Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/85

74 which would cause you pain," the officer said, holding Dorothy's hand as he spoke lest she should close the lid too soon.

"When I have told him all, he will be glad that you got away from those miserable persons," Dorothy whispered as she shut the prisoner in, and while she was turning the key Lieutenant Oakman said grimly to himself:

"I very much fear that my little maid is making a grievious mistake as to how her father will receive the news that his roof is sheltering a spy, and the chances are that I shall be lodged in the common jail before morning."

Immediately the chest was locked it seemed to the children as if they were entirely alone in the attic, unable to see even each other, and straightway both began to grow alarmed because of the possibilities of the darkness.

"Take hold of my hand," Dorothy whispered, "and we will run as fast as ever we can. I'm afraid I can't light the candle when we are downstairs."

Sarah made no reply; but clutched her friend's hand with a nervous force which told plainly of her fears, and the two descended the stairs more rapidly than was consistent with safety.

Gaining the living room, they halted near the fireplace, breathless and frightened, but listening intently for that which should tell them that the