a laugh, following his mother into the house.

Alice caught sight of him, and was in his arms the next instant,
while Linna rose to her feet, and stood with her forefinger between
her teeth, shyly studying the newcomer.

"Helloa, Linna! how are you?" he called, setting down his young
sister and catching up the little Indian. Not only that, but he
gave her a resounding smack on her dusky cheek.

"I always like pretty little girls, and I'm going to be your beau:
what do you say? Is it a bargain?"

It is not to be supposed that the Delaware miss caught the whole
meaning of this momentous question. She was a little overwhelmed
by the rush of the big boy's manner, and nodded her head about a
dozen times.

"There, Alice; do you understand that?" he asked, making the room
ring with his merry laughter; "I'm to be Linna's beau. How do you
like it?"

"I'm glad for you, but I--guess--I oughter be sorry for Linna."

CHAPTER THREE: JULY THIRD, 1778

While Ben Ripley was frolicking with little Alice and her Indian
friend Linna, the mother prepared the evening meal.

The candles were lighted, and they took their places at the table.