Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/128

Rh that he must have come in while you and your wife was absent—which is the exact truth; that you knew nothing of his whereabouts when you spoke so harshly—which is again the truth. It is a much better story to go before the citizens of New York than the one you would tell, if all the details were given."

"What is the matter?" some one on the outside asked, as Scip vainly tried to turn back the bolt.

"Dis yere lock am rusted, an' it takes a pow'ful long time to work de key. Here she am now!" and Scipio threw open the door with the same flourish he would have used while ushering in his master's best friends.

Now was the moment when Dorothy believed her father's mind should be relieved of its burden, and as Master Lamb relaxed his hold on the coat-sleeve, she ran forward.

"Father, I have done"

"Again I command you, Dorothy, to hold your peace!" Master Dean cried angrily. "Surely we have suffered enough already because of your forwardness. Go into the kitchen, and take Sarah with you. Remain there until your mother calls."

"But father"

"Not another word!" and the silversmith literally pushed his daughter toward the rear