Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/76

Rh conversation for the first time since the intruder had made his appearance. "My father makes mathematical instruments."

"I have heard of him to the effect that there is no stauncher patriot in the city. Now, young ladies, have I your permission to extinguish the candle?"

"Why should you do that, sir?" Dorothy asked curiously.

"Those gentlemen on the outside, who are so eager to lay hands on me, may not try to come into the house if it appears to be deserted, whereas, with such evident signs of occupancy as the glow of this candle through the crevices of the shutters, they would insist on having speech with whomsoever was within."

"Blow it out at once, sir," Dorothy said hastily, as she led Sarah to a seat on the settee which stood conveniently near the fireplace.

During this conversation the tumult outside had been increasing, until the din was so great that only with difficulty could the speakers inside made themselves heard, and, as proof that the searchers were closing in around the building, it was possible to hear very much which they saidsaid. [sic]

The officer and the children listened intently, and understood from the words that the three dwellings in the immediate vicinity were being