“And God being on our side,” said Mr. Lilburn, reverently, “we may have strong hope of being able to beat them back.”

“Yes, ’the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,’” remarked Mr. Dinsmore. “’Some trust in chariots, and some in horses:  but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.’”

“And if we do so truly, fully, he will take hold of shield and buckler and stand up for our help,” added Mr. Travilla.

The plan of defense was next discussed, but not fully decided upon; it was agreed that that could be done most readily upon the spot, and that accordingly Mr. Dinsmore and the two young men should ride over to Ion shortly after breakfast, to view the ground and consult again with the other two.

“Why not return with us and breakfast at Ion?” asked Elsie.

“Why not stay and breakfast with us?” said Rose.

“Certainly,” said her husband.  “Take off your hat, daughter, and sit down to your father’s table as of old.”

“Ah, my little ones!  I know they are watching now for mamma and wondering at her long delay.”

“Then I shall not detain, but rather speed you on your way,” he said, leading her out and assisting her to mount her horse.

The children had thought mamma’s ride a long one that morning, and much they wondered at papa’s unusual silence and abstraction.  He quite forgot to romp with them, but indeed there was scarcely time, as he did not come in from the fields till the breakfast bell had begun to ring.

Grace had just been said, every one was sitting silent, quietly waiting to be helped (the children were all at the table, for “Cousin Ronald” who had been with them for a week, was now considered quite one of the family).  Mr. Travilla took up the carving knife and fork with the intent to use them upon a chicken that lay in a dish before him; but the instant he touched it with the fork, a loud squawk made every body start, and Harold nearly tumbled from his chair.

“Why dey fordot to kill it!” he cried breathlessly.

“But its head’s off!” said Eddie, gazing into the dish in wide-eyed astonishment.

“Ah ha nn h’m! is that the way your American fowls behave at table?” asked Cousin Ronald, gravely, but with a slight twinkle in his eye, pushing back his chair a little while keeping his eyes steadily fixed upon the ill-mannered bird, as if fearful that its next escapade might be to fly in his face; “a singular breed they must be.”

Elsie and her husband began to recover from their momentary surprise and bewilderment, and exchanged laughing glances, while the latter, turning to his guest, said, “Capitally done, cousin! wouldn’t have disgraced Signor Blitz himself or any of his guild.  But I had no suspicion that ventriloquism was one of your many accomplishments.  What part shall I help you to?”

“The leg, if you please; who knows but I may have use for more than two to-night?”