Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/78

Rh away, who might never again see their father unless she could give him all the aid he needed, the tears overflowed her eyelids once more, and she wept because of the sorrow which, possibly, would soon come to them.

Then, so suddenly that the occupants of the living room started in surprise, came a loud knocking at the front door, and the lieutenant had recourse to his pistol once more.

Without waiting to ask advice, Dorothy walked boldly through the hall, Lieutenant Oakman following close behind, but never venturing to give advice, or ask for favors. He was treating her exactly as he would have treated her mother, and the little maid felt exceeding proud.

"Who is there?" Dorothy asked in a loud tone, as she rattled the latch of the door to attract the attention of him who had thus demanded admittance, for the tumult was so great that her voice might not have been heard.

"It's yer ole Scip, honey. Open de door quick, 'fore dis yere crowd gets too near."

"Where have you been?" Dorothy asked, trying to decide what she ought to do, and fearing lest others might try to enter in company with the old darkey.

"I des went out fur ter see what was de rumpus, an' come straight back soon's I got de news.