“This was going in those revolutionary days,” said the old lady, who was still with them, “and soon after the battle of Brandywine, before the encampment in this valley, the Americans had a large quantity of stores here in this mill.  Washington heard that the British General Howe had sent troops to destroy them, and he sent some of his men, under Alexander Hamilton and Captain Henry Lee, to get ahead of the British; which they did.  Knowing there was danger of a surprise, they had a flat-bottomed boat ready to cross the river in, and two videttes out on the hill to the south yonder”—­pointing with her finger.  “Well, the soldiers had crossed the river and were just going to begin the work they had come to do, when the guns of the videttes were heard, and they were seen running down the hill with the British close after them.  Lee, the videttes, and four of the other men ran across the bridge—­the enemy sending a shower of bullets after them—­while the others, with Hamilton, took to the boat.  They were fired upon too, but got away safely.  The two parties had got separated, and neither one knew just how the other had fared.  Lee sent a note to Washington telling his fears for Hamilton and his men; and while Washington was reading it Hamilton rode up with a face full of distress, and began telling the general his fears for Lee; then Washington relieved him by handing him Lee’s note to read.”

Our party thanked the old lady for her story, and Mr. Dinsmore asked what more there was to see.

“There’s an observatory over yonder on that south hill,” she said, pointing to it.  “It was there a large part of the American army was quartered—­on the hill, I mean.  If you go up to the top of the building you can see a good deal of the camping ground from it.”

“Thank you,” he returned, slipping a silver dollar into her hand.  “We are all greatly obliged for your kindness in showing us about this interesting place and refreshing our memories in regard to its history.”

The others thanked her also; then taking a carriage they drove to the observatory she had pointed out.

They were told that it stood on the spot where Washington’s marquee was placed on his arrival at Valley Forge.  It was a neat octagonal structure about forty feet high, with a spiral staircase in the centre leading up to an open gallery on the top.  They went up, and found it gave them a fine view of the greater part of what had been the camping ground.  “Our troops came here from Whitemarsh, if my memory serves me right,” said Edward Allison.

“Yes,” assented Mr. Dinsmore.  “It was Washington’s decision that they should do so, as here he would be near enough to watch the movements of the British army, then in possession of Philadelphia.  He wished, for one thing, to keep the foraging parties in check, protecting the people from their depredations.”

“Wasn’t it in the winter they were here, papa?” asked Elsie.