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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Dare Boys of 1776, by Stephen Angus Cox
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Dare Boys of 1776
+
+Author: Stephen Angus Cox
+
+Illustrator: R. Mencl
+
+Posting Date: March 16, 2014 [EBook #9112]
+Release Date: October, 2005
+First Posted: August 15, 2003
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DARE BOYS OF 1776 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Curtis Weyant
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+The Dare Boys of 1776
+
+by
+
+Stephen Angus Cox
+
+Illustrations by R. Mencl
+
+
+New York
+The Platt & Peck Co.
+
+
+
+
+Copyright 1910
+by
+The A. L. Chatterton Co.
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+   I. The Clang of the Liberty Bell
+  II. Waylaid on the Road
+ III. Ben Foster Brings Important News
+  IV. A Night Attack
+   V. The Dare Boys in New York
+  VI. Chosen for Dangerous Work
+ VII. Dick's First Adventure
+VIII. Tom Dare Acts
+  IX. The Brothers Together
+   X. In the Enemy's Camp
+  XI. Tom in Trouble
+ XII. Dick Does Wonderful Work
+XIII. General Washington is Pleased
+ XIV. The Haunted House
+  XV. Dick Again Does Spy-Work
+ XVI. The Battle of Long Island
+
+
+
+Chapter I
+
+The Clang of the Liberty Bell
+
+
+It was the fourth day of July of the year 1776. There was great
+excitement in all of the colonies of America at that time, for on this
+day the representatives of the people, gathered together in the city
+of Philadelphia, were to decide whether the Declaration of
+Independence, already drawn up, should be adopted and signed. In
+Philadelphia, as may well be supposed, the excitement was so intense
+that the people suspended business. They thronged the streets, walking
+up and down, talking excitedly, and waiting, waiting for the decision
+to be made, the determination that would mean so much to them.
+
+The people talked and gesticulated, and there was considerable
+arguing, some contending that the Declaration of Independence would be
+adopted and signed, others that it would not.
+
+"Look, here it is almost evening," contended one of these latter, "and
+nothing has been done yet. If they were going to adopt the Declaration
+it would have been done before this. The delay means that it will not
+be done."
+
+"They are taking their time to it, that is all," replied the others.
+"It is a most serious matter and not to be taken up hastily and
+without due thought. They will adopt and sign the Declaration of
+Independence before the day is gone, see if they don't!"
+
+Dick and Tom Dare, two patriot youths, brothers, from about three
+miles over in New Jersey, who had come to the city to hear the news,
+listening eagerly, were thrilled by the excitement and interest shown
+on every side.
+
+"Oh, I hope they will adopt the Declaration of Independence, Dick!"
+said Tom. "I'm sure they will, aren't you?"
+
+"I think they will, Tom. I hope so."
+
+"Bah, they won't do nothin' uv the kind, Dick Dare!" cried a sneering
+voice at their side, and turning, the Dare youths saw Zeke Boggs and
+Lem Hicks, the sons of two Tory neighbors, standing there.
+
+"Uv course they won't," added Lem Hicks. "They don't darst. They know
+that ef they do, they'll git into trouble with King George. They won't
+ring no old Liberty Bell to-day."
+
+"Well, they just will!" cried Tom Dare, who was an excitable,
+impulsive youth. "They'll ring it pretty soon, Lem Hicks, and they
+aren't afraid of your old king, not a bit of it!"
+
+"What's thet! Don't ye dare speak disrespectfully uv the king!"
+snarled Zeke Boggs, making a threatening motion with his fist. "Ef ye
+do, why et'll be the worse fur ye, that's all."
+
+Instantly Dick Dare, who was the elder of the brothers, a handsome,
+manly youth of eighteen years, seized Zeke by the wrist, and pushed
+him back, at the same time saying quietly, yet firmly:
+
+"That will do, Zeke. Don't go making any threats. You and Lem go about
+your business, and don't interfere with Tom and I."
+
+"We'll go where we please," snarled Zeke, who was a vicious youth of
+about Dick's age, as was Lem Hicks also. "An' we'll stay heer ef we
+want to, too, Dick Dare, an' ye can't he'p yerself."
+
+"That's all right," calmly; "you can stay here, I suppose, if you want
+to, but you will have to behave yourselves and attend to your own
+business. If you try to interfere with Tom and I, or to bully us, you
+will wish you hadn't stayed."
+
+"Is thet so?" sneeringly. "Whut'll ye do, Dick Dare, hey?"
+
+"Yes, whut'll ye do?" cried Lem Hicks, pushing forward and facing
+Dick.
+
+Tom confronted him quickly, and met his angry glare unflinchingly. Tom
+was only sixteen years of age, but he was well-built and athletic for
+his age, and was moreover as brave as a lion, though somewhat
+quick-tempered and impulsive. He put out his left hand and, placing it
+against Lem's chest, pushed him back.
+
+"Hold on, Lem Hicks," he said. "Just you stand back. One at a time
+talking with Dick is enough. You talk to me, if you want to talk to
+anybody."
+
+Lem Hicks was a hot-tempered youth also, and suddenly his rage flared
+to the surface. He didn't relish being pushed back by Tom, and quick
+as a flash, he gave the patriot youth a smart slap on the cheek.
+
+"That thet, an' l'arn to keep yer han's offen people!" he snarled.
+
+The blow was with the flat of the hand, and while it smarted, it did
+not hurt much to speak of, but it was sufficient to start impulsive
+Tom Dare into action, and quick as a flash out shot his fist. It
+caught Lem Hicks between the eyes and knocked him down flat on his
+back.
+
+"There, see how you like that!" exclaimed Tom, his eyes flashing. "I
+guess that next time you'll think once or twice before you slap me in
+the face!"
