boy? If we could defend the place against them, Jacob Armitage would
be the first; but it is impossible, my dear boy. Recollect your
sisters. Would you have them burned to death, or shot by these
wretches? No, no, Mr. Edward; you must do as I say, and lose no time.
Let us pack up what will be most useful, and load White Billy with the
bundles; then you must all come to the cottage with me, and we will
make it out how we can."

"That will be jolly!" said Humphrey; "come, Edward."

But Edward Beverley required more persuasion to abandon the house; at
last, old Jacob prevailed, and the clothes were put up in bundles as
fast as they could collect them.

"Your aunt said Martha was to go with your sisters, but I doubt if she
will," observed Jacob, "and I think we shall have no room for her, for
the cottage is small enough."

"Oh no, we don't want her," said Humphrey; "Alice always dresses Edith
and herself too, ever since mamma died."

"Now we will carry down the bundles, and you make them fast on the
pony while I go for your sisters."

"But where does aunt Judith go?" inquired Edward.

"She will not leave the house, Master Edward; she intends to stay and
speak to the troopers."

"And so an old woman like her remains to face the enemy, while I run