Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/27

18 an hundred who stand up with muskets to shoot us down. You may be very certain, Dorothy dear, that the king will not be soft-hearted if he gets any of us in his clutches. War is cruel work, at the best; but we who uphold this revolution know that much good will come to those who live after us, and must stand face to face with death in order that these colonies may be free."

There was no time for further conversation regarding spies, for just then the beating of drums summoned such of the soldiers as were encamped on the common to form into line, and far down the street could be heard the shrill notes of fifes, betokening the arrival of troops from other parts of the city.

While Dorothy and Sarah were looking about them eager for the coming of the soldiers, a great shout went up from the spectators at the further end of the field, and Mistress Lamb said nervously to the girls:

"Here comes General Washington and his officers, children. Behave yourselves properly, for he may look this way!"

The gentleman from Virginia was not exactly the kind of a soldier the girls had expected to see. No fault could be found with his uniform, the horse or trappings; but the man himself had a face betokening kindness and gentleness, which