+
+With an angry exclamation, Zeke Boggs struck at Dick Dare, but that
+youth was on his guard, and he warded the blow off, and striking out
+himself, landed a blow on Zeke's jaw, downing him as neatly as had
+been the case with Hicks.
+
+Instantly a crowd gathered, many eagerly asking what the trouble was
+about. Dick and Tom explained that the two youths who had been floored
+were Tories, and the sympathies of the crowd were at once with Dick
+and Tom, more especially when they learned that the Tory boys had
+picked the quarrel with the patriots.
+
+"You did just right in knocking them down!" was the cry, and so
+hostile were the looks, actions and words of the crowd, that Zeke and
+Lem on scrambling to their feet, did not renew the fight. They shook
+their fists at Dick and Tom, however, and muttered threats, as they
+moved away through the crowd declaring that they would get even with
+Dick and Tom.
+
+The patriot youths received the congratulations and commendations of
+the people in their vicinity with becoming modesty, and a little later
+moved on up the street.
+
+They walked about for an hour or more, after that, and then took up
+their station as near the old State House as they could. There was
+such an immense crowd there that it was impossible to get within half
+a block of the building. In the steeple of the State House was a bell,
+and the old bell-ringer sat beside it, waiting for the moment when his
+son, stationed below, should give him word that the Declaration had
+been adopted, when he would ring the bell. He had been stationed there
+since morning, waiting, waiting, and as the day wore away and still
+the word to ring came not, he shook his head and muttered that they
+would never reach a favorable conclusion.
+
+But he was mistaken, for when evening was almost at hand, his son came
+rushing out of the State House and called up eagerly and excitedly:
+
+"They've done it, father! They've adopted and signed the Declaration
+of Independence! Ring the bell! Ring it, father! Ring the bell! Ring
+it--quick!"
+
+With a glad cry, the old man leaped up, forgetting his rheumatism in
+his excitement and delight, and seizing the great iron clapper, swung
+it back and forth against the sides of the great brass bell, thus
+causing it to do what by a strange coincidence the inscription on its
+side said it was to do, viz.: "Proclaim liberty throughout all the
+land unto all the inhabitants thereof."
+
+
+
+Chapter II
+
+Waylaid on the Road
+
+
+As the deep tones of the old bell died away on the evening air a great
+shout of delight went up from the people on the streets. They leaped
+and danced for joy. They tossed their hats in the air. They shouted
+and sang. Many wept for joy. It was an exciting, a thrilling
+manifestation.
+
+Dick and Tom Dare were not a whit behind any in their expressions of
+delight. They shouted for joy, and then in the excess of their
+happiness they threw their arms around each other in a bearlike hug.
+
+"Oh, Dick, I'm so glad!" cried Tom. "I never was so happy in my life."
+
+"Nor I, Tom. This is the most joyous hour of my life! How delighted
+father will be when we go home and tell him that it is settled, that
+the Declaration of Independence is a real and determined fact!"
+
+"It will please him more than anything else in the world, Dick."
+
+"Yes, yes indeed."
+
+Then lifting up his voice the patriot youth cried out loudly, his
+voice ringing clear as the notes of a bugle:
+
+"Down with the king! Long live Liberty! Long live Washington!"
+
+The excitement was even greater after that, and instantly the cry was
+taken up on every hand. Thousands shouted aloud, in a thrilling,
+triumphant roar: "Down with the king! Long live Liberty! Long live
+Washington!"
+
+People leaped and danced, and shouted till they were hoarse. They were
+like crazy people, but with them it was pure joy because of the
+thought that they were to be free, to be their own masters,
+independent of a tyrannical king. They had reason to be joyous and
+happy.
+
+It was certainly a great day for the American people-without doubt the
+greatest in the history of the greatest country on the face of the
+Globe.
+
+After awhile, when the people had calmed down to a considerable extent
+and were beginning to disperse to their homes, Dick and Tom Dare set
+their faces homeward. They were soon at the river, and crossing on the
+ferry, walked swiftly along the road. They were eager to get back and
+tell their father the glad, the glorious news.
+
+Part of the way the road led through a heavy growth of timber, and as
+Dick and Tom were making their way past this point, talking
+enthusiastically of what they had seen in the city, and never thinking
+that danger might lurk near, they were suddenly set upon by four
+youths of about their own age-no others, in fact, than Zeke Boggs, Lem
+Hicks and two other Tory sympathisers of the neighborhood.
+
+"We told ye we'd git even with ye!" hissed Zeke Boggs, as they hurled
+themselves upon Dick and Tom. "Ye thought ye was mighty smart, there
+in Phillydelphy, with ever'buddy on yer side an' ag'in us, but heer
+its different an' we'll beat ye till ye'll wish ye had never been
+born! Go fur 'em, fellers!" this last to his companions.
+
+The two patriot youths, although taken by surprise, and outnumbered
+two to one, were yet not dismayed, for they were brave lads, and they
+fought the Tory youths with all their might, so fiercely, in fact,
+that they held their own remarkably well. They knocked down each of
+the four young Tories, and gave them a thumping that they would likely
+remember for some time. Of course, they got hit a number of times by
+the youths, but they did not mind it, the smart of the blows only
+serving to make them settle down to their work with increased vim and
+determination, and the result was that the Tory ruffians presently got
+enough of it, and suddenly ceasing the attack and dashing in among the
+trees at the roadside, disappeared from view, leaving Dick and Tom
+Dare masters of the situation.
+
+"Phew, that was warm work, Dick!" said Tom, wiping his perspiring face
+with his handkerchief.
+
+"Yes, so it was, Tom," replied his brother. "But I believe that we
+made it warmer for Zeke and his gang than they did for us."
