people with the greatest brutality, he
+essayed to treat New London in the same manner, but the people were
+roused to such a degree, by the reports from their neighboring towns,
+that they opposed Tryon successfully. Hence he returned to New York to
+boast of his exploits.
+
+"News of the invasion of Connecticut was late in reaching Washington, as
+he was visiting outposts in the vicinity of Stony Point. He understood
+the design of Clinton, however, so did not weaken his forces in the
+Highlands to assist the troops in Connecticut; on the contrary, he
+planned a counter-attack on Stony Point, which, if successful, would
+alarm Clinton and induce him to recall the detachment from Connecticut,
+to defend the outpost on the river.
+
+"Secrecy was one of the essential things to the success of this plan.
+One brigade was ordered to march so as to reach the scene of the action
+about the time the troops engaged in the attack, and so render
+assistance should disaster befall them.
+
+"As you can see from the boat here, Stony Point is a hill projecting far
+out into the river, with three sides washed by the Hudson, and the other
+side attached to the mainland by a deep marsh.
+
+"Over this marsh there was but one crossing-place, but where it joins
+with the river there is a sandy beach. On the summit of the hill stood
+the fort. Besides the garrison there were some vessels stationed in the
+river to command the foot of the fort.
+
+"At half-past eleven at night, two columns of Continentals marched with
+unloaded muskets, and bayonets fixed, preceded by a forlorn hope of
+twenty men. They crossed the marsh undiscovered, and at twenty minutes
+to twelve, commenced the assault.
+
+"Surmounting every obstacle, they mounted and entered the works without
+discharging a single musket. They obtained possession of the fort,
+without the display of cruelty so prevalent in the British ranks,
+although sixty-three of the garrison were killed. The prisoners amounted
+to upward of five hundred, and the value of the military stores taken
+was considerable.
+
+"An attempt was made on the opposite fort but failed. This failure, with
+the fifteen hundred men it would take to garrison Stony Point against
+the enemy's shipping, caused Washington to demolish and abandon the
+fort. But Clinton re-occupied and repaired it again immediately.
+
+"Then Washington established his headquarters at West Point in July, and
+from that time to December, he gave his attention to the completion of
+the works at that post."
+
+"Look on the right, children! There you will see the Verplanck's Point
+your aunt has just been describing to you as holding Fort Lafayette,"
+called Mr. Davis, pointing out the spot to the eager children.
+
+From that point on till the boat reached Newburgh, the elders
+entertained the children with various descriptions of places passed.
+
+After visiting the headquarters at Newburgh, and going on to visit West
+Point, where the children were deeply interested in watching the cadets
+practice, they returned to the landing where they intended taking the
+boat back to New York. But they were too late. It had gone half an hour
+before they reached the dock.
+
+"That means we must go back by train," said Mr. Parke.
+
+"We'll get to New York much earlier than expected. We might accomplish
+some other visit," suggested Mrs. Davis.
+
+"Oh, no. The return will mean that we will have time for rest before
+starting the trip to Morristown to-morrow," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+So that evening was really the first quiet or restful one enjoyed since
+the travellers reached New York. And in the morning, all were eager to
+continue their historical visits.
+
+Through the flats of Hackensack and across the Passaic, the party rode,
+the elders pointing out various places that might interest the children.
+At Newark nothing of moment was found to convey any picture of
+Washington's campaign to the youthful admirers, so they continued on to
+Morristown.
+
+Here they visited the old Fort Nonsense on the ridge, back of the town,
+and then inspected the headquarters, where a fine collection of
+furniture and other relics was kept on exhibition by the Washington
+Association of New Jersey.
+
+Later they drove through Baskingridge and cross-country to Pluckimin and
+thus on to Brunswick. Trenton was passed through on the homeward route,
+and then on to Jersey City, and across the ferry to New York. In going
+through Trenton the old hall and other historic buildings were pointed
+out to the children.
+
+That night George had a suggestion to offer.
+
+"We've done nothing but see, and _see_, and _see_ places since we've
+landed here from home, and I say that we now do something different."
+
+"But this trip was planned to show you children all we could to
+enlighten you on history," replied Mrs. Parke.
+
+"I feel so light that it would take little to waft me up to the sky,"
+said Martha, hoping so to create sympathy.
+
+"Now that we have completed the round of places to be visited in the
+interests of Revolutionary history, suppose we continue on our way to
+Philadelphia. There is a mine of historical places to be visited in and
+about that city; besides we will be home and we won't have to bother
+like we do in a hotel," said Mrs. Davis.
+
+"I second that motion!" cried Jack.
+
+"But our week of vacation is not yet over in New York," argued Mr.
+Parke.
+
+"Well, why not leave you two men behind to finish up your week, while we
+go on with the children to prepare the people of the Quaker City for the
+unexpected coming of the Little Washingtons?" laughed Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Do say yes, father!" begged Martha.
+
+"I see! My own daughter wants to get away from my company!" exclaimed
+Mr. Parke tragically.
+
+"We wouldn't if you were finished with your business affairs, but we
+know right well what will happen if we tear you away now! It will mean a
+delay all 'round," said Mrs. Parke, from former experiences.
+
+"Well, then Sam and I will say 'good riddance' and send you off on the
+morrow's train from the Pennsylvania Station," agreed Mr. Parke.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+GEORGE'S STRANGE BATTLE
+
+
+That evening some city friends called at the hotel to see the Parkes and
+Davises, and wishing the children to get a good night's sleep, the
+parents decided to receive the callers in a parlor downstairs, and turn
+down the lights in their own parlor.
+
+After they had gone down, George felt so restless he could not keep
+quiet, so he slipped out of bed and went out to the parlor to amuse
+himself. The lights were turned up again, and a souvenir book of the
+Woolworth building was found on the table. This book had been purchased
+when they were up in the tower, but so much had been crowded in the few
+days in the city, that no one had taken time to look at the pictures.
+
+Now, however, George found the pictures and text very entertaining for
+want of company or something better to do. He pored over the
+illustration of the tower, wondering at the great height of the
+structure, and the manner in which it was built.
+
+He sat in a corner of the comfortable couch, his bare feet sticking out
+from his new pajamas purchased that very day. As he read the book, his
+eyelids drooped several times, but George always fought off sleep to the
+very last moment, so he bravely refused to give in to it now.
+
+Suddenly, as he turned a page of the book, he heard a stealthy step
+behind him, coming from the open window. He turned just in time to see a
+masked face lean over the couch, and then a great bony hand reached out
+and grabbed him under the arms and lifted him up.
+
+George immediately essayed to scream for help, but a hand was placed
+over his mouth, while the man growled: "You help me gag him, then we'll
+tie this towel tight about his wrists and ankles."
+
+This was done, while poor George was helpless to defend himself. He
+wondered if George Washington ever had such a cowardly game played on
+him.
+
+"Now we'll sneak downstairs with him and watch our chance to get away,"
+whispered the man to his accomplice.
+
+George felt himself carried to the door, but in a sudden twist of his
+body he managed to slip out of the villain's grasp, and in rolling upon
+the floor, he upset a stand with a jardiniere of flowers on it. This
+crashed down and woke up the other children, which was just what George
+wanted.
+
+The two rascals quickly caught up their victim again, and rushed out,
+leaving the door wide open. The three other children were heard running
+out and calling "George! George!" but he could not reply.
+
+Just as the two men reached the head of the stairs, the three pajamaed
+children ran out in the hall and saw them carrying George away. He saw
+them follow and heard them scream for help, but he himself was helpless
+to move or utter a sound.
