Mr. Weston looked down smilingly at his little daughter. He was evidently amused at her excitement.
“Is this the little girl who was born in loyal Boston?” he questioned; for Rebecca was six years of age and Anna three when their parents came to this far-off place to make their home. Eastern Maine was then a wilderness, and this little village was not connected with the outside world except by the Indian trails or by the sailing craft which plied up and down the coast. But its citizens were soon to write a page of heroism and valor in their country’s history.
“Of course Machias is to have a liberty pole,” continued Mr. Weston. “It has been so decided by a vote in a town meeting; and Dan and I will start off in good season to-morrow morning to look for the finest pine sapling in the forest. It will be a great day for the village when ’tis set up, with its waving green plume to show that we are pledged to resist England’s injustice to her long-suffering colonies.”
It was the custom to leave a tuft of verdure at the top of the liberty tree as an emblem, the best they had at command, of the flag they meant to fight for.
Before her father had finished speaking Rebecca had relinquished her grasp on his arm and ran toward the cupboard, and neither her father nor mother gave much thought to her anxious question. The venison was just ready to serve, and Mrs. Weston hurried from the fireplace to the table, on which Rebecca had now placed the dishes, while Mr. Weston and Anna talked happily together over the proposed excursion on the following day.
“I am afraid that we may have to postpone our journey,” said Mr. Weston, “for I noticed the gulls were coming in flocks close to the shores, and you know:
“‘When sea-birds fly to land
A storm is at hand.’”
“But look at Malty,” responded Anna quickly, pointing to the fat Maltese cat who was industriously washing her face:
“‘If the cat washes her face over the ear
’Tis a sign the weather’ll be fine and clear,’”
quoted the little girl; “and you told me ’twas a sure sign, Father; and ’tis what Matty is doing this minute.”