indications of civilization rarely found in that vicinity at that period of our country's history.

A large orchard of apple-trees fronted the house, and in the rear it was bounded by a forest of maple and chestnut, then, of course, in full leaf, and which contrasted beautifully with the snow-white house; for the homestead, though built of stone, had been whitewashed, presenting an appearance as attractive to the eye as it was gratifying to the taste.

It was, perhaps, an hour before noon, on one of the most sultry days, early in June of the memorable year 1776. Everything about the dwelling was as quiet as though it contained nothing human. There was scarcely air enough stirring to ruffle the leaves on the trees, and the sun, nearly at meridian, poured down his rays with an intensity almost overpowering.

At this hour, the quiet of the place was disturbed by the tramping of approaching horsemen, and, as the sound reached the house, one of the inmates appeared at the door of the wing, which was appropriated to culinary purposes.

"My sakes!" exclaimed the party who, on hearing the sound of horses' hoofs, had approached the door; I wonder if it's more of them marciless cowboys ?"

"I guess not," was the reply which came from the lips of a young girl, who, with sleeves rolled above her elbows, was hard at work in the suds of the wash

tub. "Colonel Malcolm's men have given them such a fright they won't be around here soon again, I guess."

"Massy sakes! who on airth be they?" exclaimed the first speaker, as she gazed down the road which fronted the house, and pointed in the direction toward which she was looking; and as she spoke, she shaded her eyes with her hand, as if to aid her vision, rendered indistinct by age.

“Why, mother, can't you see?" and the speaker, who had left the wash-tub and joined her mother in the doorway, peered out in the direction whence the sounds approached. "Don't you see they are Continentallers? Some scouting-party, I'm sure; and, oh dear me! they've caught me in a nice fix. Mother, you go and get something ready for them to eat ;" and, as she spoke, she unpinned her dress, which had been tucked up around her waist, and smoothing it down, turned to go again into the kitchen, where she had been occupied, and, pausing an instant in front of a small glass which hung between the windows, smoothed down the glossy hair which floated in luxuriant masses over her face and neck, and, with a smile and blush at her own vanity, so natural to her sex, she retired to an inner room to prepare herself for a reception of the approaching visitors.

"Why, Patsy !" exclaimed the elder of the twain, as her daughter left her side; but Patsy either did not or

would not hear her mother, and she was left alone to receive those whose coming had already been heralded by the sound of their horses' feet.

The party consisted of nine horsemen; and at the head, mounted on a large, powerfully-built and spirited charger, rode the leader-a young, beardless man, who, to judge from his appearance, had scarcely more than passed his teens. He was dressed in the blue and buff Continental uniform, as were his followers; but there was so little difference in the attire of the party, it would have been difficult to select the leader, but for the straps across his shoulder, denoting that he was entitled to wear epaulettes, and the air of command which seemed to sit upon him as naturally as if born to it. As the party approached the house, the old lady went out to the fence which surrounded it, and, with a low courtesy, said:

"Won't you halt, gentlemen, and have something to eat after your hot ride ?"

The leader of the party drew up his horse at this salutation, and, dismounting, threw the reins to one of his companions. Approaching the hostess with a courtly bow, he said:

"This, I believe, is farmer Adams' house ?"

"Of course it is. Why, bless me !" and she peered earnestly into the face of the speaker, with an expression of mingled doubt and pleasure; "sure you ain't little Burr ?”

"As sure as you are Mrs. Adams," replied the party addressed, and he extended his hand, which was warmly grasped by the delighted old lady, who, turning toward the house, exclaimed, at the top of her shrill voice:

"Patsy, come down here; it's little Burr. Why, Aaron, where did you come from? We heard as you was killed there at Quebec, and Patsy has been crying ever so much about you; come in, Aaron. But what on airth be you doing with all these men ?"

"I will tell you when we get inside, my good old friend," said Major Burr, for he it was. "We have had a hot and dusty ride, and my men are terribly hungry and thirsty, too."

"I'll take care of them, I'll warrant you. Tell 'em to come in." And turning to his men, he gave the sign to dismount, which was promptly and gladly obeyed, for theirs, indeed, had been a hot and dusty ride, and fastening their horses to the fence in front of the house, they awaited his further orders.

Why on airth don't you ask 'em in, Aaron ?" exclaimed the old lady, whose ideas of hospitality recognized no distinction in rank.

Major Burr smiled, and turning to his followers, beckoned to one of them, who approached, and with a military salute, stood awaiting his orders.

"Keep one man on guard-take the rest in, and our kind landlady here will give you something to eat and

drink." Then addressing Mrs. Adams, who had looked with wondering eyes upon the youthful hero, he said, "Come, where's Patsy? I haven't had a kiss since I left her, eighteen months ago. Ah, Patsy!" he exclaimed, as the young girl entered the room, smiling and blushing, "how do you do?" and seizing one hand, he clasped her waist with the other, and before she had time to resist, had she felt so inclined, which is exceedingly doubtful, the young soldier had imprinted a hearty kiss upon a pair of as pretty, and rosy lips as New Jersey could boast of at that time.

“Why, Aaron, I am ashamed of you," said the blushing girl, struggling to release herself from his embrace,"before all these men !"

"You shall take it back, Patsy, as soon as we are alone," and he smiled wickedly. "Let your mother take care of my men, and do you get something for me; I am hot, tired, and hungry."

"Your men, Aaron!" said Patsy, opening her large blue eyes with a stare of astonishment, as she gazed upon the youthful speaker.

"Yes, Patsy, my men. But come, what do you suppose brought me here ?" and as he spoke, a crimson blush illuminated the beautiful face of the young girl, for his words recalled pleasant memories.

Perhaps she thought he came wooing, for he had often told her how much he loved her, and she, poor fool, had believed him. She had heard of his gallant