Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/47

36 "Don't speak of it, Scip," Sarah pleaded. "Light the candles, and then close the shutters."

It was not a simple task for Scip to do as he had been commanded; first he groped his way around to find the candles, which he knew must be on the tall mantel over the huge fireplace, and then a skilful manipulation of flints was necessary that a spark might fall upon a bit of cotton, which had been dipped in sulphur, thereby producing a flame.

After laboring until the perspiration ran in tiny streams down his black face, for it was very warm in the house with every window tightly closed, Scipio succeeded in obeying the commands of the girls, who, now that they were in safety, began to examine their garments which had received some rough usage, and finding more cause for tears than smiles as they viewed the many rents and stains.

While this was being done the old darked stood first on one foot and then the other, as if impatient almost beyond control, and not until he had spent considerable time in such aimless occupation did Dorothy appear to realize that he was not particularly happy.

"What is the matter, Scip? Aren't you content now that we are safely housed?"

"Dat's des de trubble, honey. I'se housed too much, kase I carn't get de littlest mite ob a