Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/19

10 without paying such a price in blood as may be required of us who are defying the Britishers."

With that elaborate costume spread out on the snowy counterpane up-stairs, how could Dorothy understand anything save that she would make a brave show on the streets when arrayed in all her finery? Mayhap her father understood somewhat of that which was in her mind, for he concluded the subject by saying:

"When the excitement of the day is over, my child, I shall expect you to commit to memory the words adopted by those brave men who compose the Congress, and to such end I have brought home that copy of Master Gaines' Mercury newspaper wherein may be found the ringing sentiments which cannot fail of commanding the attention and respect of all right-thinking men."

Then it was that Sarah Lamb made her appearance, entering the apartment shyly, as if confused by having arrived before the family had broken fast, and straightway she and Dorothy began a whispered conversation regarding the plans for the day, or, at least, that portion of it during which the new costumes were to be worn.

The Sons of Liberty were to assemble at the inn kept by Captain Benjamin Kierstede on the new dock, during the forenoon, when there would be much talking of politics, as a matter of course; but this had little of interest to the two girls.