+
+"Yes, I think we did," with a chuckle. "Say, Dick, they are better
+runners than fighters, aren't they!"
+
+"I think they are, Tom. They did some lively sprinting, just now, at
+any rate."
+
+"I guess they won't be likely to attack us again, soon."
+
+"Hardly."
+
+Dick and Tom now resumed their journey homeward, and reached there
+about half an hour later. It was still light enough to see their
+father at work in the backyard, as they entered the front gate. They
+ran around the house at the top of their speed, to halt a few moments
+later in front of their father.
+
+"They did it, father!" exclaimed Tom, pantingly. "They adopted and
+signed the Declaration of Independence."
+
+"Say you so, my son?" exclaimed Mr. Dare joyously. "Well, heaven be
+praised! I am glad, my sons; yes, very, very glad! It means much to
+everybody, and to young people like yourselves more than to older
+ones, for you have practically the whole of your lives before you,
+while we older people have already lived the greater portion of the
+time allotted to us."
+
+"It was wonderful, the interest and excitement shown by the people in
+Philadelphia, father!" said Dick. "They were wild with delight."
+
+"I have no doubt of it, my son. And they had reason to be delighted.
+It is a great thing to feel free and independent. I feel wonderfully
+relieved already. I feel as if shackles had suddenly been stricken
+from my limbs, and I have no doubt that is the way the majority of the
+people look at the matter, so why should they not feel joyous?"
+
+The three then entered the house, Mr. Dare having finished his work
+for the evening, and Mrs. Dare greeted her sons affectionately.
+
+"The Declaration of Independence has been adopted, wife," said Mr.
+Dare, joyously. "The die is cast. There will be war now, undoubtedly,
+and it will result in the independence of the people of America. It
+cannot result otherwise, for the people will fight to the death. In
+the words of Patrick Henry, it will be with them, `Give me liberty, or
+give me death!'"
+
+"I am glad, Henry," said Mrs. Dare. "I am glad, and almost sorry, as
+well, for-I am afraid it will take you from me. You will want to enter
+the army, I am afraid."
+
+"Oh, I must do so, wife," earnestly. "Every man should step to the
+front and shoulder a musket and fight for liberty. Yes, I must go to
+the war, mother. I must join the Continental Army at once."
+
+"I feared it," sighed the woman. "But, I shall try to be brave and
+bear up well, for I know that it is the right thing for you to do. I
+would not want you to stay at home, when you were needed at the front
+to help fight the minions of King George."
+
+"Spoken like my own true-hearted wife!" said Mr. Dare. "I knew you
+would look at the matter that way, dear."
+
+At this moment there came a knock on the back-door, and when Mrs. Dare
+opened it, she saw a neighbor, Abe Boggs, the father of Zeke, standing
+there. This man was an avowed Tory, who was vehement in his
+declarations of allegiance to the king, and who had been heard often
+to viciously proclaim that all who were not in favor of the king, were
+traitors and that they ought to be hung. Knowing this, and
+instinctively disliking the man because she knew he was vicious and
+bad, Mrs. Dare's heart sank when she saw who was standing there.
+
+The fact was, that the Dares lived right in the midst of a Tory
+neighborhood; that is the six or seven nearest neighbors were
+adherents of the king, and they neighbored among themselves, and would
+not have anything to do with the Dares. This did not bother the
+patriot family, however, for they did not like the Tory families
+anyway. Mr. Dare often met one or more of the men, when going about
+his work, however, and frequently he had arguments with them. As he
+was a brave man, and frank-spoken as he was brave, he always told the
+Tories just what he thought of their king, and thus he had angered
+them many times, and they had learned to hate him. Only his
+fearlessness, and the fact that he was known to be a dangerous man to
+interfere with, had saved him from rough treatment at the hands of the
+Tories.
+
+"Good evenin', Mrs. Dare," said Boggs, ducking his head. "Tell yer
+husban' to come out here; we'd like to see 'im."
+
+Mrs. Dare glanced out into the yard, and her heart gave a leap, and
+then sank as she saw several of their Tory neighbors sanding in a
+group a few yards from the house. She noted, with a feeling of fear
+gripping her heart, that two or three of them had rifles in their
+hands.
+
+"W-what do you want, Mr. Boggs?" she asked, her voice trembling. "My
+husband is here, but-but-we were just going to eat supper, and--"
+
+"Supper can wait a few minutes, wife," said Mr. Dare. "I'll see what
+neighbor Boggs wants. Won't you come in, Abe?"
+
+"No, we wanter see ye out here, Dare" replied the Tory. "Come out uv
+doors. We won't keep ye but a minnet."
+
+"Oh, husband, be careful!" whispered Mrs. Dare in her husband's ear as
+he passed her. "Don't anger them. They have weapons in their hands,
+and--" With a smile and a reassuring glance Mr. Dare passed on out,
+closing the door behind him. He had no fear whatever of his Tory
+neighbors, and would have scoffed at the idea of their trying to do
+him injury.
+
+Dick and Tom were washing their faces and hands and combing their
+hair, and did not know anything about the coming of the Tories until
+they entered the room where their mother was, and then Mr. Dare had
+been out in the yard perhaps five minutes. During this time Mrs. Dare
+had been on the anxious seat, so to speak. She had been listening
+eagerly and anxiously, fearing she might hear rifle-shots, or the
+sound of a struggle, but no such sounds had come to her hearing.
+Still, she was not feeling very much reassured when the boys entered
+the room, and she told them about the coming of Abe Boggs and some
+more of the neighbors, and how they had called Mr. Dare out, on the
+plea of wishing to speak to him.
+
+"He's been out there quite a while," Mrs. Dare finished; "and I'm
+beginning to feel uneasy. I wish you would go out and tell father to
+come in, that supper is getting cold, Dick."
