There was so much to see that Dr. Joe declared they had no more time to spend following Washington's retreat.
"But it was just grand that he should come back here to be inaugurated the first President of the United States," said Charles. "I am proud of having had that in New York."
"The city has a great many famous points," said Dr. Joe; "but we seem to have lost our enthusiasm over them. Beyond there," nodding his head over east, "is the Murray House that can tell its story. Handsome Mrs. Murray, and she was a Quaker, too, made herself so charming in her hospitality to the British generals that she detained them long enough for Silliman's brigade to retreat to Harlem. Washington was awaiting them at the Apthorpe House, and they had left that place not more than fifteen minutes when the British came flying in the hot haste of pursuit. So but for Mrs. Murray's smiles and friendliness they might have captured our Washington as well as the city."
"That was splendid," declared Charles enthusiastically.
"And maybe as a boy Lindley Murray might have thought up his grammar that he was to write later on to puzzle your brains," continued Dr. Joe.
"Well, that is odd, too. I'll forgive him his grammar," said Ben, with a twinkle in his eye.
"And if we don't go on we will have no time for Professor Audubon and the birds. But we could ramble about all day."
"I didn't know there were so many interesting things in the city. They seem somehow a good ways off when you are studying them," replied Charles.
He really wished Hanny was in the carriage. She was so eager about all these old stories.
Then they went over to Tenth Avenue. There was the old Colonial house, with its broad porch and wide flight of steps. It was country then with its garden and fields, its spreading trees and grassy slopes.