Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/93

82 ago, when I sent Dorothy home in company with Sarah Lamb, and accompanied by an old servant, Scipio, whom doubtless some of you know by sight. The doors have not been unlocked, save to admit them, and allow him to pass out, but yet you batter at my dwelling, which is defended by two children, under the excuse that you are serving the Cause. Out upon such patriots as you, who would plunder other peoples' homes with the pretext of aiding your distressed country!"

"But the door wasn't locked all the time, for Scip left it open when he went out," Sarah whispered in her friend's ear, and Dorothy replied softly:

"It must be that Scip so told him, for my father wouldn't say anything which he did not believe to be the truth."

Judging from the silence, Master Dean's words abashed a certain number of the mob, for no immediate reply was made, and very shortly afterward the children heard the silversmith's voice as he rattled the latch of the door.

"Give me entrance, my daughter. You need no longer have any fear, for I'll warrant that these self-styled patriots will think twice before destroying my property under guise of good intentions."

"We've been doing no more than you yourself