第1章
Wewenttotheshowonenight，Anditcertainlywasagreatsight，Thistigertosee，Fierceashecouldbe，Androaringwithallhismight。
CHRISTMASDAY。
TheChristmaschimesarepealinghighBeneaththesolemnChristmassky，AndblowingwindstheirnotesprolongLikeechoesfromanangel"ssong；
Goodwillandpeace，peaceandgoodwillRingoutthecarolsgladandgay，TellingtheheavenlymessagestillThatChristtheChildwasbornto-day。
InlowlyhutandpalacehallPeasantandkingkeepfestival，Andchildhoodwearsafairerguise，Andtenderershineallmother-eyes；
Theagedmanforgetshisyears，Themirthfulheartisdoublygay，Thesadarecheatedoftheirtears，ForChristtheLordwasbornto-day。
SUSANCOOLIDGE。
TheysatonthecurbingInacrowdedrow——
TwolittlemaidsAndonelittlebeau，——
WatchingtoseeThebigElephantgoByinthestreetparade；
Butwhenitcamepast，Ofmaidstherewerenone，Fordownaby-streetTheycowardlyrun，WhileonelittlebeauMadeallmanneroffun——
OftheElephanthewasn"tafraid。
THEONLYWOMANINTHETOWN。
Onehundredyears"andoneago，inBoston，attenoftheclockoneAprilnight，achurchsteeplehadbeenclimbedandalanternhungout。
Atten，thesamenight，inmid-riveroftheCharles，oarsmentwo，withpassengersilentandgrim，hadseenthesignallightout-swung，androwedwithspeedfortheCharlestownshore。
Ateleven，themoonwasrisen，andthegrimpassenger，PaulRevere，hadriddenuptheNeck，encounteredafoe，whoopposedhisrideintothecountry，and，afterabriefdelay，rodeon，leavingaBritishofficerlyinginaclaypit。
Atmid-night，ahundredearshadheardtheflyinghorsemancry，"Upandarm。TheRegularsarecomingout!"
Youknowthestorywell。Youhaveheardhowthewildalarmranfromvoicetovoiceandechoedbeneatheveryroof，untilthemenofLexingtonandConcordwerestirredandarousedwithpatrioticfearforthesafetyofthepublicstoresthathadbeencommittedtotheirkeeping。
Youknowhow，longerethechillAprildaybegantodawn，theyhaddrawn，byhorsepowerandbyhandpower，thecherishedstoresintosafehiding-placesinthedepthoffriendlyforest-coverts。
ThereisonethingaboutthatdaythatyouhaveNOTheardandI
willtellyounow。Itis，howonelittlewomanstaidinthetownofConcord，whenceallthewomensaveherhadfled。
Allthehousesthatwerestandingthen，areveryold-fashionednow，buttherewasonedwelling-placeonConcordCommonthatwasold-fashionedeventhen!ItwastheabodeofMarthaMoultonand"UncleJohn。"Justwho"UncleJohn"was，isnotnowknown，buthewasprobablyMarthaMoulton"suncle。Theuncle，itappearsbyrecord，waseighty-fiveyearsold；whiletheniecewasONLY
three-scoreandeleven。
Onceandagainthatmorning，afriendlyhandhadpulledthelatch-stringatMarthaMoulton"skitchenentranceandofferedtoconveyherselfandtreasuresaway，but，toeitherproffer，shehadsaid:"No，ImuststayuntilUncleJohngetsthecricksoutofhisback，ifalltheBritishsoldiersinthelandmarchintotown。"
Atlast，cameJoeDevins，aladoffifteenyears——Joe"stwoastonishedeyespeeredforamomentintoMarthaMoulton"skitchen，andtheneyesandownerdashedintotheroom，tolearn，whatthesighthetheresaw，couldmean。
"Whew!MotherMoulton，whatareyoudoing？"
"I"mgettingUncleJohnhisbreakfasttobesure，Joe，"sheanswered。"Haveyouseensomanysightsthismorningthatyoudon"tknowbreakfast，whenyouseeit？Haveacarethere，forhotfatWILLburn，"asshedeftlypouredthecontentsofapan，freshfromthefire，intoadish。
HungryJoehadbeenastirsincethefirstdrumhadbeattoarmsattwooftheclock。Hegaveoneglanceattheboilingcreamandtheslicesofcrispporkswimminginit，ashegaspedforththewords，"GettingbreakfastinConcordTHISmorning!MOTHER
MOULTON，youMUSTbecrazy。"
"Sotheytellme，"shesaid，serenely。"TherecomesUncleJohn!"
sheadded，astheclatterofastaffonthestonestepsofthestairwayoutrang，foraninstant，thecriesofhurryingandconfusionthatfilledtheairofthestreet。
"Don"tyouknow，MotherMoulton，"Joewentontosay，"thateverysinglewomanandchildhavebeencarriedoff，wheretheBritisherswon"tfind"em？"
"Idon"tbelievetheking"stroopshavestirredoutofBoston，"
shereplied，goingtothedoorleadingtothestonestaircase，toopenitforUncleJohn。
"Don"tbelieveit？"andJoelooked，asheechoedthewords，asthoughonlyaboycouldfeelsufficientdisgustatsuchwantofcommonsense，infullviewofthefact，thatReubenBrownhadjustbroughtthenewsthateightmenhadbeenkilledbytheking"sRed-coats，inLexington，whichfacthemadehastetoimpart。
"Iwon"tbelieveawordofit，"shesaid，stoutly，"untilIseethesoldierscoming。"
"Ah!Hearthat!"criedJoe，tossingbackhishairandswinginghisarmstriumphantlyatanairyfoe。"Youwon"thavetowaitlong。THATSIGNALisfortheminutemen。TheyaregoingtomarchouttomeettheRed-coats。WishIwasaminuteman，thisminute。"
Meanwhile，poorUncleJohnwasgettingdownthestepsofthestairway，withmanyagrimaceandgroan。Ashetouchedthefloor，Joe，hisfacebeamingwithexcitementandenthusiasm，sprangtoplaceachairforhimatthetable，saying，"Goodmorning!"atthesamemoment。
"Maybe，"groanedUncleJohn，"youngstersLIKEYOUmaythinkitisagoodmorning，butIDON"T，suchadinandclatterasthefoolshavekeptupallnightlong。IfIhadthepower"(andnowthepooroldmanfairlygroanedwithrage)，"I"dmake"emquietlongenoughtoletanoldmangetawinkofsleep，whentherheumatismletsgo。"
"I"mrealsorryforyou，"saidJoe，"butyoudon"tknowthenews。
Theking"stroops，fromcamp，inBoston，aremarchingrightdownhere，tocarryoffallourarmsthattheycanfind。"
"Arethey？"wasthesarcasticrejoined。"It"sthebestnewsI"veheardinalongwhile。Wishtheyhadmyarms，thisminute。Theywouldn"tcarrythemastepfartherthantheycouldhelp，Iknow。
Runandtellthemmineareready，Joe。"
"But，UncleJohn，waittillafterbreakfast，you"llwanttousethemoncemore，"saidMarthaMoulton，tryingtohelphimintothechairthatJoehadplacedonthewhitesandedfloor。
Meanwhile，JoeDevinshadearsforallthesoundsthatpenetratedthekitchenfromoutofdoors，andhehadeyesfortheslicesofwell-brownedporkandthegoldenhuedJohnny-cakelyingbeforetheglowingcoalsonthebroadhearth。
Asthelittlewomanbenttotakeupthebreakfast，Joe，intentondoingsomekindnessforherinthewayofsavingtreasures，asked，"Shan"tIhelpyou，MotherMoulton？"
"IreckonIamnotsooldthatIcan"tliftamiteofcornbread，"
sherepliedwithchillingseverity。
"Oh，Ididn"tmeantoliftTHATTHING，"hemadehastetoexplain，"buttocarryoffthingsandhide"emaway，aseverybodyelsehasbeendoinghalfthenight。Iknowafirst-rateplaceupinthewoods。Usedtobeahoneytree，youknow，andit"sjustashollowasanything。Silverspoonsandthingswouldbejustassafeinit——"butJoe"swordswereinterruptedbyunusualtumultonthestreetandheranofftolearnthenews，intendingtoreturnandgetthebreakfastthathadbeenofferedtohim。
Presentlyherushedbacktothehousewithcheeksaflameandeyesablazewithexcitement。"They"reacoming!"hecried。"They"reinsightdownbytherocks。Theysee"emmarching，themenonthehill，do!"
