The next morning Captain Enos gave the letter to William Trull, who promised to find a chance of forwarding it to John Nelson.
“What think you, Anne?” said Mrs. Stoddard when the little girl came home from school that day. “The ‘Somerset’ is getting under way, and your Uncle Enos says ’Tis like enough that your father will have the letter before the week ends.”
“I wish I could see him read it,” said Anne.
“And your Uncle Enos has a bold plan, child. He is filling up his sloop with fine cod to take to the Boston market, and if this wind holds, he will go sailing up the coast to-morrow morning. Mayhap he’ll be in Boston before the ‘Somerset.’”
“But they will fire their big guns at him and sink the sloop!” said Anne fearfully.
“Your uncle will not give them a chance,” answered Mrs. Stoddard. “He will put in and out among the islands and keep out of their sight.”
“May I not go with him, Aunt Martha? I could see my father then.”
Mrs. Stoddard shook her head. “’Twould not be wise, child. Your uncle would not wish it. There would be but little chance of finding your father. Your uncle plans to make but a short stay and get home as soon as may be. It is no time to be coasting about, with British ships ready to sink any craft they see. Here, see!” and she held something up in her hand.
“Oh, Amanda’s doll!” exclaimed Anne, “and you have made a fine dress for her. Can I take it down now?” and the little girl took the wooden doll which Captain Enos had whittled out and looked at it admiringly.
“Yes, run along,” replied Mrs. Stoddard; “’twill be a great surprise for Amanda.”