St. Nicholas Magazine for Boys and Girls, Vol. 5, July 1878, No. 9

Set on the breezy Carolina island of St. John in the spring of 1779, the story opens in a grand brick mansion where the Gibbes family lives amid oak‑shaded gardens and river‑kissed walks. When British forces seize the estate, the household is forced into a cramped upper floor while soldiers dominate the elegant rooms below. Amid the sudden upheaval, thirteen‑year‑old Mary Anna emerges as the children’s protector, guiding their frightened games and keeping hope alive as cannon fire rattles the trees.

The narrative follows Mary’s quiet bravery as she balances caring for her siblings with the harsh presence of occupying troops, offering a vivid glimpse of everyday life under siege. Through her eyes the listener hears whispered prayers, the clatter of marching boots, and the distant roar of artillery, all while the island’s natural beauty endures. It’s a tender, historically grounded tale of courage and compassion that invites listeners into a world where a young girl’s steady heart steadies an entire household.