One of the men entered through a window and flung the door open. They strode into the empty room. The noise of their footsteps seemed to echo and re-echo. All was solemnity of silence. In spite of themselves, they were awed by the time and the place.
“At least,� said Captain Robbins hoarsely, “we will take the stores.� He climbed eagerly to the loft ahead of the others. “Your light, Wilson,� he called.
The man handed it up and Robbins held it high above his head. A few startled swallows whirred around him and a mouse ran out of some straw on the floor. But that was all.
There were two visitors at the Pearsons’ the next day. One was the captain who called to say farewell. His holiday was up, he said, and he must go back to Boston. Dolly watched him as he rode away. Once he turned and waved to her. “Good-bye, my little enemy,� he called.
The next one was John Thurlow. He caught Dolly’s hands in his strong grip and looked down at her so that she colored and tried to get away.
“Why, Dolly!� said Elizabeth, in surprise.
“Has she not told you?� asked John. “She is the bravest little maid I ever saw. I know not, even now, how much her quick wit has saved.�
“No,� said Dolly, looking up, her mischief as usual conquering her confusion. “I am naught but a little rebel firebrand—Mr. Robbins said so. And Mr. Robbins knows everything except the use of courting-sticks!�
She broke away and ran quickly down the lane. The air was full of soft summer noises, and the leaves and blossoms were stirring and flashing and playing in the sunlight, and the day was golden—golden! She drew a long breath of content. She was so happy to be alive and to have helped a little.
“For I always shall be a rebel as long as I live,� she declared.