"What's that?" asked Jim, thoroughly excited. "Has there been news in town?"
"Haven't you heard? The fleet made an attack."
"Where? What about it?"
"They tried to enter New York to destroy the British, but it was found, I think, that they were too large for the harbor. So they sailed to Newport to attack the garrison there."
"Yeh?"
"General Sullivan operated on the land, and the French troops were about to disembark to assist him. But then Lord Howe arrived with his fleet and Count d'Estaing straightway put out to sea to engage him."
"And thrashed 'm——"
"No," replied Marjorie. "A great storm came up and each had to save himself. From the reports Father gave, General Sullivan has been left alone on the island and may be fortunate if he is enabled to withdraw in safety."
"What ails that Count!" exclaimed Jim thoroughly aroused. "I don't think he's much good."