+
+"Certainly, mother," said Dick, and he hastened to the door. The truth
+was, that a feeling of uneasiness had taken hold upon him when he
+heard what his mother had to say about the Tories, and, remembering
+the trouble he and Tom had had with Zeke Boggs and his cronies that
+afternoon in Philadelphia and on the road home, Dick was led to fear
+that the Tories had called his father out of doors with evil intent.
+
+He opened the door and stepped quickly out, and Tom, who had also been
+assailed with fears for his father's safety, was close at his heels.
+They looked all around, but to their surprise, and to their alarm as
+well, there was no one in sight. Neither their father nor the Tories
+could be seen anywhere. It was so dark that the youths could not see
+any very great distance with distinctness, but they were confident
+that there was nobody in the back yard.
+
+"They're around in the front yard, likely, Dick," said Tom, but his
+tone lacked positiveness. It was evident that he had fears that such
+was not really the case.
+
+The two hastened around the house, accompanied by their mother, who
+had followed them to the door and had, like her sons, noted that there
+was nobody to be seen. And when they reached the front yard, they saw
+it was the same there: Not a soul was in the front yard. The Tories,
+and Mr. Dare as well, had disappeared.
+
+"Oh, where can they be?" cried Mrs. Dare, almost at the weeping point.
+"What have they done with your father? Oh, I am afraid they have
+wrought him injury of some kind, sons!"
+
+The youths were alarmed, but they pretended that such was not the
+case, in order to reassure their mother. They said that their father
+was all right.
+
+"He has gone with them, to see about something," said Dick. "You go
+back in the house, mother, and Tom and I will go over to Mr. Boggs and
+see what has become of father. Likely he is there. You go in and stay
+with Mary. We won't be gone long."
+
+"Very well, Dick," said Mrs. Dare; "but hurry, for I shall be anxious
+till you get back with your father."
+
+She entered the house, and Dick and Tom hastened over to the Boggs
+home, which was less than a quarter mile distant. Mr. Dare was not
+there, and Mrs. Boggs said she did not know where her husband was,
+that he had left the house an hour or more before, saying he did not
+know when he would be back. Thanking her for the information, Dick and
+Tom hastened to the homes of several of the neighboring Tories in
+succession, and made inquiries regarding Mr. Dare, but with the same
+result as at the Boggs home. In none of the homes visited were any of
+the men of the house, and the women did not know where the men were.
+
+Greatly worried now, but hoping they would find their father at home
+when they got there, Dick and Tom hastened back, and as they
+approached the house, they caught sight of something white on the
+door. When they reached the door, they found it was a piece of paper,
+and on taking this into the house discovered it was a rudely scrawled
+note, signed by Abe Boggs and six of his Tory neighbors. The note read
+as follows:
+
+     "To Mrs. Dare and rebel sons, Dick and Tom:
+
+     "We hev took Henry Dare prisner. He
+     is a rebel, an we are goin ter turn him over
+     to Captain Wilson an his compny uv
+     British sojers, who hev ben heer fur a
+     week past, an are goin to jine the main
+     army on Long Island to-night. Ye kaint
+     do nothin to git him back, so ye needn try.
+     An ye two boys, Dick an Tom, had better be
+     keerful er we'll serve ye worsen whut we
+     hev yer father. We don't aim ter hev
+     any rebels in our neighborhood. So, Dick
+     and Tom Dare, hev a care!"
+
+"Oh, husband is a prisoner in the hands of the British!" wailed Mrs.
+Dare. "Oh, this is terrible, boys! What shall we do? Oh, what shall we
+do!"
+
+"Don't be frightened, mother," said Dick, soothingly. "I don't think
+father is in any danger. He is a prisoner, true, but the British don't
+kill prisoners, and sooner or later father will escape-or be rescued.
+That will be work for Tom and I, mother!" his eyes lighting up. "We
+will make it our object in life to rescue father and get him back home
+here, with you, mother."
+
+The poor woman was not greatly comforted, however, and she shook her
+head, at the same time saying, in a hopeless tone of voice:
+
+"What could you do, you are only a couple of boys? You could not
+possibly rescue father. It is useless to think of such a thing. Oh, I
+greatly fear I shall never see my husband again in this world! Oh,
+those terrible, cowardly Tories!" The good woman gave way to an
+outburst of uncontrollable grief.
+
+"Yes, you shall see father again, mother," declared Dick, decidedly.
+"Don't worry. He is safe from personal harm, and sooner or later we
+will succeed in getting him located and will rescue him. Tom and I
+will make that our object in life."
+
+"Yes, yes, mother," said Tom eagerly. "We'll join the patriot army, if
+need be, to further our ends, and while fighting for Liberty and
+Independence, and aiding our country in that manner, we will at the
+same time be on the lookout to find father and rescue him."
+
+"Yes, that is what we will do," said Dick. "Father would have joined
+the patriot army if he had not been captured and taken away by the
+Tories, and now that he is not able to do that, we will do it in his
+stead. I know it is what father would wish us to do, and as Tom says,
+it will give us a better chance to find and rescue father."
+
+"Oh, my sons, my sons! How can I spare you, too?" murmured Mrs. Dare.
+"How can I let you leave me, now that I have lost your dear father!"
+
+"It will be only temporary, mother. You can see, when you give the
+matter more thought, that it is the best thing to do."
+
+"Perhaps so, Dick, darling," acquiesced Mrs. Dare, "but it is hard!"
+
+Throwing their arms about their mother's neck, the youths kissed her,
+and presently she grew more calm.
+
+
+
+Chapter III
+
+Ben Foster Brings Important News
+
+
+"Oh, Dick, is it true that you and Tom are going to enter the army and
+fight for liberty?"
