defenders of our liberties. And when America's enemies called American
men 'Yankees' they meant General Washington and every other American who
was ready to defend the United States of America. So if any of your
friends use the word 'Yankee' scornfully they agree with the enemies of
the Union. No one need be ashamed of being called a 'Yankee.' It means
someone who is ready to fight for what is right."

But Sylvia still wondered. "The girls don't think so," she said.

"Well, that is because they don't understand. They will know when they
are older," said Mr. Fulton. He did not imagine that any of the
companions of his little daughter had treated her in an unfriendly
fashion, and thought it a good opportunity to make her understand the
real meaning of the word.

"You are a Yankee girl. And that means you must always try to protect
other people who need protection," said her father.

Sylvia's face brightened. She could easily understand that. It meant
that she must not let Estralla get a whipping when she had not deserved
it; and she was glad she had not told the real story of the broken
pitcher. She resolved always to remember what her father had said.

The remainder of the week passed pleasantly. Elinor Mayhew did not
return to school, and the other girls profited by her example and no
longer teased or taunted the little northern girl.

Saturday morning proved to be perfect weather for the drive to the Hayes
plantation. The sun shone, the clear October air was full of autumnal
fragrance, and when the Hayes carry-all, drawn by two pretty brown