Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/97

86 the living room, and there, in the presence of the ladies, the men appeared decidedly uncomfortable, for to be looked upon as persons who were forcing themselves into a private residence for base purposes, was well calculated to abash any save a hardened criminal.

Old Scip had followed the searchers, and, seeing him, Master Dean deferred the business on hand, by saying:

"Here is the servant who came home with the children, at about the time we on Bowling Green were starting the bonfire, and he and they were the first to enter the building after my wife and Mistress Lamb set out for the common. We will hear what he has to say. Scipio," he added, addressing the old darkey, "were the house doors securely locked when you came here with your young mistress?"

"'Deed dey was, Massa."

"Did you lock the door by which you entered, immediately after coming into the house?"

"Fur sartin, Massa."

"Was it unlocked at any time, save to allow you to get out?"

"Nebber once, Massa, an' dat am de gospil trufe!"

"But father"—Dorothy began, and before she could say anything more Master Dean stopped her with a gesture of impatience.