“I must search the house,” I continued.
“You call that protecting us?” she said with the same touch of sarcasm.
“Nevertheless it must be done,” I said, speaking in my most positive manner.
She led the way without further demur. Now I had every confidence in Kate Van Auken. I considered her as good a patriot as myself, though all her family were Tory. It did not seem to me to be at all likely that any spy or messenger of the British had reached the concealment of the house, but it was my duty to be sure.
“Perhaps you would not care to talk to my mother?” she asked.
“No!” I replied in such haste that she laughed.
I knew Madame Van Auken was one of the most fanatic Tories in New York colony, and I had no mind to face her. It is curious how women are more hard-set than men in these matters. But in my search of the house I was compelled to pass through the room where she sat, most haughty and severe. Kate explained what I was about. She never spoke to me, though she had known me since I was a baby, but remained rigid in her armchair and glowered at me as if I were a most wretched villain. I confess that I felt very uncomfortable, and was glad when we passed on to another room.
As I had expected, I found nothing suspicious in the house.
“I hope you are satisfied?” said Miss Van Auken when I left.
“For the present,” I replied, bowing.