+
+"Yes, it is true, Elsie. Aren't you glad?"
+
+"Y-yes, Dick," replied Elsie Foster, hesitatingly. "I'm glad you are
+to be a soldier, but I-well, you might get killed you know, and-and-"
+
+"Would you care, Elsie?"
+
+Elsie Foster was the daughter of Robert Foster, the nearest neighbor
+of the Dares. Mr. Foster was a king's man, but he was different from
+the other Tories of the neighborhood, in that he was an honest,
+honorable man, and was a friend of the Dares. He had had nothing to do
+with the capture of Mr. Dare, and was outspoken in his denunciation of
+his Tory neighbors for the deed they had committed.
+
+Dick had gone over to the Foster home to borrow something for his
+mother, and had met Elsie out in the yard, and the girl had greeted
+Dick as above. The truth was that Dick and Elsie were great friends.
+They were school-mates, and whenever there was anything going on in
+the neighborhood, such as spelling schools, skating parties, etc.,
+Dick was Elsie's companion. Elsie was seventeen, and she had a
+brother, Ben, he being her twin, and a sister, Lucy, aged fifteen. The
+three young folks of the Dare family and the three of the Foster
+family often got together of evenings and had a pleasant time, but now
+that Dick and Tom were going away to the war, it would break into this
+arrangement.
+
+When Dick asked Elsie if she would care if he should get killed in
+battle, she blushed and looked confused at first, and then she looked
+him frankly in the eyes and said, softly. "You know I would, Dick."
+
+"I'm glad to know that, Elsie," said Dick, earnestly.
+
+At this moment Ben Foster came running up. He was a manly-looking
+youth, and was lively and jolly as a rule. But now he was very
+sober-looking, for he realized that Dick, whose father had been
+captured by the Tories only the day before, was in no mood for
+jollity. There was an eager expression on Ben's face, however, and
+after greeting Dick, he asked:
+
+"Are you really going to join the Continental army, Dick, you and
+Tom!"
+
+"Yes, Ben," was the reply.
+
+"Well, say, I'm going to go with you," declared Ben.
+
+"Oh, Ben!" exclaimed Elsie. "What will father say?"
+
+"Father's all right, sis. He is a king's man, everybody knows that, but
+he is reasonable, and lets other people think as they like. He knows
+that I'm a patriot, and he won't object."
+
+Dick's face lighted up, for he liked Ben very much, and the idea of
+having him along was a pleasing one.
+
+"That would be fine, Ben," he said. "But I wouldn't want you to do
+anything contrary to the wishes of your father."
+
+"Oh, that will be all right," Ben assured him. "He won't care, I am
+sure."
+
+"Goodness, what will Mary do if you go away?" said Elsie. Ben seemed
+to think as much of Mary Dare as Dick did of Elsie, and he flushed
+slightly at his sister's words, and then retorted:
+
+"I guess she'll do about the same thing that you will when Dick
+goes-go up into the attic and have a good cry."
+
+"You're a mean brother," said Elsie in pretended anger, lifting her
+hand as if to slap him, "and if it wasn't that I will likely soon lose
+you, I would box your ears soundly."
+
+They talked awhile, and then Dick attended to the errand that had
+brought him there and went home.
+
+"I guess we will have company when we go to war, Tom" he said to his
+brother.
+
+"Is that so?" with an interested ear. "Who?"
+
+"Ben Foster."
+
+"You don't mean it, Dick?"
+
+"Yes. He just told me he intends to accompany us."
+
+"But-his father's a Tory!"
+
+"Yes, but he is a reasonable man, and Ben says that he will not
+object."
+
+"Well, that will be fine. I'd like to have Ben along."
+
+"So would I. And I guess he'll go."
+
+"I hope he will. He's such a lively, jolly fellow that he is good
+company, and will help keep us from getting homesick."
+
+"I guess, Tom, that we will be kept too busy to get homesick."
+
+"You think there will be lots of fighting, then? You feel certain that
+there will be war?"
+
+"War has really existed for more than a year, Tom. You know the battle
+of Lexington was fought April the nineteenth of last year, and that
+was the first battle of the Revolution. And since that there has been
+more or less skirmishing between the `Minute Men' of New England and
+the British, the most important of all these being the battle of
+Bunker Hill, which took place on the seventeenth day of June of last
+year."
+
+"Our soldiers defeated the British there, didn't they, Dick!"
+
+"Yes, they got all the better of the battle, but their ammunition gave
+out and they had to retreat. Still, it was equivalent to a victory."
+
+"That's what I thought."
+
+"Yes, and then General Washington-who was appointed commander-in-chief
+of the army by the Second Continental Congress, at Philadelphia in
+May of last year, and who went to Boston and took charge of the army
+on July third-kept the British penned up in Boston till about the
+middle of last March, when he fortified Dorchester Heights,
+overlooking Boston, the work being performed in one night, and next
+morning the British, seeing what had been done and realizing that they
+would be at the mercy of the patriot army if they remained in Boston,
+hurriedly boarded the ships of the British fleet, then in the harbor,
+and sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia."
+
+"And General Washington and his patriot troops went down and took
+possession of Boston!" said Tom, his eyes shining.
+
+"Yes, Tom. But General Howe, the British commander-in-chief, did not
+keep his troops long in Halifax, but sailed to New York, where he was
+soon joined by the British fleet under his brother, Admiral Howe, and
+by General Clinton."
+
+"And General Washington and his patriot army came to New York and took
+possession of that city," said Tom.
+
+"Yes, and he's there now, and that is where we are going, Tom."
+
+"Hurrah, Dick! Say, I'm glad of it. I want to join the army, and fight
+the redcoats. I want to fight for liberty and independence."
