Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/100

Rh expected to hear that which would betoken the finding of the spy.

Nothing save the footfalls of the searchers and the ironical words of the silversmith could be heard on the inside, and without, the mob was waiting patiently for the report of their representatives, making no more of a disturbance than might arise from an animated conversation wherein half a dozen men tried to speak at the same time.

It was to Dorothy and Sarah as if a full half hour elapsed before the searchers could be heard descending the stairs, although in fact the four men had not been absent from the living room more than five minutes, and Sarah whispered in a tone of wonderment:

"They've been in the attic, and didn't find anything!"

Dorothy leaped to her feet in excitement, mentally asking if it could really be possible that the search had been in vain. It seemed to her as if the first object which would have caused suspicion was the oaken chest, and even now she could hardly credit the fact that, for the officer in hiding, the danger had passed, at least, until Master Dean was made aware of his whereabouts.

"These gentlemen declare that they are satisfied," the silversmith announced as the searching party entered the living room. "And if such be