Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/152

Rh effect, by arduous and continuous labor. The goods were stored in attic and cellar, and from the house on Old Slip the more precious of Mistress Lamb's belongings were added to the collection.

"It is sink or swim with us now, friend Lamb," Master Dean said, when, the heavy task having been accomplished, the two men were taking that repose which by this time had become absolutely necessary. "If it so be the Tories burn this house, and I do not question their will to do so, we are paupers in our old age, without so much as a shelter."

"True, and we must be prepared for whatever may come. Our only hope is that General Howe may use his efforts to preserve the city for the king, and to fire a building in this dry season would be highly dangerous."

"It is more likely that he will give his men permission to pillage the homes of the Whigs, in which case the Tories can take such part as will satisfy their desire for revenge. How many of the association will remain, do you know?"

"Not above six, as I have heard. It is rumored that our troops will evacuate the city to-night. The enemy has seized the islands in Harlem river, which shows that an immediate attack is to be expected."

"Then may God have mercy on us, for we can