James Otis Kaler

“ Lieutenant Oakman followed the children, his hand on Sarah's head as if by touching her hair he was brought nearer his own little ones, and when the three were in the living room again, Dorothy said:
"Think you those men would search the house while my father and mother were away?" and the officer replied thoughtfully:
"They are capable of doing all that; but the fact that Jacob Dean is so prominent in this rebellion, and you two children are here alone, might cause the men to wait until your parents return. ”

“ Those gentlemen on the outside, who are so eager to lay hands on me, may not try to come into the house if it appears to be deserted, whereas, with such evident signs of occupancy as the glow of this candle through the crevices of the shutters, they would insist on having speech with whomsoever was within. ”

“ And now Mistress Dean, since I am the invited guest of you and your sister, will it please you that I extinguish the candle?"
"This is not my sister, sir," and the girl took her companion by the hand. "This is Sarah Lamb, whose father keeps a shop on Old Slip, and I am Dorothy Dean."
"I am in a nest of patriots without mistake," Lieutenant Oakman muttered to himself, most likely speculating as to whether those Sons of Liberty who claimed these children as daughters, would be as willing to extend hospitality to a British spy. ”

“ This satisfaction with herself because she had made the proper reply, was so pleasing that she glanced down at her gown to make certain it was showing to the best advantage, when, for the first time, the little maid became aware of the havoc which had been wrought in her personal appearance. ”

“ I know, my child, that the people here have revolted against what appears to me to be their lawful sovereign; but you must realize that while they say one thing, his majesty says another, and I fear there will be much bloodshed and suffering before we learn who is in the right, or, in other words, who is strongest. ”

“ Do not give way to fear because you are alone in the house, for there is nothing to harm you here, more than if your parents were present. The servant will probably return soon; but until he, or your father arrives, it will be well to keep the door locked lest evil disposed men, who have no babies of their own, should enter."
As he spoke Lieutenant Oakman turned toward the door which led into the main hall ”

“ You are a brave and a kind little lady, and if it so be that I live to see my darlings once more, they shall know that a certain tiny maid in America saved, for however short a time it may be, the life of their father. ”

“ In silence the three ascended two flights of stairs, after which they were come to the attic filled with such household articles as could no longer be of service to the family, and here several moments were spent before the little maid found that for which she sought.
"Here it is," she said finally, and Lieutenant Oakman passed his hands over it, both outside and inside.
"It will make a famous hiding-place, provided those who search do not take it into their heads to break it open with an ax. Rather close for wholesome breathing, perhaps ”