+
+Down the many flights of stairs the two men now rushed with their
+burden, the three night-dressed children running after. On the main
+floor, they fled down the wide marble ornamental stairs and through the
+lobby, throwing people right and left as they rushed madly for the door.
+The three white-robed friends of George followed close at the heels of
+the villains.
+
+A hue and cry then started, and as the men reached the curb to jump into
+a waiting taxicab, the people of the hotel and the crowds on the street
+joined in the chase. The Parkes and Davises, and the children as well,
+all ran screaming to the sidewalk, yelling to every one to stop the
+runaways. George could hear this until the cab turned the corner and
+tore down Broadway.
+
+As the reckless driver flew downtown, George held his breath in
+constant fear of being smashed to atoms by colliding with a trolley or
+automobile crossing one of the many streets.
+
+Down the densely-thronged thoroughfare flew the cab, the police
+whistling signals for it to stop, and shooting revolvers at the tires to
+cause a puncture, but, strange to say, the cab escaped without a single
+damage to windows or tires.
+
+By the time the runaways reached Union Square, a long mob of people were
+tearing after them, all in hot pursuit of the villains. In the foremost
+ranks ran the parents and the bare-footed, night-robed children. George
+heard the men say so, as they watched from the window in the back.
+
+Down Fifth Avenue went the cab until it reached Washington Square. Under
+the famous Washington Arch it flew, one wheel striking the base and
+causing the cab to swerve. As it righted itself again, one of the wheels
+came loose, and so on down, down they tore in constant danger of
+throwing the wheel and being flung into a stone building or a passing
+trolley.
+
+That fearful shaking and fear almost made George sick, but he remembered
+how Washington must have felt when everything seemed against him and his
+country. "Did he give up and let Howe get away with him and his army?
+No, siree! He did not. Neither will I!" thought George.
+
+Finally the cab reached City Hall Park, and around the park it flew,
+while the two men wondered where they could go with their captive.
+
+"Can't cross the bridge without being arrested, you know. They have
+guards there," said one.
+
+"Can't go across to Liberty Island at this time of night. Can't go
+anywhere except to the Woolworth Tower!" said the other.
+
+"Just the place! If any one follows we will drop him off!" threatened
+the first man.
+
+So the cab pulled up by the side entrance to the Woolworth building, and
+the two men hustled George on an elevator inside, and made the man send
+the elevator to the top where the room was that visitors had to pass
+through to reach the tower. Here they found the man asleep, as no
+visitors were expected that night.
+
+They bundled George on the tiny elevator that ran to the very tip-top of
+the tower, and one of the rascals ran it up. Then they went out on the
+narrow balcony that circled the tower. As they walked around here,
+dragging George by the belt of his pajamas, they watched the mob tearing
+across City Hall Park in pursuit.
+
+George could look over the parapet, and he was sure he saw his mother in
+front, calling to him, 'way up in that tower. He wanted to assure her
+that he was brave and would be all right, but one of the men thought he
+was signalling to his friends.
+
+"What shall we do if some of them follow us up here and try to catch
+us?" wondered one of the men.
+
+"We'll warn them--we'll throw him over if they try to come up!" said
+the other, shaking a fist at the crowds in the park.
+
+Meantime, as many as could get on the elevators, did come up to the
+room, but the small elevator that ran to the tower would only hold five
+or six at a time, and there was no one to run it. The man who slept in
+the chair could not be roused, so Mr. Parke said he would run the lift
+to the top.
+
+The two villains threatened in vain--George's father started for the
+balcony to save his son. Then the men lifted George upon the stone
+guard, and he could look down into the dizzy depths, where the people
+ran about like ants on the earth.
+
+"If you step another inch, down he goes!" roared one of the men.
+
+"What shall we do?" wailed Mrs. Parke, wringing her hands.
+
+While one of the men stood guard at the door that opened on the balcony,
+the other carried George around to the other side of the balcony. The
+moment George found but one man to hold him, he squirmed and wriggled so
+that he soon got out of the fellow's hold, and then he managed in some
+way to free his two hands.
+
+The man tried to hold him again, but with his hands free George also
+managed to free his feet. Then he jumped up and defied the rascal. As
+the man turned to call his partner, George saw that the mayor had
+ordered an aeroplane from Governor's Island to rise and save him.
+Determined to hold off the two villains long enough to give the aviators
+time to reach the tower, George ran around and around the tower--the
+door leading to the balcony having been bolted on the outside by the
+villain on guard to keep help and friends from reaching George. Then, as
+the aeroplane almost flew over George's head, the men saw it and
+realized that they would soon lose their prize unless they could catch
+him again. So one of them planned to go one way, and the other the other
+way, and so catch George before he could be carried off.
+
+Fortunately for George, an experienced aviator flew the machine, and as
+he swooped down in a graceful loop, he dropped a tackle out and caught
+George in the back of his pajamas. Just as the two men met in a swift
+run around the balcony and bumped together, they saw their victim lifted
+out of their grasp, and they jumped to catch hold of him.
+
+But the plane was swiftly skimming over the city on its way to the
+hangars on Governor's Island. George never dared to move or even breathe
+for fear that the great hook would rip the madras of his pajama coat and
+so let him drop.
+
+The aeroplane reached the water, however, and was speeding over the bay
+to the island, when George heard an ominous r-r-rip at his back. He
+tried to call to his friend, the aviator, to haul him up, but the madras
+kept right on tearing once it started, and just as George could see the
+aviation field on the island, and could feel the aeroplane rapidly
+descending, the material in the coat gave way entirely and down plunged
+the luckless George into the deep water.
+
+The mayor had very thoughtfully ordered the whistles on the bay to blow,
+and many scows and other craft tied up for the night, showed lights or
+blew whistles. Just as the coat began tearing, a powerful searchlight,
+called the Sperry light, shot across the bay, and when George fell, a
+great chorus of steam-whistles started their warning signals to
+ferryboats and other ships that were still passing back and forth.
+
+George felt himself going down, down into the water, but it was not as
+cold as he feared it might be. He soon bobbed up on the surface, and no
+sooner had his head appeared in the great flashing pathway of light shed
+on the bay, than a submarine shot past and a long arm lifted him out of
+the water and dragged him into the hold.
+
+Down went the submarine, and George rubbed the salt water from his eyes
+to find himself a prisoner of some fierce-looking German pirates.
+
+They taunted him at first, but when the captain came in from his
+private den, they were silenced.
+
+"Who are you?" demanded the captain.
+
+"I am George Washington, commander-in-chief of the American forces!"
+proudly replied George.
+
+"Yah! Such a fine prize ve never hoped to get in New York vaters.
+Frents, ve sail home mit him to once, and present him to our Kaiser!"
+gloated the captain, rubbing his hands together.
+
+Immediately the men in the submarine went to work, and George felt the
+undersea craft fairly flying through the water. But they left him alone,
+never dreaming that he was a brave and determined fighter. When no one
+was looking, George crept over to the opening where the torpedoes were
+shoved in and launched. He had a desperate idea.
+
+He managed to swing a torpedo about and slide it in the tube. Then he
+managed in some marvelous manner, to close the door of the tube, first
+seating himself astride the torpedo. He pulled with all his might on a
+cord that hung inside the tube, and simultaneously with the opening of
+the steel plate in front of the torpedo, the swift missile shot forth
+from the submarine.
+
+George had no idea where it might strike, but he clung like a leech to
+the slippery sides, as it flew through the green waters. So swiftly did
+it fly that George never had a good look at the shark that swam up eager
+to eat him.