+
+"So do I. And we will, too."
+
+"When will we go, Dick?"
+
+"In a few days, likely. We have to get things in shape so that mother
+and sister Mary can get along without us, you know."
+
+"Yes, but that won't take long. Most of the work for the summer is
+done, and all there will be to do on the farm is to wait for the crops
+to ripen."
+
+"True. Well, we'll go in a few days, now, likely."
+
+"Don't be in too big a hurry to go, sons," said Mrs. Dare sadly, when
+they were discussing the matter, that evening at supper. "Think how
+lonesome Mary and I will be when you are gone."
+
+"Mrs. Foster and the girls will come over often," said Dick. "They
+will keep you cheered up."
+
+"It will help," was the reply. "But we will be lonely, just the same."
+
+"You might try to be cheerful, mother," said Tom. "Dick and I won't
+want to think of you as being lonely."
+
+"Oh, I will get along all right, sons," said the brave woman, forcing
+a smile. She wanted to have the boys go away feeling that she was in
+good spirits.
+
+They had just finished eating supper, when Ben Foster came in. There
+was an eager, excited look on his face, and he said earnestly:
+
+"There's a plot on foot against Dick and Tom, and I came right over to
+let you know about it."
+
+"A plot!" exclaimed Mrs. Dare, her face paling and her voice
+trembling. "By whom!"
+
+"The Tories."
+
+"Ah!" breathed the woman, a look of anxiety on her face. "This is
+terrible!"
+
+"Don't worry, mother," said Dick. "We know of it, now, and can prepare
+for them. It will not be as if we were to be taken by surprise."
+
+"No, don't be afraid, Mrs. Dare," said Ben. "We'll make the Tories
+wish they had attended to their own business."
+
+"How did you learn about it, Ben?" asked Tom.
+
+"Father found it out this afternoon. You know, he's a king's man, and
+they weren't as careful as they might have been, and he heard them
+talking about it."
+
+"What are their plans?" asked Dick.
+
+"They are going to come here to-night at about midnight and break in,
+take you and Tom out and tie you to trees and whip you-at least, that
+is their intention. They won't succeed, though, you may be sure."
+
+"Indeed they will not!" smiled Dick. "There will be some sadder and
+wiser Tories before the night is ended."
+
+"Oh, I am sore afraid, son!" said Mrs. Dare. "There will be a dozen or
+more of the Tories, and what can you and Tom do against so many?"
+
+"I'll come over and help Dick and Tom, Mrs. Dare," said Ben. "As soon
+as father told me about the plan, I made up my mind that I would come
+here to-night and help fight the Tories."
+
+"Say, you are all right, Ben!" said Tom, slapping his friend on the
+shoulder.
+
+"That is good of you, old fellow," said Dick, seizing Ben's hand and
+shaking it heartily. "We thank you."
+
+"Yes, indeed!" said Mary, who saw that Ben's eyes were on her, as if
+he wished to hear what she thought about it. "It is indeed good of
+you, Ben, to volunteer to do that."
+
+"Oh, that's all right," said Ben, a pleased look in his eyes. "I tell
+you we will make it lively for those Tories when they come sneaking
+around here."
+
+"We'll do our best to give them a warm reception, at any rate," said
+Dick.
+
+"I'll be over in an hour or so," said Ben, "and I'll bring a musket
+and a pistol along. But how about Mrs. Dare and Mary? Hadn't they
+better come over to our house until after the attack has been made?
+The folks told me to ask you to come, Mrs. Dare and Mary."
+
+"Perhaps it would be best," agreed Mrs. Dare. "But still, I hate to go
+away and leave you boys here. You might be reckless, when if I were to
+stay you would be more careful."
+
+"Don't think that, mother," said Dick. "We are going to go to war
+soon, and you can't be with us then, and if you and Mary stayed here,
+you might get hit with a stray bullet. There is no use of your taking
+the risk. We'll be as careful with you away as if you were here; and
+we will be in a position to fight with more freedom and effect if you
+are not here."
+
+"Very well, then, Dick. If that is the case, we will go over to Mr.
+Foster's. But we will return after the attack has been made, for we
+wouldn't want any of the neighbors to see us coming away from there in
+the morning, as that would cause them to suspect that Mr. Foster had
+warned us, and might cause him trouble."
+
+"True, mother. That will be all right. You and Mary can come home
+after we have driven the Tories away."
+
+"We'll go over to Mr. Foster's as soon as it is dark," said Mrs. Dare.
+
+Shortly after dark, Dick, accompanied by his mother and Mary, went
+over to the Foster home, and Ben returned with him.
+
+"So you're here, eh?" greeted Tom. "That's fine. I guess when those
+cowardly Tories put in an appearance, they will get something that
+they are not looking for."
+
+"That's what they will," nodded Ben. "At any rate, I hope so."
+
+"So do I," said Dick.
+
+"I wish Zeke and Lem would be in the party," said Tom, grinning. "I'd
+like to give them another thrashing."
+
+"When did you thrash them, before?" queried Ben.
+
+"In Philadelphia, yesterday. Didn't Dick tell you about it?"
+
+"No, you tell me now," eagerly.
+
+Then Tom did so, detailing the encounter on the streets of
+Philadelphia, and when he had heard all, Ben said:
+
+"Good! I'm glad you thrashed them."
+
+
+
+Chapter IV
+
+A Night Attack
+
+
+"They're coming, Dick!" whispered Ben Foster.
+
+"Yes, I hear footsteps," replied Dick. "But," after listening a few
+moments, "there is only one person coming. Perhaps it isn't the Tories
+after all."
+
+"Yes, that's their game-to make you think there is only one. He walks
+boldly, so you can hear him, while the others creep up. It is the Tory
+gang, all right."
