Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/151

138 Lamb, and if disaster overtakes one, all three shall share equally in it," Mistress Lamb said in a tone of determination, and her hostess could do no less than echo the words.

During the sad conference which followed, it was decided that since the Lamb residence, being near the water front and likely to be visited by the land as well as the seaward approaches, was less secure than that on Hanover square, it would therefore be well for the families to live together until some better arrangement could be made.

In addition, the two merchants were resolved to store the most valuable of their goods in the dwelling, and keep at their shops only such articles as would fail to tempt the cupidity of the mob.

It seemed necessary to set about the work of removal at once, and Scipio was sent out to engage, if indeed that might be possible, a force of laborers to perform the work.

That they were not to be separated immediately was a sad happiness to Dorothy and Sarah; but they made no plans for the future, because of Master Newcomb's threat, which still rang in their ears, and they were old enough to realize that within a very few days both might be homeless.

Within eight and forty hours the plan as suggested by Master Dean had been carried into