"Youdon"tmeanthatitsreallytruethatthesoldiersarecominghere，RIGHTINTOOURTOWN，"criedMarthaMoulton，risinginhasteandbringingtogetherwithrapidflourishestorightandtoleft，everyfragmentofsilveronthetable。UncleJohnstrovetoholdfasthisindividualspoon，butshetwitcheditwithoutceremonyoutfromhisrheumaticoldfingers，andrannexttotheparlorcupboard，whereinlayhermovablevaluables。
"WhatintheworldshallIdowiththem，"shecried，returningwithherapronwellfilledwithtreasures，andbornedownbytheweightthereof。
"Give"emtome，"criedJoe。"Here"sabasket，drop"emin，andI"llrunlikeabrush-firethroughthetownandacrosstheoldbridge，andhide"emassafeasaweasel"snap。"
Joe"sfingerswerecreamy；hismouthwashalffilledwithJohnny-cake，andhispocketontherightbulgedtoitsutmostcapacitywiththesame，asheheldforththebasket；butthelittlewomanwasafraidtotrusthim，asshehadbeenafraidtotrustherneighbors。
"No!No!"shereplied，tohisrepeatedoffers。"IknowwhatI"lldo。You，JoeDevins，stayrightwhereyouaretillIcomeback，and，don"tyoueverLOOKoutofthewindow。"
"Dear，dearme!"shecried，flushedandanxiouswhenshewasoutofsightofUncleJohnandJoe。"IWISHI"dgiven"emtoCol。
Barrettwhenhewasherebeforedaylight，only，IWASafraidI
shouldnevergetsightofthemagain。"
Shedrewoffoneofherstockings，filledit，tiedtheopeningatthetopwithastring-plungedstockingandallintoapailfullofwaterandproceededtopourthecontentsintothewell。
Justasthedarkcirclehadclosedoverthebluestockings，JoeDevin"sfacepeereddownthedepthsbyherside，andhisvoicesoundedoutthewords:"OMotherMoulton，theBritishwillsearchthewellstheVERYfirstthing。Ofcourse，theyEXPECTtofindthingsinwells!"
"Whydidn"tyoutellmebefore，Joe？butnowitistoolate。"
"Iwould，ifI"dknownwhatyouwasgoingtodo；they"dbeenasightsafer，inthehoneytree。"
"Yes，andwhatafoolI"vebeen——flungMYWATCHintothewellwiththespoons!"
"Well，well!Don"tstandthere，looking，"asshehoveredoverthehighcurb，withherhandonthebucket。"Everybodywillknow，ifyoudo，there。"
"Martha!Martha？"shriekedUncleJohn"squaveringvoicefromthehousedoor。
"Blessmyheart!"sheexclaimed，hurryingbackoverthestones。
"What"sthematterwithyourheart？"questionedJoe。
"Nothing。IwasthinkingofUncleJohn"smoney，"sheanswered。
"Hashegotmoney？"criedJoe。"Ithoughthewaspoor，andyoutookcareofhimbecauseyouweresogood"
NotonewordthatJoeuttereddidthelittlewomanhear。ShewasalreadybyUncleJohn"ssideandaskinghimforthekeytohisstrongbox。
UncleJohn"srheumatismwasterriblyexasperating。"No，Iwon"tgiveittoyou!"hecried，"andnobodyshallhaveitaslongasI"maboveground。"
"Thenthesoldierswillcarryitoff，"shesaid。
"Let"em!"washisreply，graspinghisstafffirmlywithbothhandsandgleamingdefianceoutofhiswide，paleeyes。"YOU
won"tgetthekey，eveniftheydo。"
Atthisinstant，avoiceatthedoorwayshoutedthewords，"Hide，hideawaysomewhere，MotherMoulton，fortheRed-coatsareinsightthisminute!"
Sheheardthewarning，andgivingoneglanceatUncleJohn，whichlookwasansweredbyanother，"no，youwon"thaveit，"shegraspedJoeDevinsbythecollarofhisjacketandthrusthimbeforeherupthestaircase，soquicklythattheboyhadnochancetospeak，untilshereleasedherholdattheentrancetoUncleJohn"sroom。
Theideaofbeingtakenprisonerinsuchamanner，andbyawoman，too，wastoomuchforthelad"sendurance。"Letmego!"
