"Why, no," replied the old lady, "I do not believe I ever did. Have you noticed the round hole in the front door, Amy?"
I replied in the negative; and taking me into the hall, she led the way to the front door which opened in two parts, and in the upper half I distinctly perceived a bullet hole which had been made by the British; and it was the story attached to this very hole which she was about to tell me.
"Well, one night," said she, "a long while ago, I sat by the fire with the baby in my arms, while the other children were playing around. The two women servants were in the kitchen, and Mr. Henshaw had taken the men several miles off, on some business relating to the farm. It was just about this time, before the candles were lit; and one of the women came in to tell me that five British soldiers were approaching the house.
"Fasten all the doors then," said I, "and let no one enter unless I give you permission."
The doors were well fastened up, and before long I heard them knocking with the ends of their muskets. I let them knock for some time; but at length I raised an upper window, and asked them what they wanted.
"We want some supper," they replied, "and will probably stay all night."
"It is not in my power to accommodate you." I replied, as coolly as possible, "nor do I feel willing to admit any visitors in the absence of my husband."
"If you do not admit us soon we will break the door down!" they exclaimed.
"Of that I am not much afraid," said I; "it is too well secured."