+
+Suddenly something deflected the torpedo, and it rose up on the surface
+and skimmed over the top of the waves. Straight on for Brooklyn Heights
+the awful explosive went, and all George could see was General Howe
+giving the sign to hang Nathan Hale to a telegraph pole, when the
+torpedo struck and blew all of Long Island into the air. George rose
+with it, and while he tried to catch his breath, the great American
+eagle flew over his head and stretched out a claw. He was firmly held in
+this clutch, and carried dangling over the East River and right up to
+the cupola of City Hall, where the eagle had built a nest, all unknown
+to the citizens.
+
+George was just about to pat the eagle on the head, when the patriotic
+mayor climbed to the cupola and thanked the eagle for his services. Then
+he turned to George:
+
+"I knew such a great general as Washington could not be carried a
+prisoner to the Kaiser. I have kept our great American eagle roosting in
+this cupola for just such emergencies. I knew there were Black Hands and
+dangerous spies in the city, but I never dreamed they would dare to make
+off with our Washington! All of the loyal and patriotic American
+citizens of this city agreed with me, that New York needed the eagle
+here to keep trouble away, but who could tell to what lengths these bad
+men would go?--even so far as to kidnap our great and true Washington.
+Now that we have saved the city from the grasp of the enemy, who would
+have destroyed it utterly, I wish you would make a speech to the crowds
+waiting below in the park."
+
+George consented, and as he stood on the edge of the cupola, holding the
+mayor's hand on one side, and leaning gracefully on the American eagle
+as it stood beside him on the other side, the throngs of people cheered
+and cheered for the great general who blew up the British army on Long
+Island.
+
+Just as George cleared his throat to address his countrymen something
+terrible happened, and George found himself rolling on the floor of the
+hotel parlor, where he had fallen from the couch.
+
+He sat up and rubbed his eyes and stared around to see if the patriotic
+mayor was safe and sound, and what had become of the American eagle,
+when the elders came into the room, laughing and talking.
+
+"Why, George! You out of bed?" cried Mrs. Parke.
+
+"Bed! Why, I haven't had a second's time to think of bed! Ever since
+those two masked rascals, who were enemies of the mayor, grabbed me,
+I've been in so much trouble that the American eagle had to save me!"
+exclaimed George, getting up from the floor and limping over to replace
+the Woolworth souvenir on the table.
+
+"What _are_ you all laughing at, anyway?" cried George testily, as he
+limped into his room, wishing he had had time to speak that fine speech
+he had ready.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+BATTLE-GROUNDS AROUND PHILADELPHIA
+
+
+The next morning the ladies and children left New York for Philadelphia,
+the home of the Davises. On the journey there Mrs. Parke was begged for
+a story of the time when Washington fought so hard to protect the city
+they were bound for.
+
+"After leaving Brunswick, New Jersey, when Cornwallis appeared there,
+Washington retreated, leaving twelve hundred men to protect Princeton,
+and, with the rest of the army, proceeded to Trenton, on the Delaware.
+He collected and guarded all the boats on the river for seventy miles
+either side of Philadelphia, then sending the sick over to the latter
+city, he followed with baggage and equipment. Leaving the thousand men
+at Princeton to keep up the appearance of resistance to the English
+army, he was about to move his main army, when he heard that Cornwallis
+was planning to cut off his retreat across the Delaware. Hastily calling
+the men from Princeton, he began a quick retreat, and managed to get all
+his men across the river and hold the boats on the Philadelphia side,
+about the time the British army reached the river on the Jersey side.
+
+"As no boats were to be had, the enemy could not cross, so the American
+army had a rest on the Pennsylvania side. It was during this retreat
+from New Jersey that Washington heard of the capture of Lee, at a tavern
+near Baskingridge, where he had been sleeping some distance from his
+men.
+
+"When the British found they were cut off from pursuit of the American
+army, they fell to enjoying themselves in New Jersey, while waiting for
+the ice to freeze solid on the river to enable them to cross to
+Philadelphia.
+
+"But the Hessians indulged in such open cruelty that many of the
+inhabitants changed from the proffered friendship to bitter enmity.
+
+"On receiving news of the different cantonments and numbers of the
+British troops, Washington decided to make a bold effort to check their
+progress.
+
+"He formed his men into three divisions, purposing to attack the
+Hessians, 1,500 strong, where they were posted at Trenton; but in trying
+to cross the Delaware, one division, under Cadwallader, failed because
+of the tides and the piled-up ice on the Jersey bank.
+
+"The second division was to cross at Trenton Ferry, but this also failed
+on account of the ice. The third, under command of Washington himself,
+consisting of about 2,400 men, accomplished the passage with great
+difficulty.
+
+"Had not the obstacles and weather prevented the other two divisions
+from joining Washington in this fight, the result of this masterly
+stroke would have been to sweep the British from their holds on the
+Delaware, and thus establish a firm foothold in New Jersey. As it was,
+Washington had to forbear a final battle, and remain satisfied with
+having won a partial victory. He re-crossed the river with his
+prisoners, six pieces of artillery, 1,000 stand of arms, and valuable
+military stores.
+
+"This victory revived the spirits of the army, and every spark of
+patriotism in the land was burning brightly, when Washington again
+crossed the Delaware with 5,000 men to recover as much as possible of
+the territory overrun by the British.
+
+"Cornwallis was on the point of sailing for England, thinking the
+campaign ended for the winter season, when he was compelled to resume
+command of his forces.
+
+"Battle between the two armies raged all day, and at dark the British,
+confident of victory the following morning, desisted.
+
+"During the night Washington silently decamped, leaving fire burning and
+sentinels advanced, while small parties guarded the forts. By circuitous
+route, the Americans approached Princeton, where an engagement with the
+British took place at daybreak.
+
+"When the Americans drove headlong on, the British took refuge in the
+college, but later surrendered to the Americans.
+
+"On the coming of daylight, Cornwallis discovered the flight of the
+American army, and soon afterward heard firing from the direction of
+Princeton. He immediately understood the wise tactics of the American
+commander, and fearing for the safety of Brunswick, where valuable
+magazines were collected, he advanced toward that place, and was close
+upon the rear of the American army before they could leave Princeton.
+
+"Now Washington found himself in a perilous position. His men were
+exhausted from lack of food and rest for two days and nights; he was
+pursued by the enemy, very superior in forces, well clothed, fed and
+rested, who would overtake him before he could fulfil his plan to take
+Brunswick. Under these circumstances he abandoned the project, and took
+the road leading up the country to Pluckimin, breaking down the bridges
+over Millstone Creek and other streams, and otherwise creating obstacles
+to the pursuit of the enemy; but Cornwallis hastened to Brunswick, where
+he found all plans had been perfected for the removal of the stores and
+defence of the place.
+
+"But now came the retribution for the British, who had afflicted the
+Jerseymen on previous trips and stays. The people hung upon the steps of
+the retiring army and wreaked vengeance on the men whenever opportunity
+offered itself.
+
+"Washington fell back on Morristown, in the hills of New Jersey,
+difficult of access, and from this point, where his winter quarters were
+made, he overran different sections of Jersey, and by judicious
+movements, wrested from the British most of their conquests in the
+state. Thus terminated the eventful campaign of 1776.
+
+"The success of Washington in the Jerseys permitted Congress to meet
+again in Philadelphia in February, where they determined to interest
+foreign countries in their fight for Liberty.
+
+"Franklin and Lee were sent to Paris to enlist the help and sympathies
+of France, and thus it was that the valiant Marquis de Lafayette was
+destined to shed glory over the Land of Liberty. In the spring, he
+reached America and joined Washington's army, with the rank of
+major-general.
+
+"Another illustrious name that braced the muster-roll of the American
+warriors that year, was that of the gallant Count Pulaski, the
+courageous Pole.