hecried，theinstanthecouldrecoverhisbreath。"Iwon"thideawayinyourgarret，likeawoman，Iwon"t。Iwanttoseethemilitiaandtheminutemenfightthetroops，Ido。"
"Helpmefirst，Joe。Here，quicknow；let"sgetthisboxoutandupgarret。We"llhideitunderthecornandit"llbesafe，"shecoaxed。
TheboxwasunderUncleJohn"sbed。
"What"sintheoldthinganyhow？"questionedJoe，pullingwithallhisstrengthatit。
Thebox，orchest，waspaintedred，andwasboundaboutbymassiveironbands。
"I"veneverseentheinsideofit，"saidMotherMoulton。"Itholdsthepooroldsoul"ssoletreasure，andIDOwanttosaveitforhimifIcan。"
Theyhaddrawnitwithmuchhardendeavor，asfarasthegarretstairs，buttheirunitedstrengthfailedtoliftit。"Heaveit，now!"criedJoe，andlo!itwasuptwosteps。Sotheyturneditoverandoverwithmanyathuddingthump；everyoneofwhichthumpsUncleJohnheard，andbelievedtobestrokesupontheboxitselftoburstitasunder，untilitwasfairlyshelvedonthegarretfloor。
Intheverymidstoftheoverturnings，avoicefrombelowhadbeenheardcryingout，"Letmyboxalone!Don"tbreakitopen。
Ifyoudo，I"ll——I"ll——"but，whateverthepoormanMEANTtothreatenasapenalty，hecouldnotthinkofanythinghalfsevereenoughtosayandsoleftituncertainastothepunishmentthatmightbelookedfor。
"Pooroldsoul!"ejaculatedthelittlewoman，hersoftwhitecurlsindisorderandthepinkcolorrisingfromhercheekstoherfairforehead，asshebenttohelpJoedragtheboxbeneaththerafter"sedge。
"Now，Joe，"shesaid。"we"llheapnubbinsoverit，andifthesoldierswantcornthey"lltakegoodearsandneverthinkoftouchingpoornubbins"；sotheyfelltoworkthrowingcornovertheredchest，untilitwascompletelyconcealedfromview。
Thenhesprangtothehigh-up-windowledgeinthepointoftheroofandtookoneglanceout。"Oh，Iseethem，theRed-coats。
True"sIlive，theregothemilitiaUPTHEHILL。Ithoughttheywasgoingtostandanddefend。Shameon"em，Isay。"JumpingdownandcryingbacktoMotherMoulton，"I"mgoingtostandbytheminutemen，"hewentdown，threestepsataleap，andnearlyoverturnedUncleJohnonthestairs，who，withmanygroanswastryingtogettothedefenseofhisstrongbox。
"Whatdidyouhelpherfor，youscamp，"hedemandedofJoe，flourishinghisstaffunpleasantlynearthelad"shead。
""Causesheaskedmeto，andcouldn"tdoitalone，"returnedJoe，dodgingthestickanddisappearingfromthescene，attheverymomentMarthaMoultonencounteredUncleJohn。
"Yourstrongboxissafeundernubbinsinthegarret，unlessthehouseburnsdown，andnowthatyouareuphere，youhadbetterstay，"sheaddedsoothingly，asshehastenedbyhimtoreachthekitchenbelow。
Oncethere，shepausedasecondortwototakeresolutionregardinghernextact。Sheknewfullwellthattherewasnotonesecondtospare，andyetshestoodlooking，apparently，intotheglowingembersonthehearth。Shewasflushedandexcited，bothbytheunwontedtoil，andthecomingevents。Cobwebsfromtheraftershadfallenonherhairandhome-spundress，andwouldreadilyhavebetrayedherlateoccupation，toanydiscerningsoldieroftheking。
Asmilebrokesuddenlyoverherface，displacingforabriefsecondeverytraceofcare。"It"smyonlyweapon，andImustuseit，"shesaid，makingastatelycourtesytoanimaginaryguestandstraightwaydisappearedwithinanadjoiningroom。Withbuttoneddooranddroppedcurtainsthelittlewomanmadehastetoarrayherselfinherfinestraiment。Infiveminutesshereappearedinthekitchen，apicturepleasanttolookat。InallNewEngland，therecouldnotbeamorebeautifullittleoldladythanMarthaMoultonwasthatday。Herhairwasguiltlessnowofcobwebs，buthaloedherfacewithfluffylittlecurlsofsilverywhiteness，abovewhich，likeacrown，wasalittlecapofdottedmuslin，pureassnow。Hererectfigure，notaparticleofthehard-working-dayinitnow，carriedwellthefoldsofasheeny，blacksilkgown，overwhichshehadtiedanapronasspotlessasthecap。
Asshefastenedbackhergownandhurriedawaythesignsofthebreakfastshehadnoteaten，theclearpinktintsseemedtocomeoutwithaddedbeautyofcoloringinhercheeks；whileherhairseemedfairerandwhiterthanatanymomentinherthree-scoreandelevenyears。
OncemoreJoeDevinslookedin。Ashecaughtaglimpseofthepictureshemade，hepausedtocryout:"Alldresseduptomeettherobbers!My，howfineyoudolook!Iwouldn"t。I"dgoandhidebehindthenubbins。They"llbehereinlessthanfiveminutesnow，"hecried，"andI"mgoingovertheNorthBridgetoseewhat"sgoingonthere。"
"OJoe，stay，won"tyou？"sheurged，buttheladwasgone，andshewasleftalonetomeetthefoe，comfortingherselfwiththethought，"They"lltreatmewithmorerespectifILOOK
respectable，andifImustdie，I"lldiegood-lookinginmybestclothes，anyhow。"
Shethrewafewsticksofhickory-woodontheembers，andthendrewoutthelittleroundstand，onwhichthefamilyBiblewasalwayslying。RecollectingthattheBritishsoldiersprobablybelongedtotheChurchofEngland，shehurriedawaytofetchUncleJohn"s"prayer-book。"
"They"llhaverespecttome，iftheyfindmereadingthat，I
know，"shethought。Havingdrawntheroundstandwithinsightofthewell，andwhereshecouldalsocommandaviewofthestaircase，shesatandwaitedforcomingevents。
UncleJohnwaskeepingwatchoftheadvancingtroopsfromanupperwindow。"Martha，"hecalled，"you"dbettercomeup。
They"recloseby，now。"Totellthetruth，UncleJohnhimselfwasalittleafraid；thatistosayhehadn"tquitecourageenoughtogodown，and，perhaps，encounterhisownrheumatismandtheking"ssoldiersonthesamestairway，andyet，hefeltthathemustdefendMarthaaswellashecould。
Therapofamusket，quickandringingonthefrontdoor，startledthelittlewomanfromherapparentdevotions。Shedidnotmoveatthecallofanythingsoprofane。Itwasthecustomofthetimetohavethefrontdoordividedintotwoparts，thelowerhalfandtheupperhalf。Theformerwasclosedandmadefast，theuppercouldbeswungopenatwill。
Thesoldiergettingnoreply，anddoubtlessthinkingthatthehousewasdeserted，leapedoverthechainedlowerhalfofthedoor。
Attheclangofhisbayonetagainstthebrasstrimmings，MarthaMoultongroanedinspirit，for，iftherewasanyonethingthatshedeemedessentialtohercomfortinthislife，itwastokeepspotless，specklessandineverywayunharmed，thegreatknockeronherfrontdoor。
"Good，soundEnglishmetal，too，"shethought，"thatanEnglishsoldieroughttoknowhowtorespect。"
AssheheardthetrampofcomingfeetsheonlybentthecloserovertheBookofPrayerthatlayopenonherknee。Notoneworddidshereadorsee；shewasinwardlytremblingandoutwardlywatchingthewellandthestaircase。Butnow，aboveallothersounds，brokethenoiseofUncleJohn"sstaffthrashingtheupperstepofthestaircase，andtheshrilltremulouscryoftheoldmandefiant，doinghisutmostforthedefenseofhiscastle。
Thefingersthatlaybeneaththebooktingledwithdesiretoboxtheoldman"sears，forthepolicyhewaspursuingwouldbefataltothetreasureingarretandinwell；butshewasforcedtosilenceandinactivity。
AstheKing"stroops，MajorPitcairnattheirhead，reachedtheopendoorandsawtheoldlady，theypaused。Whatcouldtheydobutlook，foramoment，attheunexpectedsightthatmettheirview；aplacidoldladyinblacksilkanddottedmuslin，withallthesweetsolemnityofmorningdevotionhoveringaboutthetidyapartmentandseemingtocentreattheroundstandbywhichshesat，thisprettywoman，withpinkandwhitefacesurmountedwithfleecylittlecurlsandcrinklesandwispsoffloatingwhiteness，wholookeduptomeettheirgazewithsuchinnocentprayer-suffusedeyes。
"Goodmorning，Mother，"saidMajorPitcairn，raisinghishat。
"Goodmorning，gentlemenandsoldiers，"returnedMarthaMoulton。
"Youwillpardonmynotmeetingyouatthedoor，whenyouseethatIwasoccupiedinrenderingservicetotheLordofall。"Shereverentlyclosedthebook，laiditonthetable，andarose，withastatelybearing，todemandtheirwishes。
"We"rehungry，goodwoman，"spokethecommander，"andyourhearthistheonlyhospitableonewe"veseensinceweleftBoston。WithyourgoodleaveI"lltakeabitofthis，andhestoopedtoliftuptheJohnny-cakethathadbeenallthiswhileonthehearth。
"IwishIhadsomethingbettertoofferyou，"shesaid，makinghastetofetchplatesandknivesfromthecorner-cupboard，andallthewhileshewaskeepingeye-guardoverthewell。"I"mafraidtheConcordershaven"tleftmuchforyouto-day，"sheadded，withasoftsighofregret，asthoughshereallyfeltsorrythatsuchbravemenandgoodsoldiershadfallenonhardtimesintheancienttown。Atthemomentshehadbroughtforthbreadandbakedbeans，andwasputtingthemonthetable，avoicerangintotheroom，causingeveryeyetoturntowardUncleJohn。
Hehadgottendownthestairswithoututteringoneaudiblegroan，andwasstanding，onestepabovetheflooroftheroom，brandishingandwhirlinghisstaffaboutinamannertocauseevenrheumatismtofleetheplace，while，atthetopofhisvoicehecriedout:
"MarthaMoulton，howDAREyouFEEDthese——these——monsters——inhumanform!"
