Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/137

124 satisfied, despite the fact that you have been an earnest worker in the Cause, that a Britisher was not in this house to-night. Now we have ample proof to the contrary, and the same shall be made known wherever words of suspicion have been spoken."

To this speech the silversmith could make no reply; he was yet in such a state of bewilderment as to be incapable of connected thought, and Master Lamb addressed the citizens in his behalf, thanking them for the friendly words, at the same time recalling to mind, as proof that he would not knowingly give aid to an enemy, all that Master Dean had done in behalf of the colony as against the king.

Then the last of the searchers departed; Scipio was called to lock the street door, and the two gentlemen sat down to consider the mystery.

Dorothy and Sarah were summoned from the kitchen, even before anything concerning the escape had been said to the ladies, and Master Dean questioned his daughter.

"Did you tell me that the spy was hidden in the oaken chest?"

"Yes, sir."

"And that he was likely to remain there?"

"Yes, sir, for he couldn't get out, because I had the key."

"What is the meaning of these questions?"