Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/159

146 thing! "Master Lamb said in a low tone to the silversmith, as he clasped him by the hand. "I doubt not but that Colonel Willett's property was the first to feel the torch, and now our time has come. That is Newcomb's voice, and we know he would not be in this quarter of the city unless to do us harm."

Master Dean leaned far out of the window and listened. In a few seconds it was possible to hear his own name spoken, and he, as his companion had done, recognized the voice.

"That scoundrelly Tory shall pay dearly for his mischief!" the silversmith cried in a rage. "I may not be able to save my house, for doubtless he comes with a large crew of ruffians; but this shall be the last building to which he will apply the torch!"

He turned to go down-stairs; but Anthony Lamb stopped him by clutching his coat-collar.

"What would you do?" he asked sternly.

"Get the same weapons I used when we stood against the Britishers on Long Island, and shoot him down as I would a cur!"

Dorothy and Sarah clung to their mothers' dresses, terrified by the tone as well as the words, and the two women came forward as if to lay violent hands upon the angry silversmith; but Master Lamb was before them.

"You shall not do that thing, Jacob Dean!"