+
+"In August, after many encounters with the British at other places,
+Washington moved his army. They marched through Philadelphia down Front
+Street, and up Chestnut Street, proceeding by way of Chester to
+Wilmington. From that time on, for two weeks, Washington thoroughly
+reconnoitered the country round about between Philadelphia and the
+Chesapeake.
+
+"General Howe landed his British forces a few days' march from
+Philadelphia, where he expected to gain the right of the American army.
+
+"After many engagements, the British army being very superior in numbers
+and equipment, Washington was gradually forced to retreat, and Howe took
+possession of Philadelphia."
+
+Mrs. Parke suddenly concluded the story to the surprise of the audience,
+and George instantly said: "That isn't half of the story. You skipped a
+lot about the British before they could get in Philadelphia, and you
+never said a word about the headquarters at Brandywine, or the Battle of
+Brandywine!"
+
+"Well, as you know it so well, why don't you tell it to us?" suggested
+Mrs. Parke.
+
+"I don't want to. We'd rather hear you tell it," replied George
+anxiously.
+
+"But I'm tired of telling it. Let Martha tell it."
+
+"Oh, I only know about Chew's House and Red Bank and some other places
+in New Jersey that year," protested Martha.
+
+"I know all about Valley Forge, and the dreadful time our army had that
+winter," remarked Jack.
+
+"Well, I thought it was time to ring for some light refreshments, as we
+will be in Philadelphia in less than half an hour, and it will be past
+luncheon time when we arrive," hinted Mrs. Parke, who had other motives
+for not continuing the story of Philadelphia.
+
+To this new arrangement the children immediately agreed, and the wars
+were forgotten in the far more interesting present campaign on luncheon.
+
+The small tables were brought in and opened before the travellers, to
+the great delight of George and Martha, who had never lunched this way
+before, although Jack and Anne had spoken of it, when they travelled
+from Philadelphia to Washington.
+
+"I think we will each have a cup of consomme," said Mrs. Parke, reading
+from the small menu card.
+
+"That's plain soup!" scorned George.
+
+"I don't want it--do you?" asked Martha, appealing to Anne and Jack.
+
+"We'd rather have something nicer," replied they.
+
+Mrs. Parke ignored these side murmurs and continued ordering.
+
+"Then you can bring us some cold beef, bread and butter, cheese and
+crackers, and milk for the children. We ladies will have a cup of tea."
+
+"Yas'sam!" replied the polite waiter, leaving the car.
+
+"But what are we going to eat? You never give us cheese at home!" cried
+Martha in dismay.
+
+"You can have the consomme, crackers and milk. If you care to have a bit
+of cold beef, you may," replied Mrs. Parke.
+
+"But you didn't order any pie, or cake, or ice cream!" remonstrated
+George, almost speechless with surprise.
+
+"No, because they only have a buffet lunch, I find. They haven't any hot
+dishes, or desserts other than the kind ready-made by companies. As you
+know, I never care to have you eat pies or ice cream made in
+factories."
+
+That luncheon, so eagerly looked forward to when suggested, was a
+dreadful failure! Only soup and plain crackers and milk that one could
+get at home any time for the asking!
+
+Arriving in Philadelphia, Mrs. Davis remarked as she noted the
+disappointed look of the children:
+
+"I know where there is a fine soda-fountain near here, and they serve
+the best ice cream!" said she.
+
+"Oh, let's!" sighed Martha.
+
+And Mrs. Parke, knowing opposition to be futile, followed after the
+eager group as they hurried to the corner drug store.
+
+A taxicab soon took them to the Davises' house, where the children were
+engaged all afternoon, in visiting the entire house and trying out the
+toys in the playroom.
+
+As the two ladies sat in the upstairs sitting-room, Mrs. Davis said: "Do
+tell me what caused you to suddenly change your mind about including the
+story of Washington's campaign in and about Philadelphia?"
+
+"Why, I remembered that, with a story so fresh in their minds, they
+might try to play it out on the Philadelphians. If you or I should
+happen to go shopping, or be invited out to tea, we might return to find
+Washington's army charging on Chestnut Street, or retreating to the
+police-station!" Mrs. Parke laughingly answered her.
+
+"It will not need refreshed memories to bring about such battles. They
+are apt to open an active campaign without notice, at any time or
+place," laughed Mrs. Davis.
+
+"Still, I think it wiser to save Philadelphia's war troubles until we
+are safe back home on the estate," said Mrs. Parke.
+
+Soon after this conversation, the ladies heard laughter and the patter
+of feet upstairs in the large playroom, and felt sure the four cousins
+were playing as other children did, with dolls and trains of cars, and
+rocking-horses and other numerous toys.
+
+But the uproar grew so loud that finally the two mothers went up to see
+what was going on.
+
+As usual, George was commander-in-chief of the army and Jack was Howe.
+Martha was Lafayette and Anne was Cornwallis. The dolls, tin soldiers,
+stuffed animals, and everything in the imitation of any living thing
+were arrayed in two lines, facing each other. George was furiously
+riding a rocking-horse, while waving a tin sword wildly about his head.
+Howe stood on the window-seat issuing orders to his side. Lafayette and
+Cornwallis stood back of their lines, shooting peas at the helpless
+armies. For every tin soldier or saw-dust doll shot down, a great whoop
+of cheer came from the victorious side. When two victims, one on each
+side, fell at the same time, the yells were deafening.
+
+So enthused were the warriors that they failed to note the door opening
+a wee bit, so the ladies withdrew again, happy to find the children
+playing quietly (?) in the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A FIGHT WITH THE HESSIANS
+
+
+"Children, have you planned to do anything this morning?" asked Mrs.
+Davis, at breakfast the following morning after their arrival.
+
+"What did you expect to do?" countered George.
+
+"Oh, nothing much, but it looks so much like rain, and the Scotch mist
+is so heavy and cold, I thought you children could play upstairs this
+morning while aunty and I do some shopping downtown. We will be home for
+lunch and take you to a matinee if you will be good," promised Mrs.
+Davis.
+
+"Cross your heart?" demanded Jack, for matinees were rare treats, as
+Mrs. Davis thought children were better off at wholesome play in the
+fresh air, than sitting in a crowded theatre watching make-believe
+scenes on the stage.
+
+"Yes, I'll take you to Barnum's Circus, showing this week in
+Philadelphia."
+
+"Oh, goody! goody! We'll be good, all right!" cried George.
+
+"Indeed we will. If it clears off some we might play basket-ball out in
+the backyard, that's all," promised Anne.
+
+So the ladies started downtown with assurances that the four cousins
+would be models of virtue and good behavior until noon when they would
+look for their reward.
+
+Soon after they left, the mist lifted and the air grew warmer and
+pleasant.
+
+"It's kind of stuffy in the house, isn't it?" said Jack, after a heated
+bout with George, where both wore boxing gloves, and the girls were
+umpires.
+
+"Yes, let's go out and cool off," agreed George, mopping his face.
+
+"We can play out in the backyard, you know," suggested Anne.
+
+"I'm so warm I don't want to play ball, but let's go out anyway," said
+George.
+
+So the four ran downstairs and out of the rear hall-door to the piazza
+that had steps leading down to the square of grass that was used for
+drying clothes. Back of this plot was a small garden that was cultivated
+in the summer, but was now chiefly used for a basket-ball ground.
+
+The wash was out, so the grass-plot was impossible for the children, and
+they skirted the laundry and reached the barren garden.
+
+"What's on the other side of your high fence?" asked George, eyeing the
+six-foot boards that had nice cross-pieces at convenient distance from
+the ground to the top.
+
+"Nothing, only a big vacant lot. Father says the owners have had trouble
+over the title to it for so many years, that now they couldn't improve
+it even if they had the money left to do it on," said Jack.
