Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/77

66 surrounded preparatory to a search of their interiors.

Those who were hunting for the spy had become convinced that, by some means, he had gained an entrance to one or another of the houses, and were determined to leave no opportunity for escape.

If the candle had been lighted the children would have seen on Lieutenant Oakman's face a look of distress, for it must have appeared to him just then that the closing act in the tragedy of which he was the principal actor, was nearly at hand. He had no reason to believe Jacob Dean would aid him, an enemy, even if those on the outside should leave him in peace until the owner of the dwelling arrived, and it was quite certain the house would speedily be searched whether the master was present or absent.

Dorothy was tingling with excitement, and secretly rejoicing because it was now so dark that the soot on her face and clothing could not be seen. She had almost forgotten that this very kindly gentleman who treated her with quite as much respect as if she had been a full-grown lady, was an enemy and a spy; but remembered only that she was doing something toward saving his life.

A tender heart had Mistress Dorothy Dean, and as she thought of the officer's children so far