Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/71

60 longer feeling any fear of this man who had little girls of his own at home.

"Quite true, my dear. I came because orders had been given to that effect, and, being a soldier, I was bound in duty to obey. Which would you rather, be punished for disobedience to your father, or because, in obeying him, you incurred the displeasure of some other person?"

"I always do as my father commands, sir."

"And therein you are right, my dear little girl. So it is with me. I do as my superior officer commands, and if the obeying leads me to death, my children will have no reason to blush when their father's name is spoken. Now I will go, taking whatsoever chances may be left in this rat-hole of a square where all the exits are guarded. Do not give way to fear because you are alone in the house, for there is nothing to harm you here, more than if your parents were present. The servant will probably return soon; but until he, or your father arrives, it will be well to keep the door locked lest evil disposed men, who have no babies of their own, should enter."

As he spoke Lieutenant Oakman turned toward the door which led into the main hall; but he had not yet crossed the threshold when a tumult of cries and shouts suddenly sounded as if from directly in front of the building.