"Don"tmindhim，gentlemen，pleasedon"t，"shemadehastetosay，"he"sold，VERYold；eighty-five，hislastbirthday，and——alittlehoity-toityattimes，"pointingdeftlywithherfingerintheregionofthereasoningpowersinherownshapelyhead。
SummoningMajorPitcairnbyanofferofadishofbeans，shecontrivedtosay，undercovertofit:
"Yousee，sir，Icouldn"tgoawayandleavehim；heisalmostdistractedwithrheumatism，andthisexcitementto-daywillkillhim，I"mafraid。"
Advancingtowardthestaircasewithboldandsoldierlyfront，MajorPitcairnsaidtoUncleJohn:
"Standaside，oldman，andwe"llholdyouharmless。"
"Idon"tbelieveyouwill，youred-trimmedtrooper，you，"wasthereply；and，withadexterousswingofthewoodenstaff，hemowedoffanddownthreemilitaryhats。
Beforeanyonehadtimetospeak，MarthaMoultonadroitlystooping，asthoughtorecoverMajorPitcairn"shat，whichhadrolledtoherfeet，swungthestairway-doorintoitsplacewitharesoundingbang，andfollowedupthatachievementwithaswiftturnoftwolargewoodenbuttons，onehighup，andtheotherlowdown，nearthefloor。
"There!"shesaid，"heissafeoutofmischiefforawhile，andyourheadsaresafeaswell。Pardonapooroldman，whodoesnotknowwhatheisabout。"
"Heseemstoknowremarkablywell，"exclaimedanofficer。
Meanwhile，behindthestrongdoor，UncleJohn"swrathknewnobounds。Inhisfranticendeavorstoburstthefasteningsofthewoodenbuttons，rheumaticcrampsseizedhimandcarriedtheday，leavinghimoutofthebattle。
Meanwhile，aportionofthesoldieryclusteredaboutthedoor。
Theking"shorseswerefedwithinfivefeetofthegreatbrassknocker，while，withinthehouse，thebeautifullittleoldwoman，inherSunday-best-raiment，triedtodothedismalhonorsofthedaytothefoesofhercountry。Watchingher，onewouldhavethoughtshewasentertainingheroesreturnedfromtheachievementofvaliantdeeds，whereas，inherownheart，sheknewfullwellthatshewasgivingalittletosavemuch。
Nothingcouldexceedtheseemingalacritywithwhichshefetchedwaterfromthewellfortheofficers:and，whenMajorPitcairngallantlyorderedhismentodotheservice，thelittlesoulwasinalarm；shewassoafraidthat"somehow，insomewayoranother，thebluestockingwouldgethitchedontothebucket。"
Sheknewthatshemusttoitsrescue，andsoshebravelyacknowledgedherselftohavetakenavow(when，shedidnotsay)，todrawallthewaterthatwastakenfromthatwell。
"Aremnantofwitchcraft!"remarkedasoldierwithinhearing。
"DoIlooklikeawitch？"shedemanded。
"Ifyoudo，"repliedMajorPitcairn，"IadmireNewEnglandwitches，andneverwouldcondemnonetobehung，orburned，or——smothered。"
MarthaMoultonneverworesobrilliantacoloronheragedcheeksasatthatmoment。Shefeltbittershameattheruseshehadattempted，butsilverspoonswereprecious，and，toescapethesmilethatwentaroundatMajorPitcairn"swords，shewasonlytoogladtogoagaintothewellanddipslowlythehigh，over-hangingsweepintothecool，clear，darkdepthbelow。
Duringthistimethecold，frostymorningspentitselfintothebrilliant，shiningnoon。
YouknowwhathappenedatConcordonthat19thofAprilintheyear1775。Youhavebeentoldthestory，howthemenofActonmetandresistedtheking"stroopsattheoldNorthBridge，howbraveCaptainDavisandminute-manHosmerfell，howthesoundoftheirfallingstruckdowntotheveryheartofmotherearth，andcausedhertosendforthherbravesonstocry"Liberty，orDeath!"
Andtherestofthestory；thesixtyormorebarrelsofflourthattheking"stroopsfoundandstrucktheheadsfrom，leavingtheflourinconditiontobegatheredagainatnightfall，thearmsandpowderthattheydestroyed，thehousestheyburned；allthese，aretheynotrecordedineverychild"shistoryintheland？
Whilethesethingsweregoingon，forabriefwhile，atmid-day，MarthaMoultonfoundherhomedeserted。Shehadnotforgottenpoor，suffering，irateUncleJohnintheregionsabove，and，so，theveryminuteshehadthechance，shemadeastrongcupofcatniptea(therealtea，youknow，wasbrewinginBostonharbor)。
Sheturnedthebuttons，and，withabitoftremblingatherheart，suchasshehadnotfeltallday，sheventuredupthestairs，bearingthesteamingpeace-offeringbeforeher。
UncleJohnwaswrithingunderthesharpthornsandtwingesofhisoldenemy，andinnoframeofmindtoreceiveanyoverturesintheshapeofcatniptea；nevertheless，hewaswatching，aswellashewasable，themotionsoftheenemy。Asshedrewnearhecriedout:
"Lookoutthiswindow，andsee!MuchGOODallyourschemingwilldoYOU!"
