turning over in his mind, without arriving at any satisfactory conclusion, the perplexing question as to how he might do his duty by the colony, and at the same time continue to stand before the people as a sincere patriot and their friend.
Little Mistress Dorothy was the only person in the room who appeared to have a clear idea of what should be done, and it seemed to her that the words of both father and mother had given her a clue to what she ought to do.
Her father had said distinctly that he wished the officer was well out of the house, if it could be accomplished without his knowledge, and it appeared to the child as if he laid a direct command upon her. At that very moment the key of the chest was in the pocket of her gown. The older members of the party were so deeply engrossed with the trouble which had come upon them, that apparently no attention was paid to the children, and Dorothy believed her duty was plain.
Beckoning to Sarah, who was standing near her mother's chair, the girl went softly into the kitchen, giving no heed to the darkness because of the weighty subject of her thoughts.
Sarah obeyed the signal, and old Scip, who had been standing in one corner very ill at ease, welcomed an opportunity to escape by following the children.
