“He had an American captain prisoner on his vessel at the time of his battle with the Constitution, and before the fight began politely told him, as he supposed he didn’t want to fight against his country, he might go below, if he chose; and he gave the same privilege to ten American sailors who had been impressed on to his ship.”
“Yes,” said Max, “He was a fine fellow; and if all his countrymen had been like him, I don’t believe there would have been any war between England and America.”
“I admire his conduct,” Albert said, “and hope I should have acted as he did, had I been in his place.”
“I dare say you would,” said Max.
CHAPTER XV.
“Papa,” said Max, on finding himself alone with his father and sister that evening, “we’ll spend the Fourth here, won’t we?”
“Probably, my son,” was the reply. “I do not now expect to leave Minersville before the middle or perhaps the last of July. But why do you ask?”
“I was thinking whether we mightn’t get up some sort of a celebration,” said Max.
“Oh, yes, do let us, papa!” cried Lulu. “It would be such fun.”
“Would it?” he said, smiling at her eagerness. “I should think that would depend on how we celebrate. What would you two like to do to show your patriotism on the nation’s birthday?”