Sheobeyedhiscommandtolook，andthesightshethensawcausedhertoletfallthecupofcatnipteaandrushdownthestairs，wringingherhandsasshewentandcryingout:
"Oh，dear!whatshallIdo？Thehousewillburnandtheboxupgarret。Everything"slost!"
MajorPitcairn，atthatmoment，wasonthegreeninfrontofherdoor，givingorders。
Forgettingthedignifiedpartsheintendedtoplay，forgettingeverythingbutthesupremedangerthatwashoveringinmid-airoverherhome——theoldhousewhereinshehadbeenborn，andtheonlyhomeshehadeverknown——sherushedoutuponthegreen，amidthetroops，andsurroundedbycavalry，andmadeherwaytoMajorPitcairn。
"Thetown-houseisonfire!"shecried，layingherhanduponthecommander"sarm。
Heturnedandlookedather。MajorPitcairnhadrecentlylearnedthatthetaskhehadbeensettodointheprovincialtownsthatdaywasnotaneasyone；that，whenhardpressedandtroddendown，thedespisedrustics，inhome-spundress，couldstingevenEnglishsoldiers；andthusithappenedthat，whenhefeltthetouchofMotherMoulton"splumplittleoldfingersonhismilitarysleeve，hewasnotinthepleasanthumorthathehadbeen，whenthesamehandhadministeredtohishungerintheearlymorning。
"Well，whatofit？LETITBURN!Wewon"thurtyou，ifyougointhehouseandstaythere!"
Sheturnedandglancedupatthecourt-house。Alreadyflameswereissuingfromit。"Gointhehouseandletitburn，INDEED!"
thoughtshe。"Heknowsme，don"the？Oh，sir!fortheloveofHeavenwon"tyoustopit？"shesaid，entreatingly。
"Runinthehouse，goodmother。Thatisawisewoman，"headvised。
Downinherheart，andastheveryoutcomeoflipandbrainshewantedtosay，"Youneedn"t"mother"me，youmurderousrascal!"
but，rememberingeverythingthatwasatstake，shecrushedherwrathandbuttoneditinascloselyasshehadUncleJohnbehindthedoorinthemorning，andagain，withswiftgentleness，laidherhandonhisarm。
Heturnedandlookedather。Vexedatherpersistence，andextremelyannoyedatintelligencethathadjustreachedhimfromtheNorthBridge，hesaid，imperiously，"Getaway!oryou"llbetroddendownbythehorses!"
"ICAN"Tgo!"shecried，claspinghisarm，andfairlyclingingtoitinherfrenzyofexcitement。"Ohstopthefire，quick，quick!
ormyhousewillburn!"
"Ihavenotimetoputoutyourfires，"hesaid，carelessly，shakingloosefromherholdandturningtomeetamessengerwithnews。
Poorlittlewoman!Whatcouldshedo？Thewindwasrising，andthefiregrew。Flamewascreepingoutinalittlebluecurlinanewplace，undertherafter"sedge，ANDNOBODYCARED。Thatwaswhatincreasedthepressingmiseryofitall。Itwassounlikeacommoncountryalarm，whereeverybodyrushedupanddownthestreets，crying"Fire!fire!f-i-r-e!"andwenthurryingtoandfroforpailsofwatertohelpputitout。Untilthatmomentthelittlewomandidnotknowhowutterlydesertedshewas。
Inverydespair，sherantoherhouse，seizedtwopails，filledthemwithgreaterhastethanshehadeverdrawnwaterbefore，and，regardlessofUncleJohn"simprecations，carriedthemforth，oneineitherhand，thewaterdrippingcarelesslydownthesidebreadthsofherfairsilkgown，hersilverycurlstossedandtumbledinwhiteconfusion，herpleasantfaceaflamewitheagerness，andhercleareyessuffusedwithtears。
Thusequippedwithfactsandfeeling，sheoncemoreappearedtoMajorPitcairn。
"HaveyouamotherinoldEngland？"shecried。"Ifso，forhersake，stopthisfire。"
Herwordstouchedhisheart。
"AndifIdo——？"heanswered。
"THENYOURJOHNNY-CAKEONMYHEARTHWON"TBURNUP，"shesaid，withaquicklittlesmile，adjustinghercap。
MajorPitcairnlaughed，andtwosoldiers，athiscommand，seizedthepailsandmadehastetothecourt-house，followedbymanymore。
Forawhilethefireseemedvictorious，but，bybraveeffort，itwasfinallyovercome，andthecourt-housesaved。
AtadistanceJoeDevinshadnoticedthesmokehoveringlikealittlecloud，thensailingawaystillmorelikeacloudoverthetown；andhehadmadehastetothescene，arrivingintimetoventureontheroof，anddogoodservicethere。
Afterthefirewasextinguished，hethoughtofMarthaMoulton，andhecouldnothelpfeelingabitguiltyattheconsciousnessthathehadgoneoffandleftheralone。
Goingtothehousehefoundherentertainingtheking"strooperswiththebestfoodherhumblestoreafforded。
Shewassocharmedwithherself，andsoutterlywellpleasedwiththesuccessofherpleading，thatthelittlewoman"snervesfairlyquiveredwithjubilation；andbestofall，thebluestockingwasstillsafeinthewell，forhadshenotwatchedwithherowneyeseverytimethebucketwasdippedtofetchupwaterforthefire，having，somehow，gotridofthevowshehadtakenregardingthedrawingofthewater。
Asshesawtheladlooking，withsurprisedcountenance，intotheroomwherethefeastwasgoingon，afearcreptupherownfaceanddartedoutfromhereyes。Itwas，lestJoeDevinsshouldspoilitallbyill-timedwords。
Shemadehastetomeethim，basketinhand。
"Here，Joe，"shesaid，"fetchmesomesmallwood，there"sagoodboy。"
Asshegavehimthebasketshewasjustintimetostoptherejoinderthatwasissuingfromhislips。
Intimetointercepthisreturnshewasatthewood-pile。
"Joe，"shesaid，half-abashedbeforethetruththatshoneintheboy"seyes，"Joe，"sherepeated，"youknowMajorPitcairnorderedthefireputout，TOPLEASEME，becauseIbeggedhimso，and，inreturn，whatCANIdobutgivethemsomethingtoeat。Comeandhelpme。"
"Iwon"t，"respondedJoe。"Theirhandsareredwithblood。
They"vekilledtwomenatthebridge。"
"Who"skilled？"sheasked，trembling，butJoewouldnottellher。
HedemandedtoknowwhathadbeendonewithUncleJohn。
"He"squietenough，up-stairs，"shereplied，withasuddenspasmoffeelingthatsheHADneglectedUncleJohnshamefully；still，withtheday，andthefireandeverything，howcouldshehelpit？
but，really，itdidseemstrangethathemadenonoise，withahundredarmedmencomingandgoingthroughthehouse。
Atleast，thatwaswhatJoethought，and，havingdepositedthebasketofwoodonthethresholdofthekitchendoor，hedepartedaroundthecornerofthehouse。Presentlyhehadclimbedapear-tree，droppedfromoneofitsoverhangingbranchesonthelean-to，raisedasashandcreptintothewindow。
Slippingoffhisshoes，heavywithspring-mud，heproceededtosearchforUncleJohn。Hewasnotinhisownroom；hewasnotintheguest-chamber；hewasnotinanyoneoftherooms。
Onthefloor，bythewindowinthehall，lookingoutuponthegreen，hefoundthebrokencupandsaucerthatMarthaMoultonhadletfall。Havingmadeasecondround，inwhichheinvestigatedeveryclosetandpenetratedintothespacesunderbeds，Joethoughtofthegarret。
Tramp，trampwenttheheavyfeetonthesandedfloorsbelow，drowningeverypossiblesoundfromabove；nevertheless，astheladopenedthedoorleadingintothegarret，hewhisperedcautiously:"UncleJohn!UncleJohn!"
