Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/74

Rh time, the little maid became aware of the havoc which had been wrought in her personal appearance.

Her face flushed rosy red as she looked first at Sarah and then at such portions of her own garments as could readily be seen, and the officer said with a smile:

"You need make no excuses, young mistress. I am the cause of all that disorder, and surely should be the last to criticise. I have no great desire to venture out of doors while there are so many near at hand to greet me; but I would not plunge you into difficulties with your father, as may be the case if I remain."

"You can at least wait until he comes, sir."

"True, my dear; but are you, who have been celebrating the Declaration of Rights so lately, willing to give aid to one who is bound to render them of no avail?"

Dorothy was perplexed. She was not minded to let this gentleman who spoke so tenderly of his children go out to meet his executioners simply because of what might come to her in the way of trouble; but at the same time, the idea of giving aid to one who represented the king, was not exactly in accordance with the lesson her father had given her that very morning.

Lieutenant Oakman, replacing the pistol in his pocket, watched her narrowly as she turned over