Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/81

70 "They are coming in here!" Dorothy said in a whisper, her voice trembling as she realized what would happen once the searchers entered the house.

"Yes, my child," was the grave reply. "You might be able to keep the door against them for a short while; but such a mob as that outside would soon force an entrance. The hope of capturing me has deadened for them all fear of possible consequences."

"And what will you do, sir?" Sarah Lamb asked tremulously.

"Go out to meet them before they batter the door down."

"They would kill you."

"That is not a pleasant subject for you, my dear. Don't think of it; but remember that you once did a certain British soldier a great favor by allowing him to remain for a short time in your company."

Dorothy had walked slowly toward the living room while her friend and the spy were thus talking, and, as they did not follow her, she said softly:

"Come in here. Those miserable wretches may be listening at the door."

Mistress Dorothy had completely lost sight of the fact that "those miserable wretches" were called "patriots" by her father, and that but a