"Do you desire some fresh milk, lady?" he asked, gazing solemnly up at Silver Heels.
She smiled faintly, took the proffered dipper, and drank a little.
"No pay, lady," he said, as I drew out some coins which Foxcroft had loaned me; "the redcoats are comin', and we need to for-ti-fy the in-ner man—and the in-ner lady," he added, politely.
A soldier looked up and laughed.
"That's what the little rascal heard Captain Parker say," he drawled, much amused, while the barefoot Ganymede withdrew, blushing and embarrassed, to act as cup-bearer to others who had beckoned him.
"We've got a hundred an' thirty militia here already," volunteered a drummer-boy who lolled on the porch, fondling his wet drum; "but Captain Parker, he let 'em go into the houses around the green because he guesses the redcoats ain't a-comin', but I'm to stay here an' drum like the devil if the redcoats come."
"An' I'm to fife if they come!" added another boy, stoutly.
I glanced down at the big, painted drum, all beaded with dew, and I read "Louisburg" written in white letters on the hoops.
"We have some old Louisburg soldiers here," said the urchin, proudly. "The redcoats say that we be all cowards, but I guess we have fit battles for 'em long enough."
"You are over-young to fight in war," said Silver Heels, gently.