+
+"Likely you are right."
+
+It was now nearly midnight, and so it was time for the Tories to put
+in their appearance, if they were to make the attack that night, as
+Mr. Foster had heard them say they would do.
+
+Closer sounded the footsteps, and then they ceased and there came a
+knock on the door.
+
+Dick did not answer, as he did not want the fellow to suspect that the
+inmates of the house were awake and on the alert. The youths, gripping
+tightly their rifles and muskets, waited. Their hearts were beating
+more rapidly than was their wont, but it is safe to say that no
+feeling of fear had place in their hearts. Only expectation, and
+eagerness to get at the Tories dominated them.
+
+After a brief period, the knock on the door was repeated. Then Dick
+spoke up.
+
+"Who is there?" he called out.
+
+"A friend," was the reply, in a hoarse, evidently disguised voice.
+
+"What is your name, friend?"
+
+"That doesn't matter. I have news, important news for you, Dick Dare"
+
+"You have no news for me that I don't know already," retorted the
+youth.
+
+"What do you mean?" There was a quick suspicion in the voice.
+
+"I mean that I know you are a Tory, and that you have a number of
+companions, and intend to try to get hold of my brother and myself and
+tie us up and whip us. I don't feel like permitting that, so you had
+better go away, if you value your skins, for if you try to bother us,
+we will surely defend ourselves and do harm to you-if we can."
+
+Evidently the man realized it was useless to carry the deception
+further, for he cried out, sneeringly:
+
+"Oh, will you indeed, Dick Dare? Well, let me tell you something, my
+bold young rebel: When we get through with you, you will not be in a
+position to harm anybody. We are going to take you out and whip you
+soundly, as should be done with all such traitors to the king as you
+two are!"
+
+"I give you fair warning," replied Dick, sternly; "if you attempt to
+injure myself and brother, you will get badly hurt. Go about you
+business and leave us alone."
+
+"Oh, we'll go about our business and leave you alone, of course we
+will-but it will be after we have tied you up to one of the trees here
+in your own yard! Open the door, or we'll break it down."
+
+"You are wasting breath," in a voice of contempt. "We would be very
+foolish if we opened the door, would we not?"
+
+"It doesn't matter; we'll break the door down in a jiffy, anyway."
+
+"If you do, you'll be very sorry. Remember, I gave you fair warning."
+
+"Bah! Boys' threats don't scare us worth a cent. We'll have the door
+down and you two rebel brats out of there very quickly."
+
+"And we'll have some of you Tory hounds lying dead on the grass of our
+own yard very soon, too. Mind what I tell you!"
+
+A sneering laugh was the only reply. They had no idea the boys would
+really shoot at them.
+
+There was the sound of receding footsteps, followed by the murmur of
+voices, and then a few minutes later there sounded the trampling of
+many feet, and crash! something struck the door, causing it to creak
+and groan under the impact.
+
+"They've found a log, and will better the door down," said Dick. "Be
+ready, boys and as soon as the door falls, fire through the opening.
+They have brought this upon themselves, and if we injure a few of
+them, it will be their own fault."
+
+"We're ready, Dick," said Tom.
+
+"Yes, we'll fire when you give the word," from Ben.
+
+"All right, boys. Level your weapons, and be ready, and when I say
+`Fire', pull trigger."
+
+"Yes, yes, we will!" came the reply.
+
+The next moment there sounded the trampling of feet once more, and
+crash! the end of the log struck the door. This time the impact was so
+great the door could not withstand it, and down it came with a thud.
+At least a dozen forms could be seen through the opening, outlined
+against the horizon.
+
+"Fire!" cried Dick, his voice ringing out loudly and clearly.
+
+The youths obeyed the command, pulling trigger instantly, and the
+crash that followed was deafening, and seemed almost sufficient in
+volume to raise the roof.
+
+It was an effective volley, too, for two or three of the Tories were
+hit by bullets, as was evidenced by the yells and screams of pain and
+rage that they gave utterance to. They fell back, in dismay, the log
+dropping to the ground with a thud.
+
+Dick, instinctively realizing that the Tories were stricken with a
+feeling of dismay, not to say terror, because of their reception,
+cried, "Charge them, boys! At them! Give it to the scoundrels!"
+
+With a yell that must have added to the dismay of the enemy, the
+youths dashed out through the doorway and attacked the Tories, laying
+about them with the butts of their rifles and muskets, and discharging
+their pistols.
+
+Thud, thud, thud! Thus sounded the impact of the butts of the weapons
+with the heads, arms and bodies of the ruffians, and with each thud
+sounded a yell of pain and rage from the recipient of the blow. Then,
+suddenly the Tories took refuge in flight, running from the scene as
+swiftly as possible, and fairly falling over the fence in their haste
+to get away. They were quickly out of sight, and the affair was at an
+end. The three youths had put their enemies to rout, and without
+having sustained any injury whatever.
+
+They were well pleased, and although they had not killed any of the
+Tories outright, yet the youths were sure they had wounded several,
+for they had heard the ruffians give utterance to cries of pain, and
+too, they saw blood on the ground in several places.
+
+Dick now hastened to the Foster home and reported the victory over the
+Tories, and was congratulated by all there, even Mr. Foster, the
+avowed king's man, seeming very well pleased for he was an honest,
+honorable man, and not at all in sympathy with the night-marauding
+tactics of his Tory neighbors.
+
+Mrs. Dare and Mary accompanied Dick home, and the good woman thanked
+Ben for coming and helping her sons.
+
+"Oh, that's all right," smiled Ben. "I was glad to come. I wanted a
+chance at those cowardly Tories."
+
+"And we thrashed them soundly, too, mother," said Tom.