+
+"And every kind of youngster from down in those tenements comes up in
+that lot to play," added Anne, with disgust.
+
+Voices were now heard on the other side of the fence and George looked
+at his companions.
+
+"Guess I'll climb up and sit on top and watch 'em."
+
+"So'll I! That won't do any harm, I guess," said Jack.
+
+Anne and Martha watched their brothers climb up, and then following,
+they all sat on the smooth round top of the fence.
+
+Some boys from the tenements were about to have a game of baseball. At
+first, they failed to see the four spectators sitting on the fence. When
+they did, however, their remarks were not flattering.
+
+"Ha! See the sports up on the bleachers!" cried one.
+
+"Come down and we'll show you how we bat!" called another, and at this
+his friends all jeered.
+
+Jack wrinkled his nose and stuck his tongue in his cheek, making a wry
+face at the last speaker.
+
+That led to more remarks from the diamond, and more faces from all four
+perched on the fence; finally, at a taunting sneer from one of the team
+on the diamond, Jack replied angrily.
+
+Over at one side of this large vacant area was a depression that
+generally held muddy water from past rain storms. It seldom filtered
+into the earth, and the sun not reaching that side of the property,
+failed to dry it up. Hence, the younger children from the tenements
+played in this large puddle, sailing boats, or throwing stones to watch
+the splash.
+
+As Jack retorted, one of the boys standing near the puddle, stooped and
+flung a handful of dripping mud at the fence. It struck low, but George
+instantly shouted:
+
+"Don't you do that again! It's against the law to throw things in city
+limits!"
+
+"Ha! Lot you know about law! Why, sissy, we're a law by ourselves!"
+laughed one of the boys, going over to pick up a handful of the ooze.
+
+The rest of the gang instantly followed their leader, and before the
+four on the fence could imagine what would follow, the air was filled
+with flying mud-balls. Some struck the fence, some flew over and
+spattered the clean white clothes, and some struck the four defiant
+citizens on the fence, although they ducked and dodged many of the
+missiles.
+
+"Shall we jump down and let them laugh at us?" asked Jack.
+
+"Don't you dare! Even if you do I won't!" cried Anne, too furious to
+wonder what might be the result of this fracas.
+
+"I should say _double no_! For a dare, I'd jump over and fight them!"
+declared George.
+
+"Wish we had our air-rifles!" said Jack.
+
+"Are they fighters? Do they play fair?" asked George.
+
+"Fight! Like tigers, but they don't know what fairness means. The whole
+mob'd just as soon light on you if you went over as they would throw
+these mud-balls," sneered Jack.
+
+"Let's all four attack them!" ventured Martha, who was as daring as
+George.
+
+"There are six of them--besides the mob that will run the minute they
+sniff a fight!" warned Jack.
+
+"I've got it! Let's jump down, run alongside the house by the areaway,
+and get out on the street. We can run around the corner and get to the
+empty lot from the street, then they will be taken by surprise and can't
+run away," suggested Anne.
+
+"I wish to goodness we had two other friends," sighed Jack, as the four
+dropped from the fence to the wild jeering of the six boys on the other
+side.
+
+"Oh, Jack! Maybe Bob and Dick are home by this time. You know, when we
+went away, they were expected back from the country that Saturday," said
+Anne significantly.
+
+As the children ran across the garden they beheld with dismay that the
+lovely white clothes on the lines were now all bespattered with mud.
+This made them determined to mete out judgment.
+
+"Coo-ooh! Bo-ob!" shouted Jack, as he stood under the neighboring
+dining-room window.
+
+"Come ahead out, Dick!" yelled Anne, making a megaphone of her hands.
+
+Two heads appeared at the side window almost immediately.
+
+"When did you get home?" called Bob, raising the sash.
+
+"Never mind that! Hurry out--Dick and you! Big fight on," said Jack
+hurriedly, running to the street.
+
+Bob and Dick needed no further incentives, but were soon with the other
+four children on the sidewalk.
+
+"Where?" was all they said.
+
+"Empty lot back of our house. Those boys dirtied all of Bridget's clean
+clothes and pelted us with mud too, besides insulting and doing lots of
+things to us!" said Jack, while the six comrades, friends on the spot
+without introductions to the two southern cousins, ran around the corner
+of the street.
+
+When they reached the vacant lot, however, they hid back of the stone
+steps belonging to the adjoining house, and peeped about the corner to
+see what chances they had for a victory.
+
+To their delight they found that the two larger boys had been called
+away for some reason, and only four boys of their own size were left
+playing ball in a half-hearted way.
+
+"Agh! dem sissies ain't fighters! I t'ought sure dey would come ober de
+fence and pitch in!" said one of the ball-players to his companions.
+
+"Yeh! So'd I. Ef Bill and Huck stayed here, we coul' have chased 'em
+over into their own yard and licked 'em!" said another.
+
+At this information, George exchanged glances with Jack.
+
+"Shall we warn them, or just fall in?" asked he.
+
+"Did Washington send a polite letter to Howe or any of the British, when
+he started a fight?" was all Jack replied.
+
+"Here you, Bob--you tackle that red-headed fellow. Dick--you take care
+of the fat one. Jack can fight the thin one and I'll take charge of that
+freckled scrawny one--I can fight better than any of you, I guess!"
+planned George hurriedly.
+
+"Here! here, what about us two girls! Can't we help?" cried Martha, with
+deep grief at the turn events appeared to be taking.
+
+"Sure! You watch and warn us, and if the other two fellows come back,
+you blow this whistle for help!" advised Jack, handing his
+newly-acquired police-whistle to Anne.
+
+Before the four ball players could well understand who was rushing, or
+what the four boys were about, each one of the Washington forces had
+picked his man and was already busy on the offensive.
+
+In a few moments, the ball players, termed by George the low-down
+Hessians, recognized the two boys from the fence-top and with a yell of
+fury, pitched in to fight with all their strength.
+
+George bawled out orders for his companions to follow, and at every
+fresh attack upon the Hessians, the four Americans whooped and fell to
+with renewed lust of battle.
+
+Martha and Anne were deeply interested in hoping and watching for the
+Hessians--those cruel heartless fellows, who had injured and destroyed
+the lives and properties of the American citizens at Brunswick,
+Princeton, and other Jersey towns. It served them good and right to have
+Washington's men flay the breath out of them.
+
+But the Hessians were almost spent and ready to give up when Cornwallis,
+in the form of two pals from the tenements, came along and seeing the
+battle, added reinforcements to their almost vanquished army.
+
+Now Washington was desperate. He and his men were out-numbered by the
+arrival of the new forces, who were fresh and somewhat larger than the
+rest of the Hessians, and this meant watchful and wary war.
+
+But they had not counted on Anne and Martha. The moment the two
+reinforcements from the Hessians arrived, Martha cried:
+
+"Come on, Anne! Let's throw mud at them!"
+
+Mud-balls flew thick and fast for a time, and every one--Americans as
+well as Hessians--was blinded, choked, or spattered before Anne
+remembered the whistle! Neither Jack nor she knew what would happen if
+it were used. They had heard, however, that in times of dire need help
+would come upon the blowing of a whistle.
+
+The whistle did bring help. But Anne wished she had not used it when she
+saw a strange officer run across the street, and rush into the mob of
+boys where nothing but flying fists could be seen. The Hessians were
+accustomed to being routed by the police, and instantly took to their
+heels, leaving the battle-field to the American forces.
+
+The officer thought the four remaining boys were also from the tenement
+district, as their clothes were torn and spattered with mud. He mustered
+them in a group, and was about to march them off to the station-house,
+when the fat laundress from the Davises' house mounted a ladder she had
+placed against the fence, determined to investigate the cause of the mud
+which she had found all over her clean laundry.
