“I’m sure, mamma; Harold knows just how to go.”
These secret expeditions and their object were known to Mrs. Ford, and she usually permitted them when she felt sure they were safe; so, in this case, after some questioning, she gave her consent, and the two set forth.
CHAPTER IV.
AFTER leaving the car, the way for Harold and Mabel led through a quiet, shady street, where old houses stood each side the road, and the children were rather inclined to think it a more pleasant place than where they lived.
“The reason I like it,” said Harold, “is because there was a battle fought here; my father told me all about it, and he showed me the house where the fight was the hardest, and there are bullets buried in the walls; it is called the old Chew house.”
“Was it William Penn that fought the battle?” asked Mabel, with a desire to appear interested.
“No-o,” returned Harold, in a tone of disgust; “of course, it was not. It was General Washington. William Penn didn’t fight. Why, don’t you know, he was a Quaker? You remember how he loved peace, and made the treaty with the Indians.”
“Oh, yes; I do remember now,” replied Mabel. “I’m awfully stupid about history. I never remember who did things. Oh, Harold! see that old woman limping along there; she looks like a Quaker; but she is so wild and queer looking. I believe she is crazy; I am afraid of her.”
“Sho! There’s nothing the matter with her; she is just looking for someone. Hear her call: ‘Bobby, Bobby.’ Don’t you hear her?” In truth, the old woman, hobbling along with a crutch, did look somewhat distracted, for her cap was awry, and her shawl dragged on the ground. She paused, however, at sight of the children.
“You didn’t see anything of a big grey cat, with a collar on, as you come along, did you?” she asked.