“He hath elected to follow the Prince.”

“And—and there are others.…”

“Dearest, very many forsake me … but God will support me in what I have to do.”

“Will—will my uncle Cornelius have to go with the Fleet?”

“I think so, dearest.”

Agneta reflected a second, then said—

“But we are always victorious on the sea.”

“Cornelius and the others, Agneta, will do their utmost to preserve this dear land’s liberty … and we must trust in God.”

“My uncle Cornelius could never be defeated,” insisted Agneta. “But you are anxious.”

He stroked the little fingers lying on his sleeve.