+
+The policeman was a friend of Bridget's, and she berated the "durty
+varmints," who ruined her week's washing. She shook two great fists at
+the four boys, but not until the two girls had explained, would they
+believe that the boys had been erstwhile clean, decent citizens fighting
+under Washington's command.
+
+So the battle with the Hessians ended, and the American troops had to
+retreat to their "fastnesses in the Jersey Hills."
+
+As the six warriors and the policeman walked up the street where the
+houses of the children stood, a taxicab pulled up alongside the curb and
+stopped before the Davises' house. Two ladies alighted, and one of them
+paid the chauffeur. As they turned to go up the steps of the house, the
+vanquished army met them.
+
+"Well, mother, that was a great battle, and I'm sure those Hessians
+will know better than to attack defenceless people again," bragged
+George, trying to see from a swollen eye.
+
+"Not defenceless--but 'on-the-fence' Americans," corrected Jack,
+tittering.
+
+"Oh, oh! Are these our children?" wailed Mrs. Davis, backing away from
+the muddy, tattered group.
+
+"They says they are--and Miss Bridget--she oughter know when she sees
+'em. She says dey are belongin' here, all right!" said the officer,
+grinning at their plight.
+
+"Where did you find them, officer?" asked Mrs. Davis.
+
+"Yander, on the nex' block! They were fighting with a lot of ruffians,"
+said the officer, lifting his hat and preparing to leave.
+
+"Oh, thank you so much for taking care of them! And do buy some candy
+for your children at home, officer!" said Mrs. Davis, handing the man a
+dollar.
+
+The children then proudly related the "Battle of the Hessians." The
+mothers, however, were not impressed, and soundly reproved them for
+their failure to keep the promise of good behavior.
+
+As they left the dining-room after lunch, Mrs. Parke remarked: "We
+secured tickets for the circus, but I don't see why we should take you
+performers when you manage to have all the circus you want without
+troubling us."
+
+"What do you suppose we hurried and bathed and combed our hair and
+dressed up for, if not for the circus this afternoon?" complained Jack,
+thinking of all the wasted moments used to make his neck clean, and to
+brush down his unruly cow-licks.
+
+"Surely you didn't expect to come into this dining-room covered with mud
+and rags, did you?" cried Mrs. Davis, aghast.
+
+"Not exactly, but we didn't have to _waste_ so much soap and hot water,
+if we thought you were going to turn traitor. I'm not surprised
+Washington had such a hard time in that war, when even his own relations
+went back on him--after he fought for the honor of his people the way
+he did!" grumbled George.
+
+"I'd just as soon be born a descendant of Howe as to have folks
+misunderstand your Americanism!" added Jack.
+
+But this was too much for the mothers, who were Daughters of the
+Revolution, and although the connection between Washington at Princeton
+fighting the Hessians seemed to have nothing in common with the boys of
+the tenement alleys, they felt the spirit of patriotism that had moved
+their army to enter the defence of the place.
+
+So, in spite of the dire need of punishment for four fighting Americans,
+they were treated to the circus instead. And the event of the battle in
+the morning was quite erased from their minds when they came forth from
+that wonderful place, having feasted their eyes on animals, tricks,
+clowns too funny to describe, trapeze actors, acrobats, and too many
+things to remember all at once.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+FAREWELLS TO WASHINGTON
+
+
+Letters came from New York, stating that Mr. Parke and Mr. Davis would
+be in Philadelphia the following day, so if the children had not yet
+visited various sights of historic interest, they would escort them
+about and give the ladies a rest.
+
+"Now, I'll tell you, mother! It is my birthday, you see, the day after
+to-morrow, and you promised me a party this year. While father and uncle
+take us about, you and Aunt Kate can fix up a fine party at home. Ask
+every one you know and let's play Hallowe'en games, even if it is too
+soon," said Jack coaxingly.
+
+"It would be nice to have that party while your cousins are here,"
+admitted Mrs. Davis.
+
+"Oh, aunty, you don't know what a good worker mother is when there's a
+party to be made ready!" exclaimed Martha eagerly.
+
+"That settles it! Aunty must work for the party," laughed Mrs. Davis.
+
+"We'll all work for it. You just tell us what to do, and see if we can't
+hustle!" bragged Jack.
+
+"I suppose you will be glad to crack walnuts and shell them for cake,
+eh?" teased Mrs. Parke, who knew of her children's failing in that line
+of work.
+
+"Try me!" laughed Jack.
+
+So it was hastily decided to celebrate Jack's birthday with a sort of
+Hallowe'en party, although it was only the middle of October. And every
+one went to work on the plan for the celebration.
+
+About a dozen invitations were sent out, which, with the four cousins,
+would make sixteen guests for the party; this was said to be quite
+enough for a jolly time. Then cakes, prizes and other things had to be
+prepared, and in the midst of the pleasant excitement the two fathers
+arrived.
+
+"Seen all of Philadelphia, I suppose," said Mr. Parke later in the
+evening.
+
+"Nothing but the battle-field between the Hessians and Washingtons,"
+said George.
+
+"Now, what does that mean?" asked Mr. Davis.
+
+So the boys told about the fight, in terms to suit their patriotic sense
+of the affair, so that it did not appear to the men as having been just
+an ordinary brawl between two hostile factions, but that is what both
+the ladies persisted in calling it.
+
+The next day the two men escorted the four children as promised, Mr.
+Davis using the automobile for the trip. They visited the old state
+house, Girard College, the Custom House and Subtreasury, and the new
+city hall, which had cost more than $20,000,000, and is one of the
+finest and largest of municipal buildings in the United States. The
+statue of William Penn crowns the top of its dome. Then, too, they saw
+the post office, built of granite, which, they were told, has no
+superior in postal buildings in the country.
+
+In the state house the four little patriots saw a large apartment on the
+first floor which the men said was Independence Hall. It was decorated
+with quaint carvings, and pictures of famous Americans adorned its
+walls. Many of the chairs used by the members of Congress in 1776 still
+stood here to remind the children of that great event--the reading and
+signing of the Declaration of Independence, executed in this city.
+
+"Now, children, let us go and see the famous Liberty Bell. After that we
+will visit the rooms where Colonial relics are kept on exhibition," said
+Mr. Davis.
+
+The children looked well at the token of what the great Revolution stood
+for, and having read the inscription and felt sorry for the crack in its
+side, they followed Mr. Parke to other sights.
+
+They drove to Carpenters Hall, the building where the first Colonial
+Congress met, the board that abetted Washington in his endeavors for
+his country. Then they saw the William Penn dwelling, moved to Fairmount
+Park. They visited Christ Church, where Washington worshipped when
+president. Also Old Swedes Church, which was a memento of the old days.
+
+Then, among the modern places of interest, they took the children to
+Masonic Temple, because Mr. Davis was a Free Mason, and was very proud
+of the granite structure. Then they drove past the Academy of Fine Arts,
+containing the pioneer art collection of the United States, as the
+children did not particularly care to go in and examine the objects.
+
+They stopped for a short time in the Academy of Natural Sciences, where
+the oldest and most extensive collection of natural history objects can
+be found.
+
+From there they passed the Ridgway Library, the United States Naval
+Asylum, and many other great and well-known buildings. In Fairmount Park
+they visited the Memorial and Horticultural halls, both being handsome
+souvenir buildings from the Centennial Exhibition of 1876.
+
+"Of course you two Southerners know who first settled our fine city?"
+asked Mr. Davis, as they came from the museum and climbed into the
+automobile again.
