that she should carry into effect the proposed determination; but she moved very slowly, and clasped Sarah's hand very tightly, while advancing.
The most difficult portion of the task was to open the door, for who could say what horrible sight might be disclosed? Twice she made the effort in vain, and then grasped the handle of the latch more firmly as she cried:
"I am coming after you, Scip, you wicked servant, and when my father gets home you will be sorry for having been so bad!"
An exclamation of relief and surprise burst from both the girls when the heavy door was swung back, permitting a fairly good view of the hall to be had.
Instead of seeing Scip standing near by, the passage was empty. The outer door remained closed, and the girls could see the huge key in the lock.
"He has gone out again!" Dorothy cried, and once more anger came to aid her courage.
She had always heard her father and mother say that Scip was the one black servant in New York who could be relied upon as to faithfulnsss and a desire to serve his master's interests, and yet on this particular evening of all others, was he behaving in a most unseemingly and disagreeable manner.
