On the contrary they had become worse.

There had been fighting, a battle in which many had been killed, and a great war was begun.

The colonies would all stand together, and no man could tell what the times would bring forth.
This was indeed weighty news.

Though divided from their brethren in the east by hundreds of miles of mountain and forest the patriotism of the settlers in the wilderness burned with a glow all the brighter on that account.

More than one young heart in that rude room glowed with a desire to be beside their countrymen in the far-off east, rifle in hand.
But Mr.Pennypacker spoke again.