Then, when we get all through with showing our cousins how we fought that ambush of Indians, when Jim hit John on the stiff beaver with the hatchet, we can finish the play. Theres lots to be played out in that battle. For instance, we buried Braddock right off, you see, and we ought to have dragged him away while the Indians tried to scalp him. We can let him die after we get him to a settlement, and bury him decently with a fine funeral. Think of all the fun we can have putting John down in a real hole and throwing flowers on top of him! planned George zealously.
No, George, that wont be nice! We mustnt play things like that at all! I hate to see funerals and hear people cry, and I never want to make-believe any such thing! objected Martha.
Sides, Garge, yo mommerll punish yo agin ef we put John in the groun and play hes daid! warned Jim ominously.
And we can kill John by just pretending we did and jump that grave scene, quickly suggested Martha.
We-el, you two are too young for such play, I spose, but it would have been great to creep out to the back hedge some dark night and do that Braddock death-bed scene with John! Id be reading the service from a book, and the rest of you could be weeping and wringing your hands while Jim dropped John in the grave. Then wed cover him with bushes and things sos the Indians couldnt find him they wanted his scalp, you know, sighed George, as he reluctantly sacrificed the impressive scene at the urgent request of his two companions.
Then what? When we finish Braddock what shall we play? asked Martha.
Then it will be time for us to use those old-fashioned costumes we found in the attic the day Jim came down the rope and thought he was killed. We must have George getting married now cause he must begin the American Revolution and do lots of things that he did after he was married. Of course, I could play all he did without getting married, but as long as youre here and will want to play with us, Ill marry you, and then leave you at Mount Vernon while I go and have a good time fighting with the boys, generously said George to Martha.
She didnt! Martha Custis didnt stay at home! She followed the general when he camped in the winters, and did lots of fine things for the soldiers in the army. Im going to play the same thing, and if you wont let me I wont marry you at all. Ill get Jack to play husband instead, and Ill marry him, so there!
But, Martha, you cant! Dont you see no one but Washington would do for Martha Custis? and besides, Jack must act another part, so he couldnt marry you even if Id let him! argued George, anxious over a possible refusal of his suit to Martha.
Ah don see dat dats any fun jes gettin dressed up in dat finery in de attic an gettin married. Its heaps moh fun playin war and bein Injuns! sneered Jim, who always was the Indian in these wars.
Oh, Jim! It will be lots of fun! Youll be the cook to fix the fine party dinner, and Jack can play minister. John and Anne will be my children and Washingtons step-children, you know, explained Martha.
Kin we-all git some cookies an watermelyon fer de party? asked Jim with sudden interest.
Sure! Ill get mother to ask mammy for some, and besides Ill find some more good things to eat. John can bring some, too, and we can have a make-believe stove and cook lots of fine things that they had at that wedding supper, replied George.
Den Ahll play cook! agreed Jim.
S-sh! I know I heard a horn that time! cried Martha.
Sod I! And see down by the road that runs over the bridge of the creek there comes the car! shouted George, forgetting his wedding arrangements and wars in the imminent joy of seeing his cousins who were coming to have a long visit at the Parkes home.
As you remember, George and Martha Parke were the two children who played the youthful life of George Washington, in the first book called Little Washingtons.
Their home was situated in
our lessons and reading history to us. Now that your mother is visiting here, mother wont have as much time to hear our lessons, see? explained Martha eagerly.
And we can have all the more time for fun, added George.
How about you, John? asked Jack, turning to the little neighbor boy.
Oh, I was going to join George and Martha at their house for lessons this year my mother and their mother arranged it, you see, cause we are distantly related, too, but now I dont have to study, either! said John with satisfaction.
Then were all free for a fine time! You see, it just happened that the same week our school opened, the measles broke out so bad that they had to close again for a short time; and as every one we knew got the measles, mother hurried us off for a visit until the thing is over again, laughed Jack, feeling very happy over the consequences of the epidemic.
Fine! declared George, turning to lead the way to the last scene of battle the broken-down hedge between the Grahams and Parkes country estates.
CHAPTER II THE CUSTIS WEDDING PARTY
Maybe the folksll be looking for us to change our clothes, ventured Anne, looking carefully at the windows of the house, as they came into view from the path where the children skipped or ran.