"So they came across the ocean and up this river and settled near
Kingston, did they, grandma?" queried Eric.
"They settled in the valley of Ulster and Orange counties," she answered.
"And then they had good times, I hope," said Neddie.
"Not for some time," she answered, "because the Indians were fierce and jealous of the palefaces, as they called the whites. It was not until after the Revolution that they ceased to give trouble to the white settlers, both Huguenots and others. But it was borne with patience and perseverance; and many of their descendants helped in the hard struggle for our independence."
"Fighting the British in the Revolutionary War, do you mean, grandma?" asked Neddie.
"Yes; fighting for freedom. That was the war that made us the great and growing nation that we are to-day. It was a fearful struggle, but God helped us, and we should never forget to give him thanks for our liberties."
"I hope we won't," said Eric. "Papa says we have more to be thankful for than any other people; and I think so myself."
"As I do," said his grandma; "and my little grandsons are much better off than very many other children, even in this good land."
"Yes, grandma, I know that; papa and mamma often remind me of it; and I do feel thankful for my many blessings; for none of them more than for my dear, sweet grandma," he added with a loving look into her eyes.
"As I do for my dear grandchildren," she returned, giving him a loving smile and softly patting the hand he had laid on her knee.