Allwassilentabove。Joewentup，andwasstartledbyagroan。
Hehadtostandafewseconds，toletthedarknessgrowintolight，erehecouldsee；and，whenhecoulddiscernoutlinesinthedimness，therewasgiventohimthepictureofUncleJohn，lyinghelplessamidanduponthenubbinsthathadbeenpiledoverhisstrongbox。
"Why，UncleJohn，areyoudead？"askedJoe，climbingovertohisside。
"Isthehouseafire？"wastheresponse。
"Houseafire？No!Theconfoundedred-coatsupandputitout。"
"Ithoughttheywasgoingtoletmeburntodeathuphere!"
groanedUncleJohn。
"CanIhelpyouup？"andJoeprofferedtwostronghands，ratherblackwithtoilandsmoke。
"No，no!Youcan"thelpme。Ifthehouseisn"tafire，I"llstandittillthefellowsaregone，andthen，Joeyoufetchthedoctorasquickasyoucan。"
"YOUcan"tgetadoctorforlovenormoneythisnight，UncleJohn。There"stoomuchworktobedoneinLexingtonandConcordto-nightforwoundedanddyingmen；andthere"llbemoreof"emtooaforeasinglered-coatseesBostonagain。They"llbehunteddowneverystepoftheway。They"vekilledCaptainDavis，fromActon。"
"Youdon"tsayso!"
"Yes，theyhave，and——"
"Isay，JoeDevins，godownanddo-dosomething。There"smyniece，a-feedingthemurderers!I"lldisownher。Sheshan"thaveapennyofmypounds，sheshan"t!"
BothJoeandUncleJohnwerecompelledtoremainininaction，whilebelow，thewearylittlewomanactedthekindhostesstoHisMajesty"stroops。
Butnowthefeastwasspent，andthesoldiersweresummonedtobegintheirpainfulmarch。Assembledonthegreen，allwasready，whenMajorPitcairn，rememberingthelittlewomanwhohadministeredtohiswants，returnedtothehousetosayfarewell。
"Twasbutasteptoherdoor，andbutamomentsincehehadleftit，buthefoundhercrying；cryingwithjoy，intheverychairwherehehadfoundheratprayersinthemorning。
"Iwouldliketosaygood-by，"hesaid；"you"vebeenverykindtometo-day。"
Withaquickdashortwoofthedottedwhiteapron(spotlessnolonger)tohereye，shearose。MajorPitcairnextendedhishand，butshefoldedherowncloselytogether，andsaid:
"IwishyouapleasantjourneybacktoBoston，sir。"
"WillyounotshakehandswithmebeforeIgo？"
"Icanfeedtheenemyofmycountry，butshakehandswithhim，NEVER!"
Forthefirsttimethatday，thelittlewoman"sloveofcountryseemedtorisetriumphantwithinher，anddrowneveryimpulsetoselfishness；orwasitthenearnesstosafetythatshefelt？
Humanconductistheresultofsomanymotivesthatitissometimesimpossibletonamethecompound，althoughonthatoccasionMarthaMoultonlabelledit"Patriotism。"
"AndyetIputoutthefireforyou，"hesaid。
"Foryourmother"ssake，inoldEngland，itwas，youremember，sir。"
"Iremember，"saidMajorPitcairn，withasigh，asheturnedaway。
"AndforHERsakeIwillshakehandswithyou，"saidMarthaMoulton。
Soheturnedback，andacrossthethreshold，inpresenceofthewaitingtroops，thecommanderoftheexpeditiontoConcord，andtheonlywomaninthetown，shookhandsatparting。
MarthaMoultonsawMajorPitcairnmounthishorse；heardtheordergivenforthemarchtobegin，——themarchofwhichyouallhaveheard。YouknowwhatasorrytimetheRed-coatshadofitingettingbacktoBoston；howtheywerefoughtateveryinchoftheway，andwaylaidfrombehindeveryconvenienttree-trunk，andshotatfromtree-tops，andaimedatfromupperwindows，andbeseigedfrombehindstonewalls，and，inshort，madesomiserableandharassedandoverworn，thatatlasttheirdepletedranks，withthetonguesofthemenparchedandhanging，werefaintoliedownbytheroad-sideandtakewhatcamenext，eventhoughitmightbedeath。AndthenTHEDEADtheyleftbehindthem!
