Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/83

72 search won't be rigorous," the lieutenant said as if speaking to himself. "But it may be a case of out of the frying-pan into the fire. When your father comes home he will probably insist on sending the provost guard after me," and then, raising his voice, he added, "If I am to be taken alive, little maid, it is more seemly that the arrest be made by soldiers, than by such as make up yonder mob. With your permission, Mistress Dean, I will betake myself to the chest."

Lieutenant Oakman was making a brave effort to speak in a jovial tone that the children might not be yet more alarmed; but the tremor of his voice told that he was not succeeding remarkably well.

"Can you light the candle with the flint and cotton, sir?" Dorothy asked.

"Possibly, after a clumsy fashion; but it is better that we go in the dark, for the light may be seen from the outside, and the question would be asked as to why you went up-stairs."

Dorothy hesitated an instant, not having any great liking for venturing into the attic in the darkness, and then said gravely:

"I will go ahead to show the way. You and Sarah must follow very close behind."

The officer bowed, although, owing to the gloom, the children were not aware of the fact, and little Mistress Dean went to the stairway,