"Dey's done gone flowed away, sah," Scip hastened to say. "When Massa Dean raked 'em fore an' aft wid hard words, dey was mighty glad fur ter sneak off sudden-like."
"And Master Dean, the silversmith, one of the most rabid rebels in New York, is willing I shall escape?" Lieutenant Oakman said half to himself, finding it very difficult to understand such a condition of affairs.
"He done laid de blame on you fur not runnin' afore he got back," Scip replied readily, and Dorothy added:
"Both he and mother will feel better when you are out of the house."
"I can readily fancy that; but I supposed the only way they would be willing to rid themselves of me was by sending for the military authorities, and allowing them to attend to the case."
"But this is much the best way, sir."
"Indeed it is, my dear, according to my thinking; but that Jacob Dean should be of the same opinion surprises me greatly. What said Master Anthony Lamb to my being allowed to escape?"
"He held his peace, sir," Sarah replied; "but it is certain he agrees with Master Dean in everything."
"You should not stay here talking, sir, for the sooner you are with my lord Howe, the more sure will you be of seeing your children again,"