+
+"Why, I think Benjamin Franklin did, didn't he, Jack?" said George,
+taken unawares.
+
+"No; William Penn did. He located and planned the city, and also made it
+the chief city of his province of Pennsylvania. He also settled the
+first order of 'Friends' in this country, and because the name
+'Philadelphia' means 'brotherly love,' he called it that. In 1701 Penn
+granted the town a charter, which constituted it a city with city
+privileges.
+
+"Benjamin Franklin, who lived in Philadelphia during the greater part of
+the eighteenth century, planned many of its institutions, such as the
+fire department, libraries, parks, and other public places. As Congress
+first met here, and continued to do so after the British evacuation,
+Philadelphia became the seat of government from the year 1790 to 1800.
+The United States mint was built and established here in 1892."
+
+On the homeward drive the children passed the oldest public library in
+the United States, founded by Benjamin Franklin, containing about
+175,000 volumes.
+
+"To-morrow, if you like, we will drive you out to the suburbs of
+Germantown, Manayunk, and Frankford, thence on to the places where you
+have heard of the battles Washington fought with the British," promised
+Mr. Davis, as they reached the house and wearily climbed the front
+steps.
+
+But the party engaged so much attention that the trip to historic spots
+was almost forgotten in the flood of events which followed.
+
+Every one invited came, of course, and besides Bob and Dick, the boys
+next door, there were other girls and boys of Jack's age. As it was said
+to be a premature Hallowe'en party, because the two cousins would soon
+be going home again, no one brought a birthday gift, as most of the
+guests had forgotten entirely that it was the date of Jack's birthday.
+
+But he had received a gift from uncle Parke that morning that fully
+recompensed him for the lack of any others. He found the small box at
+his breakfast plate held something that made a significant noise, as it
+regularly ticked away inside the paper wrapper and satin-cushioned case.
+
+"Oh! I know what this is--right off without opening it!" cried Jack,
+jumping up to run and throw his arms about his uncle.
+
+Anne did not wait for him to finish his violent protestations of
+affection, but broke the string and tore away the paper. By this time
+Jack was back at his chair to rescue the gift, and upon opening the
+spring lid, a boy's fine watch was displayed to his delighted eyes.
+
+It was then passed around and admired by every one, George handling it
+longingly, while Mr. Parke shook his head in a knowing manner.
+
+Jack had other gifts, but the watch was the most treasured of all. What
+boy or girl does not worship his first watch, and find it necessary to
+consult the time every few minutes during the first days it is carried?
+
+That night the watch was much in evidence, and every one present had to
+hear it tick or handle it before full justice could be done to it.
+
+When the guests were assembled, they played different games, and for the
+diving contests, blindfolded games, and other guessing amusements,
+suitable prizes had been provided, which added greatly to the evening's
+enjoyment. Then, just as the two men went out to the dining-room to
+light the pumpkin jack-o-lantern and put the finishing touches to the
+witches' cave, where Mrs. Parke sat, dressed like an old gray-haired
+sibyl, a fearful rattling sounded on the front windows.
+
+"Some one's playing tick-tack!" cried Jack excitedly.
+
+"But who can it be?--all the boys are here to-night!" said Dick. Bob and
+George hurried to open the front door to run out on the piazza and see
+if they could find the string that is used to fasten a nail or other
+metal object so it will strike the glass when drawn sharply by some one
+hiding across the street. But no sooner had they passed the threshold
+than a large bag of flour descended upon their innocent heads, breaking
+open and covering them with white, and causing them to choke and cough
+furiously.
+
+The other children had followed to the hall, and now seeing what had
+happened to the two scouts, they stood together, not daring to move
+nearer the door. Jack and Dick, believing the flour-bag trick to be one
+of Mr. Davis's practical jokes, rushed out to capture him, but both boys
+tripped over a string stretched across the steps and rolled down the
+four steps going to the street. At the same time, dreadful cabbages,
+tomatoes, and every other form of vegetable used for saluting unwelcome
+stage performers, were showered plentifully into the hallway and
+against the windows.
+
+"The Hessians! The Hessians!" yelled George, spluttering flour from his
+mouth to give the battle-cry of the Washingtons.
+
+In another moment the American army was running in full pursuit of the
+enemy. The six boys who had not known of the party, but took this
+evening to show their attentions to the "American army," were
+out-numbered and quickly outdistanced. When Jack and George, and their
+two boy neighbors, caught up with the rear guard of the Hessians, they
+fell upon them with great gusto. The other six boys soon came up, and
+had not the old friendly officer hurried up to see what all the
+hullabaloo was about, the chances are the Hessians would have been
+entirely destroyed and Howe would have lost a signal battle. Even as it
+was, the six Hessians were carried from the field of battle with sore
+heads, black eyes, skinned shins and lame backs.
+
+"My! Nothing like a little fight to give one an appetite, eh?" laughed
+Jack, as he and his friends went back to the party.
+
+The boys were not much the worse for the scuffle; their hair was
+tousled, collars loosened, and ties hanging, but that was about all the
+damage done them. The witch in the cave, and the two gentlemen who
+offered to serve refreshments, had not heard a thing of the assault
+until Martha ran into the dining-room with the news.
+
+"We licked the Hessians! They got it this time!"
+
+Without a second's hesitation (so certain were these parents of their
+children's tendencies), the fathers and Mrs. Parke rushed out to the
+hall to meet the victorious warriors returning from the scene of battle.
+
+Although parents may try to dampen the ardor of youth from such warlike
+fun as battles and assaults on an enemy, still it was in the blood of
+these little Washingtons, and would crop up when chance offered as
+naturally as General Washington rode his white charger on to victory.
+
+The supper was greatly enjoyed, not only for the great plates of cake
+and deep cereal-bowls of ice cream that were passed and passed in
+endless procession, but for the realization also that one great battle
+had been won over the Hessians without as much as bloodshed on the side
+of the Americans.
+
+A few days after this party, the Davises accompanied their relatives to
+the station, where the Parkes boarded a train bound for Washington. A
+few hours later they reached that fine city, and took a trolley about to
+leave for the nearest road that passed their country estate.
+
+Late that same afternoon, as the travellers walked up the driveway, they
+spied Jim and old mammy waiting with the baby on the front veranda, to
+welcome them.
+
+"Oh, George! I almost forgot we had a baby at home during all the
+wonderful travels and sights we have had since leaving home almost ten
+days ago!" sighed Martha, with compunction.
+
+"And just see how funny Jim looks! Why, he isn't half as big as I
+thought he was. Jim, maybe we haven't a lot to tell you! Oh, Jim, _what
+a fight_ we gave those Hessians when we drove them from Philadelphia!"
+cried George, as he went running up the pathway.
+
+But Mrs. Parke had not forgotten she had a baby at home, as old mammy
+could testify, for long letters had reached her daily, advising and
+reminding her what to do for baby while she was away on this unusual
+visit.
+
+That dinner was a happy reunion; not only for mother and baby, but also
+for the faithful colored help. And what do you suppose Jim did?
+
+George and Martha were so eager to explain all about the historic sights
+and places they had visited, that they could not wait for the next
+morning, so Jim was invited to sit at the table when fruit and nuts were
+served, and there he rolled his widened eyes dangerously backward when
+he heard about the battle with the Hessians.
+
+"Jim, that was a _real_ fight! Not the make-believe kind we always play
+down here!" said Martha impressively.
+
+"And, Jim, you can believe those Hessians knew _how_ to fight, too. But
+it took Washington's army to lick them, didn't it, father?" gloated
+George, mentally patting himself on the back.
