time allotted to us."

"It was wonderful, the interest and excitement shown by the people in
Philadelphia, father!" said Dick. "They were wild with delight."

"I have no doubt of it, my son. And they had reason to be delighted.
It is a great thing to feel free and independent. I feel wonderfully
relieved already. I feel as if shackles had suddenly been stricken
from my limbs, and I have no doubt that is the way the majority of the
people look at the matter, so why should they not feel joyous?"

The three then entered the house, Mr. Dare having finished his work
for the evening, and Mrs. Dare greeted her sons affectionately.

"The Declaration of Independence has been adopted, wife," said Mr.
Dare, joyously. "The die is cast. There will be war now, undoubtedly,
and it will result in the independence of the people of America. It
cannot result otherwise, for the people will fight to the death. In
the words of Patrick Henry, it will be with them, `Give me liberty, or
give me death!'"

"I am glad, Henry," said Mrs. Dare. "I am glad, and almost sorry, as
well, for-I am afraid it will take you from me. You will want to enter
the army, I am afraid."

"Oh, I must do so, wife," earnestly. "Every man should step to the
front and shoulder a musket and fight for liberty. Yes, I must go to
the war, mother. I must join the Continental Army at once."

"I feared it," sighed the woman. "But, I shall try to be brave and