Ah!there"snothingwholesometomindorbodyaboutwar，untillong，longafteritisover，andtheearthhashadtimetohidetheblood，andsenditforthinsweetbloomsofliberty，withforget-me-notsspringingthickbetween。
Themenofthatdayarelongdead。Thesamesoilholdsregularsandminute-men。England，whoover-ruled，andtheprovinces，thatputoutbravehandstoseizetheirrights，aregoodfriendsto-day，andhaveshakenhandsovermanyathresholdofheartythoughtandkinddeedssincethattime。
ThetreeofLibertygrowsyet，statelyandfair，forthemenoftheRevolutionplanteditwellandsurely。GodhimselfHATH
givenitincrease。Sowegatherto-day，inthisourstory，aforget-me-notmore，fromtheoldtownofConcord。
Whenthetroopshadmarchedaway，thewearylittlewomanlaidasidehersilkengown，resumedherhomespundress，andimmediatelybegantothinkofgettingUncleJohndown-stairsagainintohiseasychair；butitrequiredmoreaidthanshecouldgivetoliftthefallenman。AtlastJoeDevinssummonedreturningneighbors，whocametotherescue，andthepoornubbinswerelefttotheratsoncemore。
Joeclimbeddownthewellandrescuedthebluestocking，withitstreasuresunharmed，eventothepreciouswatch，whichwatchwasMarthaMoulton"schieftreasure，andoneofveryfewinthetown。
MarthaMoultonwastheheroineoftheday。Thehousewasbeseigedbyadmiringmenandwomenthatnightandfortwoorthreedaysthereafter；butwhen，yearslater，shebeingolder，andpoorer，eventowant，petitionedtheGeneralCourtforarewardfortheservicesherenderedinpersuadingMajorPitcairntosavethecourt-housefromburning，therewasgrantedtoheronlyfifteendollars，apoorlittleforget-me-not，itistrue，butJUSTENOUGHtocarryherstorydowntheyears，whereas，butforthat，itmightneverhavebeenwaftedupanddowntheland。
Sweep，sweep，sweep!Upallthisdirtanddust，ForMammaisbusytodayandhelpherIsurelymust。
Everythingnowisspickandspan；awaytomyplayIwillrun。
Itwillbesucha"sprisetoMammatofindallthisworkisdone。
THECONQUESTOFFAIRYLAND。
TherereignedakinginthelandofPersia，mightyandgreatwashegrown，Onthenecksofthekingsoftheconqueredearthhebuildeduphisthrone。
TheresateakingonthethroneofPersia；andhewasgrownsoproudThatallthelifeoftheworldwaslesstohimthanapassingcloud。
Hereignedinglory:joyandsorrowlyingbetweenhishands。
Ifhesighedanationshook，hissmileripenedtheharvestoflands。
Hewasthesaddestmanbeneaththeeverlastingsky，Forallhisglorieshadlefthimold，andtheproudestkingmustdie。
HewhowasevenasGodtoallthenationsofmen，Mustdieasthemerestpeasantdies，andturnintoearthagain。
Andhislifewiththefearofdeathwasbitterandsickandaccursed，Asbrackishwatertodrinkofwhichistobeforeverathirst。
Thehatefulyearsrolledonandon，butonceitchancedatnoonThedrowsycourtwasthrilledtogladness，itechoedsosweetatune。
Lowasthelappingoftilesea，asthesongofthelarkisclear，Wildasthemoaningofpinebranches；thekingwasfaintohear。
"Whatisthesong，andwhoisthesinger？"hesaid；"beforethethroneLethimcome，forthesongsoftheworldaremine，andallbutthisareknown。"
Sevenmightykingswentouttheminstrelmantofind:
Andalltheyfoundwasadeadcyprussoughinginthewind。
Andslowerstill，andsadderstilltheheavywintersrolled，Andtheburningsummerswanedaway，andthekinggrewveryold；
Dull，worn，feeble，bent；andoncehethought，"todieWererest，atleast。"Andashethoughtthemusicwanderedby。
Intothepresenceoftheking，singing，thesingercame，Andhisfacewaslikethespringinflower，hiseyeswereclearasflame。
"Whatisthesongyouplay，andwhatthethemeyourpraisessing？
Itissweet；IknewnotIownedathingsosweet，"saidthewearyking。
"Isingmycountry，"saidthesinger，"alandthatissweeterthansong。"
"Whichofmykingdomsisyourcountry？ThitherwouldIalong。"
"Great，Oking，isthypower，andtheearthafootstoolforthyfeet；
Butmycountryisfree，andmyowncountry，andoh，mycountryissweet!"
Asheheardtheeyesofthekinggrewyoungandalivewithfire"Lo，isthereleftontheearthathingtostrivefor，athingtodesire？
"Whereisthycountry？tellme，Osinger，speakthineinnermostheart!
Leavethymusic!speakplainly!Speak-forgetthineart!"
Theeyesofthesingershoneashesang，andhisvoicerangwildandfreeAstheelementalwindortheuncontrollablesobsofthesea。
"Omydistanthome!"hesighed；"Oh，alas!awayandafarIwatchtheenowasalostsailorwatchesashiningstar。
"Oh，thatawindwouldtakemethere!thatabirdwouldsetmedownWherethegoldenstreetsshineredatsunsetinmyfather"stown!
"ForonlyindreamsIseethefacesofthewomenthere，AndfainwouldIhearthemsingingonce，braidingtheirropesofhair。
"Oh，Iamthirsty，andlongtodrinkoftheriverofLife，andI
Amfaintofindmyowncountry，wherenomanshalldie。"
Outofthelightofthethronethekinglookeddown:asinthespringThegreenleavesburstfromtheirduskybuds，sowashopeintheeyesoftheking。
"Lo，"hesaid，"Iwillmaketheegreat；IwillmaketheemightyinswayEvenasI；butthenameofthycountryspeak，andtheplaceandtheway。"
"Oh，thewaytomycountryisevernorthtillyoupassthemouthofhell，Pastthelimboofdreamsandthedesolatelandwhereshadowsdwell。
"Andwhenyouhavereachedthefountofwonder，youfordthewaterswanTothelandofelvesandthelandoffairies，enchantedMasinderan。"
Thesingerceased；andthelyreinhishandsnapped，asacord，intwain；
AndneitherlyrenorsingerwasseeninthekingdomofPersiaagain。
Andallthenoblesgazedastounded；nomanspokeawordTilltheoldkingsaid:"Calloutmyarmies；bringmehitherasword!"
Asalittletorrentswollenbysnowsisturnedtoaterriblestream，Sothegatheringvoicesofallhiscountriescriedtothekinginhisdream。
Crying，"Forthee，Oourking，fortheewehadfreelyandwillinglydied，Warriors，martyrs，whatthouwilt；notthatourlivesbetide"Theworthofathoughttotheking，butratherbecausethyrodIsoverourheadsasoverthineIsthechangelesswillofGod。
"Ratherforthiswebeseechthee，Omaster，forthineownsakerefrainFromtheblasphemousmadnessofpride，fromthefeverofimpiousgain。"
"Youseekmydeath，"thekingthundered；"youcry，forbeartosaveThelifeofakingtoooldtofrolic；lethimsleepinthegrave。
"ButIwillliveforallyourtreason；and，bymyownrighthand!