+
+"Yes, and I remember the story of a great battle waged on Brooklyn
+Heights, when Washington had to cross the East River in the fog. That
+scene will never be forgotten by many of the New Yorkers who felt sure
+they had cornered the Black Hand and kidnappers of some very sweet
+little angels," remarked Mr. Parke.
+
+"Father! Who told you about it?" asked Martha, who had felt quite sure
+that not one of the elders had discovered anything at all about that
+long-to-be-remembered escapade.
+
+"Why, the American eagle whispered it in my ear when we came in from
+the theatre party that night!" teased Mr. Parke.
+
+Then George had to tell Jim all about that battle on the roof when they
+were dressed in the bellboys' uniforms. And Jim sighed and sighed, and
+wondered why it was the lot of some folks to have all the joys of life,
+while others have bandy-legs and stay at home! Ah, Jim, such is life! I
+have never been able to explain the cause of such partiality, either.
+
+"Oh, George, tell Jim about your wonderful dream, when the Germans
+captured you in the submarine and you escaped on the torpedo!"
+
+Here was another marvelous tale for the most attentive of listeners, and
+Jim's eyes opened again, wider and wider as George described his
+experience, and it lost nothing of its weirdness and wonder in the
+telling, either.
+
+Then he stopped the story just as the American eagle dropped to let him
+slide off from the cupola, but failed to explain to Jim that it was all
+a dream.
+
+"Jim, do you know what saved George from bumping his head on the ground
+of City Hall Park that day?" asked Mr. Parke.
+
+"No, sah, Ah don'. He diden bump, did he?" worried Jim.
+
+"No, because we all came into the room in time to wake him out of his
+nightmare. He was on the floor, where he had rolled when he fell from
+the couch."
+
+Jim pondered this information deeply, and that night in bed, as his
+mammy was turning over to see if it was daylight, he sat up and
+exclaimed:
+
+"Why, mammy! Dat mus' hab been a dream Garge had!" Then he cuddled down
+again and was fast asleep in another moment.
+
+"Now, whad's dat chile talkin' uv in his sleep? He shore is a queer lil'
+honey-boy!" sighed mammy, finding she still had an hour before it was
+time to rise and get breakfast for the master.
+
+John came home from his visit to his great-aunt the day following the
+arrival of the Parkes, and many new and exciting experiences had to be
+retold. John had some of his own that were quite as exciting in their
+way as the battle with the Hessians, but he has to tell them in the next
+book of the little Washingtons.
+
+Mrs. Parke wrote to thank Mrs. Davis for the lovely visit they all
+enjoyed in Philadelphia, and at the last, she had a revelation. Both
+ladies had wondered and wondered what caused the battle between
+Washington's army and the Hessians that day, and now that Mrs. Parke
+thought again over the event and retraced her steps mentally, she
+suddenly remembered the half-finished story told to the children on the
+cars from New York to Philadelphia. They had heard enough of the warfare
+between the Americans and British on the Delaware, that they needed no
+more of a cue to start on.
+
+So she explained to her friend what had been the cause of the spirit of
+'76 showing itself so powerfully in the four cousins that day the wash
+was covered with mud from the back lot.
+
+"And do you know, my dear, I am greatly relieved now, when I remember
+that the most dangerous period of George Washington's career is over.
+From now on I shall only touch lightly on the battles he fought with the
+British, so that the children cannot try them out in real life. But it
+will be a satisfaction to have them play President and Lady Washington
+in the White House, and later, when Washington returns to his farm to
+spend his days there, that will be very quiet, acceptable fun, I think."
+
+But Mrs. Parke forgot that her children, as well as John and Jim, their
+playmates, were not of the kind that cared for quiet play. So she still
+had many experiences before her that resulted from the reading of George
+Washington's life history.
+
+And naturally, the little Washingtons had loads of fun in applying this
+history, as you will see when you read the next book of their doings,
+called "Little Washington at School."
+
+
+THE END
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS SERIES
+
+By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+For Children 6 to 12 Years
+
+
+This series presents early American history in a manner that impresses
+the young readers. George and Martha Washington Parke, two young
+descendants of the famous General Washington, follow in play, the life
+of the great American.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS
+
+Their thrilling battles and expeditions generally end in "punishment"
+lessons read by Mrs. Parke from the "Life of Washington." The culprits
+listen intently, for this reading generally gives them new ideas for
+further games of Indian warfare and Colonists battles.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' RELATIVES
+
+The Davis children visit the Parke home and join zealously in the games
+of playing George Washington. So zealously, in fact, that little Jim
+almost loses his scalp.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS
+
+The children wage a fierce battle upon the roof of a hotel in New York
+City. Then, visiting the Davis home in Philadelphia, the patriotic
+Washingtons vanquish the Hessians on a battle-field in the empty lot
+back of the Davis property.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS AT SCHOOL
+
+After the school-house battle the Washingtons discover a band of gypsies
+camping near their homes and incidentally they recover a stolen horse
+which the gypsies had taken from a farmer.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' HOLIDAYS
+
+They spend a pleasant summer on adjoining farms in Vermont. During a
+voyage they try to capture a "frigate" but little Jim is caught and
+about to be punished by the Captain when his confederates save him.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS; FARMERS
+
+Nero, the donkey, had never heard of George Washington, and so the game
+the children had planned after reading the story of the General's life
+on his farm turned out to be quite a different game altogether.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+LITTLE JOURNEYS TO HAPPYLAND
+
+By DAVID CORY
+
+For children from 6 to 8 years.
+
+
+A new series of exciting adventures by the author of the LITTLE JACK
+RABBIT books. This series is unique in that it deals with unusual and
+exciting adventures on land and sea and in the air.
+
+
+THE CRUISE OF THE NOAH'S ARK
+
+This is a good rainy day story. On just such a day Mr. Noah invites
+Marjorie to go for a trip in Noah's Ark. She gets aboard just in time
+and away it floats out into the big wide world.
+
+
+THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE
+
+The king of the gnomes has a magic pipe with which he blows a wonderful
+bubble and taking Ed. with him they both have a delightful time in
+Gnomeland.
+
+
+THE ICEBERG EXPRESS
+
+The Mermaid's magic comb changes little Mary Louise into a mermaid. The
+Polar Bear Porter on the Iceberg Express invites her to take a trip with
+him and away they go.
+
+
+THE WIND WAGON
+
+Little Hero stepped aboard the Wind Wagon and started on a journey to
+many wonderful places and had a delightful time.
+
+
+THE MAGIC UMBRELLA
+
+A little old man gave Jimmy the Magic Umbrella which took him to
+Happyland, where he had many adventures.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TUCK-ME-IN TALES
+
+(Trademark Registered)
+
+By ARTHUR SCOTT BAILEY
+
+AUTHOR OF THE SLEEPY-TIME TALES and SLUMBER-TOWN TALES
+
+A delightful and unusual series of bird and insect stories for boys and
+girls from three to eight years old, or thereabouts.
+
+    THE TALE OF JOLLY ROBIN
+    THE TALE OF OLD MR. CROW
+    THE TALE OF SOLOMON OWL
+    THE TALE OF JASPER JAY
+    THE TALE OF RUSTY WREN
+    THE TALE OF DADDY LONG-LEGS
+    THE TALE OF KIDDIE KATYDID
+    THE TALE OF BETSY BUTTERFLY
+    THE TALE OF BUSTER BUMBLEBEE
+    THE TALE OF FREDDIE FIREFLY
+    THE TALE OF BOBBIE BOBOLINK
+    THE TALE OF CHIRPY CRICKET
+    THE TALE OF MRS. LADYBUG
+    THE TALE OF REDDY WOODPECKER
+    THE TALE OF GRANDMA GOOSE
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Little Washingtons' Travels, by
+Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS ***
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