Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/140

Rh thoroughly perplexed. He had entered expecting to be praised for his portion of the work, instead of which he was driven out with threats.

"Dem Sons ob Liberty am mighty queer folks," he muttered softly as he obeyed the command of his master, and when he disappeared Mistress Dean said with a sigh:

"It is all very terrible; but I do remember saying that which Dorothy repeated, and I know, Jacob, that you wouldn't let the child speak when the visitors first came."

"I supposed, madam, that she had an ordinary amount of common sense, and could distinguish between an idle remark and a positive command. Master Lamb and I are ruined and disgraced forever!"

Then the silversmith sought relief by pacing the floor just in the rear of his friend, and if the situation had not been so grave it would have been comical.

Not until the night was nearly spent did either of the gentlemen see any ray of hope in the black cloud which enveloped them, and meanwhile the children crouched by their mothers' knees in mute suspense; finding no little consolation in the knowledge that the very kindly officer who had children of his own in England would not be hanged for spying where nothing of importance could be learned.