"But it was only for a moment; Pitcairn and other officers galloped forward, waving their swords over their heads, and followed by their troops in double-quick time.
"'Disperse you villains!' they shouted, 'lay down your arms and disperse. Why don't you disperse, you rebels? Disperse!' And as the patriots did not instantly obey the command, Pitcairn wheeled his horse, waved his sword, and gave orders to press forward and surround the militia.
"At that instant some random shots were fired by the British, and promptly returned by the Americans."
"Oh, Papa, was anybody killed?" asked Gracie.
"Not by those shots," replied her father; "but the next minute Pitcairn drew a pistol and discharged it, at the same time shouting 'Fire!'
"His troops instantly obeyed that order. Four of the patriots were killed, and the rest dispersed. They were fired upon again while retreating, and several of them halted and returned the shots, then concealed themselves behind buildings and stone walls.
"Eight Americans were killed, three British soldiers and Major Pitcairn's horse were wounded."
"I thought you said only four Americans were shot, Papa," said Gracie, looking up inquiringly into his face.
"Four by the first discharge of musketry, and as many more while trying to escape over the fences," he answered.
"Did the British care for having killed those poor men?" she asked, tears of sympathy shining in her eyes.