"'The Martha Washington Hotel. We wouldn't think of boarding anywhere else, would we, when we are related to Martha?'"
The others laughed at this, and Mrs. Graham added: "Did you explain that that hotel was a ladies' hotel, and neither he nor his father nor his uncle would be allowed to stay there?"
"No, because he forgot all about the hotel when he saw Jack and the girls leading John over to the candy booth. That was enough for George!" laughed Mrs. Parke.
"I suppose you ladies have planned a campaign for going about to show the 'patriots' the historical points of interest in the city—that is why you came up here, you know," teased Mr. Parke.
"You came for business purposes, you said, so we will not trouble you with our plans," retorted Mrs. Davis.
But further conversation was interrupted by the children. "Mother, didn't you bring the copy of our Washington history with you?"
"I have it in the trunk.—Why?" said Mrs. Parke.
"Because Jack says Washington was in Boston in the spring of 1776, and I say he was in New York, where he thought General Howe was going after being driven from Boston," explained George.
"You are both right, son. Washington remained in Boston for a time to see just what Howe would do, and then fearing the weakness of defence of and about New York, he started for that city. It was while he was at New York that the letter from Congress was given him, in which he was so highly commended for the bravery and conduct of himself and his men at the siege," said Mrs. Parke.
Both boys had been so sure that each was right, that this information caused a sudden spell of humility, which gave the girls an opportunity to speak.