“Captain Lane, I am come on a matter of business in which friendship and regard are mingled.  Believe me that, had it not been for my great esteem for yourself and Morgianna, I should have sent an under officer with my message instead of bringing it myself.”

Captain Lane bowed and hoped that Lieutenant Matson would not allow friendship to stand in the way of duty.  Lieutenant Matson continued: 

“First, I have come, captain, to demand of you the surrender of this post,—­that is, of all the government stores in it, assuring you that private property shall not be molested, and the men in arms shall be treated as prisoners of war.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, the old sea captain answered: 

“I refuse to comply with your demand.”

“Surely, Captain Lane, you must know that you cannot hope to resist the Xenophon.  Her heavy guns will soon batter down your walls and destroy your houses.”

“When that is done, it will be time enough to think of surrendering.”

“Surely you do not know that Washington is burned and Baltimore surrounded.  All night long the fleet bombarded the town.”

“Yes, we could hear the roar of cannon even here.”

“Well, you must ultimately surrender.”

Lieutenant Matson was greatly distressed by the stubbornness of Captain Lane.  He reminded him of the helpless women and children in the town, and asked him, for their sakes, to consider the crime of resisting; but it was all in vain.  Captain Lane had been chosen by the people to defend them, and he swore he was no Hull to yield at the sight of an enemy.

“No, sir; when our guns are dismounted, our walls battered down, our houses burned, and there is not a man able to hold a lanyard, then it is time to think of surrendering.”

“Very well, Captain, if such is your resolution, I must leave you; but permit me to conduct Miss Morgianna to a place of safety.  She would be safe on board the Xenophon and I offer her——­”

“What!” interrupted Captain Lane, his eyes flashing fire.  “Lieutenant Matson, do you wish to insult me?”

“No, Captain Lane, I merely wish to secure the safety of Morgianna.”

“Morgianna!  Morgianna!” called the old man, starting to his feet and pacing the floor anxiously.

“Here, father!” and, clothed in spotless white, looking like some celestial being just reached this earth, Morgianna entered the room.  “What do you want, father?” she asked, paying no heed to the lieutenant, who had risen to his feet with a most gracious smile and bow.

“Morgianna, Lieutenant Matson announces that the English frigate Xenophon is coming to destroy our town and kill our people.  He offers you a place on board that vessel where he says you will be safe.  Do you accept it?”

[Illustration:  “MY FATHER WILL PROTECT ME; I WANT NO OTHER PROTECTION.”]

“No!” she answered, stamping one little slippered foot on the floor.  Then going to the captain’s side, she laid her head on his shoulder and said: