Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/18

Rh king's fleet several times; but had thus far escaped detection. The Sons of Liberty, however, had now organized a certain system of patroling the streets, and it was believed that the next who ventured into the town would be taken and hanged.

"Will General Washington himself read the Declaration, father?" Dorothy asked when, her modest toilet having been made, she joined her parents in that apartment which was at the same time a sitting-room and a kitchen.

"It is not reasonable to suppose so, my child. Most likely one of his officers will attend to the reading; but you are to see the commander-in-chief of the American army, and hear those words which tell the British king that we will have no more of his misrule."

"And is his majesty no longer our king?" Dorothy asked in mild surprise.

"We do not recognize him as such, though I dare say he and his ministers will make a mighty struggle before we shall be allowed by them to set up as a free and independent nation. Tell me, Dorothy, do you realize all that the Declaration means? This is a momentous time, and I would have you understand whatsoever a child may of politics, to the end that in years to come you can tell the story to those who will receive the benefits of what is now being done,