IwillsetoutthisdaywithyoutoconquerFairyland。"
Thenallthenationspaledaghast，forthebattletobeginWasawarwithGod，andawarwithdeath，andtheyknewthethingwassin。
Sickathearttheygatheredtogether，butnonedenouncedthewrong，ForthewillofGodwasunseen，unsaid，andthewillofthekingwasstrong。
Sotheairgrewbrightwithspears，andtheearthshookunderthetreadOfthemightyhorsesharnessedforbattle；thestandardsflauntedred。
Andthewindwasloudwiththeblareoftrumpets，andeveryhousewasvoidOfthestrengthandstayofthehouse，andthepeaceofthelanddestroyed。
Andthegrowingcornwastroddenundertheweightofarmedfeet，AndeverywomaninPersiacursedthesoundofasongtoosweet，Cursedtheinsensatelongingforlifeintheheartofasickoldman；
ButthekingofPersiawithallhisarmiesmarchedonMasinderan。
ManyadaytheymarchedinthesuntilltheirsilverarmourwasleadTosinktheirbodiesintothegrave，andmanyamanfelldead。
Andtheypassedthemouthofhell，andtheshadowycountrygray，Wheretheairismistandthepeoplemistandtherainmorerealthanthey。
Andtheycametothefountofwonder，andfordedthewaterswan，AndthekingofPersiaandallhisarmiesmarchedonMasinderan。
Andtheyturnedtheriverstoblood，andthefieldstoaravagedcamp，Andtheynearedthegoldenfaerytown，thatburnedintheduskasalamp。
Andtheystoodandshoutedforjoytoseeitstandsonigh，Givenintotheirhandsforspoil；andtheirheartsbeatproudandhigh。
Andthearmieslongedforthemorrow，toconquertheshiningtown，Fortherewasnodeathintheland，neitheranytostrikethemdown。
Thehostsweremanyinnumbers，mighty，andskilledinthestrife，Andtheylustedforgoldandconquestastheoldkinglustedforlife。
And，gazingonthegoldenplace，nighttookthemunaware，Andblackandwindygrewtheskies，andblacktheeddyingairSolongthenightandblackthenightthatfellupontheireyes，Theyquakedwithfear，thosemightyhosts；thesunwouldneverrise。
Darknessanddeafeningsoundsconfusedtheblack，tempestuousair，Andnomansawhisneighbor"sface，norheardhisneighbor"sprayer。
Andwildwithterrortheragingarmiesfelloneachotherinfight，Thegroundwasstrewnwithwoundedmen，madinthehorriblenightMadwitheternalpain，withdarknessandstabbingblowsRainedonallsidesfrominvisiblehandstillthegroundwasredasarose。
And，thoughhewaslongingforrest，noneventuredtopausefromthestrife，LesthaplyanotherwoundbehistopoisonhishatefullifeAndthekingentreateddeath；andforpeacethearmiesprayed；
ButthegiftsofGodareeverlasting，hiswordisnotgainsaid；
Goldandbattlearegiventhehosts，theirboonisturnedtoaban，AndthecurseofthekingistoreignforeverinconqueredMasinderan。
A。MARYF。ROBINSON。
HandySpandy，Jack-a-Dandy，Lovedplumcakeandsugarcandy；
Heboughtsomeatagrocer"sshopAndouthecomewithahop。
hop，hop。
Jockoisamonkey，Dressedjustlikeaclown；
Withthegrinding-organmanHetravelsroundthetown。
Jocko，Jocko，climbapole，Jockoclimbatree，Jocko，Jocko，tipyourcap，Andmakeabowtome。
KENTUCKYBELLE。
Summerof"sixty-three，sir，andConradwasgoneaway——
Gonetothecounty-town，sir，tosellourfirstloadofhay——
Welivedinthelog-houseyonder，pooraseveryou"veseen；
Roschentherewasababy，andIwasonlynineteen。
Conrad，hetooktheoxen，butheleftKentuckyBelle；
HowmuchwethoughtofKentucky，Icouldn"tbegintotell——
CamefromtheBlue-Grasscountry；myfathergavehertomeWhenIrodenorthwithConrad，awayfromTennessee。
ConradlivedinOhio——aGermanheis，youknow——
Thehousestoodinbroadcorn-fields，stretchingon，rowafterrow；
Theoldfolksmademewelcome；theywerekindaskindcouldbeButIkeptlonging，longing，forthehillsofTennessee。
O，forasightofwater，theshadowedslopeofahill!
Cloudsthathangonthesummit，awindthatisneverstillButthelevellandwentstretchingawaytomeetthesky——
Neverarise，fromnorthtosouth，torestthewearyeye!
Fromeasttowest，norivertoshineoutunderthemoon，Nothingtomakeashadowintheyellowafternoon；
Onlythebreathlesssunshine，asIlookedout，allforlorn；
Onlythe"rustle，rustle，"asIwalkedamongthecorn。
WhenIfellsickwithpining，wedidn"twaitanymore，Butmovedawayfromthecorn-landsouttothisrivershore——
TheTuscarawasit"scalled，sir——offthere"sahill，yousee——
AndnowI"vegrowntolikeitnextbesttotheTennessee。
Iwasatworkthatmorning。SomeonecameridinglikemadOverthebridgeanduptheroad——FarmerRouf"slittlelad；
Barebackherode；hehadnohat；hehardlystoppedtosay；
"Morgan"smenarecoming，Frau；they"regallopingonthisway；
"I"msenttowarntheneighbors。Heisn"tamilebehind；
Hesweepsupallthehorses——everyhorsethathecanfind；
Morgan，Morgan，theraider，andMorgan"sterriblemen，Withbowie-knivesandpistols，aregallopinguptheglen。"
Theladrodedownthevalley，andIstoodstillatthedoor；
Thebabylaughedandprattled，playingwithspoolsonthefloor；
Kentuckwasoutinthepasture；Conrad，myman，wasgone；
Nearer，nearer，Morgan"smenweregalloping，gallopingon!
SuddenIpickedupthebaby，andrantothepasture-bar；
"Kentuck!"Icalled；"Kentucky!"Sheknewmeeversofar!
Iledherdownthegullythatturnsofftheretotheright，Andtiedhertothebushes；herheadwasjustoutofsight。
AsIranbacktothelog-house，atoncetherecameasound——
Theringofhoofs，gallopinghoofs，tremblingovertheground——
ComingintotheturnpikeoutfromtheWhiteWomanGlen——
Morgan，Morgantheraider，andMorgan"sterriblemen。
Asneartheydrewandnearer，myheartbeatfastinalarm!
ButstillIstoodinthedoorway，withbabyonmyarm。
Theycame；theypassed；withspurandwhipinhastetheyspedalong——
Morgan，Morgantheraider，andhisbandsixhundredstrong。
Wearytheylookedandjaded，ridingthroughnightandthroughday；
Pushingoneasttotheriver，manylongmilesaway，Totheborder-stripwhereVirginiarunsupintotheWest，TofordtheUpperOhiobeforetheycouldstoptorest。
Onlikethewindtheyhurried，andMorganrodeinadvance；
Brightwerehiseyeslikelivecoals，ashegavemeasidewaysglance；
AndIwasjustbreathingfreely，aftermychokingpain，Whenthelastoneofthetrooperssuddenlydrewhisrein。
FrightenedIwastodeath，sir；Iscarcedaredlookinhisface，Asheaskedforadrinkofwater，andglancedaroundtheplace:
Igavehimacup，andhesmiled——"twasonlyaboy，yousee；
Faintandworn；withdimblueeyes，andhe"dsailedontheTennessee。
Onlysixteenhewas，sir——afondmother"sonlyson——
OffandawaywithMorganbeforehislifehadbegun!
Thedampdropsstoodonhistemples；drawnwastheboyishmouth；
AndIthoughtmeofthemotherwaitingdownintheSouth!
O，pluckwashetothebackbone；andcleargritthroughandthrough；
Boastedandbraggedlikeatrooper；butthebigwordswouldn"tdo；
Theboywasdyingsir，dying，asplainasplaincouldbe，WornoutbyhisridewithMorganupfromtheTennessee。
But，whenItoldtheladdiethatItoowasfromtheSouth，Watercameintohisdimeyes，andquiversaroundhismouth；
"DoyouknowtheBlue-Grasscountry？"hewistfullybegantosay；
Thenswayedlikeawillowsapling，andfainteddeadaway。
Ihadhimintothelog-house，andworkedandbroughthimto；
Ifedhim，andIcoaxedhim，asIthoughthismother"ddo；
And，whentheladgotbetter，andthenoiseinhisheadwasgone，Morgan"smenweremilesaway，galloping，gallopingon。
"O，Imustgo，"hemuttered；"Imustbeupandaway!