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，andsoshebravelyacknowledgedherselftohavetakenavowwhen，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，shemadeastrongcupofcatnipteatherealtea，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。"
　　Withaquickdashortwoofthedottedwhiteapronspotlessnolongertohereye，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!