Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/90

Rh "I can't until my father comes," Dorothy said firmly; but, had there been a light in the hall, Sarah could have seen that her face was very pale.

"If Jacob Dean was hot on the trail of a spy from Howe's army, as we are, he would not hesitate to break into any man's house!" the voice from the outside cried angrily, and his followers applauded the statement by shouting:

"That's the kind of talk to make! At such a time as this no man's house is his castle! Burst open the door! Bring a log or heavy beam, an' we'll soon walk in!"

When this outburst had subsided somewhat, the man who stood on the stoop cried to Dorothy:

"You must see that we're bound to make an entrance here, and can't await your father's movements. Unless you open we shall batter the door down."

"I shall not open, and if you dare injure this house it will be to your cost!" Dorothy cried bravely, and she was exceeding well pleased with herself that she had been able to speak so firmly.

"Here's a timber that will do the business!" some one in the throng shouted, and he who had acted as spokesman cried loudly:

"Lay hold there, a dozen or more, and make ready to give her a run forward." Then speaking to the children, he said, "Stand back, or go