+
+"Do you think there is any danger that they will return?" queried Mrs.
+Dare, somewhat anxiously.
+
+"I don't think so, mother," said Dick. "They've had all the fighting
+they want, for one night, I am sure."
+
+"I think so," said Ben Foster. "But I'll stay here, Mrs. Dare, and if
+they come, we will be able to drive them away again."
+
+But the Tories did not return. They had, as Dick said, evidently seen
+all the fighting they wanted, for one night.
+
+Dick, Tom, and Ben Foster began getting ready to go to New York, that
+day, to join the patriot army under General Washington. They would be
+ready in a day or two, as there was not a great deal to do.
+
+Next day, however, Ben Foster had news for his friends. He came over,
+an eager look in his eyes, and told the brothers that Zeke Boggs had
+just told him that he and Lem Hicks were going over to Long Island and
+join the British army.
+
+"He says that they don't intend to let us get ahead of them, Dick,"
+finished Ben. "They hope to fight against us in some of the battles."
+
+"Well, I guess they will get the chance," said Dick, grimly.
+
+"Yes, they'll get the worst of the fighting, too," declared Tom.
+
+"That they will!" coincided Ben.
+
+"There are two things that I hope to do, when in the patriot army,"
+said Dick. "One is, to find where my father is imprisoned and free
+him, and the other to meet Zeke Boggs and Lem Hicks in battle and
+defeat them."
+
+"Yes, Dick," said Tom, his eyes shining. "We must find father as soon
+as possible, and rescue him from the hands of the British. I think we
+can do so, don't you?"
+
+"I surely think so, Tom."
+
+"Oh, you'll be certain to find out where he is, and before very long,
+then you can rescue him," proposed Ben, confidently.
+
+"And after that we can thrash Zeke and Lem with a good heart,"
+suggested Tom.
+
+"I don't think Zeke and Lem will make very good soldiers," remarked
+Ben.
+
+"I think they'll run, the very first time they get into a battle,"
+concluded Tom.
+
+
+
+Chapter V
+
+The Dare Boys in New York
+
+
+An orderly knocked at the door of the room occupied by General
+Washington, in the old Fraunces' Tavern, the building used as patriot
+headquarters, and on being commanded to enter, opened the door and
+said:
+
+"A young man wishes audience with you, your excellency."
+
+General Washington, the great man on whose shoulders rested such a
+serious responsibility, now that the people of the Colonies had
+declared for Independence, sat at his desk, looking over some papers.
+He now glanced up at the orderly.
+
+"Who is the young man, orderly?" he queried.
+
+"He says his name is Richard Dare."
+
+"I have never heard of him," with a shake of the head. "Did he state
+his business?"
+
+"No, your excellency. I asked him, but he said he preferred seeing you
+and stating his business direct."
+
+Washington was thoughtful for a few moments, and then said:
+
+"He is a young man, you say?"
+
+"Yes, your excellency; or rather, I should perhaps have said youth. I
+doubt if he is more than eighteen or nineteen years of age."
+
+"H'm," murmured the commander-in-chief; "I am pretty busy, but will
+see him briefly. Show him in."
+
+"Yes, your excellency," and the orderly withdrew.
+
+He was back again in a few moments, however, and ushered in a
+handsome, manly-looking youth, at the same time announcing:
+
+"Richard Dare, your excellency." Then he withdrew, leaving the two
+alone.
+
+General Washington glanced up as his visitor was announced, and when
+his eyes took in the handsome face, the fine physique and perfect
+poise of the youth, he gave a slight start and eyed him keenly and
+somewhat searchingly, with considerable interest.
+
+"You are Richard Dare?" the commander-in-chief remarked.
+
+"Yes, your excellency," saluting.
+
+"Very good, Mr. Dare. Now if you will be so kind as to state your
+business as briefly as possible, I will hear you. I am quite busy, as
+you may well suppose."
+
+"Pardon me for taking up your time, sir," said Dick, "but I wished to
+see you in person, as I have come to make you an offer."
+
+"Ah, indeed? What kind of an offer, my young friend?"
+
+"I will tell you, sir: I and two friends of about my own age have come
+to New York from our homes in the western part of New Jersey. We
+arrived here only this morning, and I, as their spokesman, have come to
+offer our services to you, sir. We are ardent patriots and desirous of
+fighting in our country, for the freedom and independence of our
+people."
+
+"Well, well," said Washington, looking at the youth with renewed
+interest. "Bravely spoken! Your desire is a commendable one, and
+certainly I shall be glad to accept of your offer, if your parents are
+willing that you shall enter the army. You are mere youths, as it
+were, and I would not want to take advantage of your offer unless it
+were satisfactory to your parents. They have knowledge of you
+project?"
+
+"Oh, yes, your excellency. We have done this with the knowledge and
+approval of our parents. My father, however, was captured in his own
+dooryard, less than two weeks ago, by a gang of Tories, and I and my
+brother Tom decided to join your army, to take father's place, as he
+had intended to join, and also with the hope of finding and rescuing
+him. One of our friends, when he heard that we were going to do this,
+came and told us that he wanted to come, too, and here we are. I hope
+you will accept us, sir, and give us a place in your army."
+
+"I shall be pleased to do so, Dick Dare," was the hearty reply. "From
+this moment you are a member of the Continental Army, as are your
+companions also. I thank you, Dare, for your interest in the welfare
+of our country, and pray extend to your companions my thanks, and tell
+them that I shall expect to hear a good report from them when it comes
+to actual conflict with the enemy."
+
+"I think they will give a good account of themselves, your
+excellency," said Dick, quietly but modestly. "I am sure they will
+fight hard for freedom."
+
+"I have no doubt about it, my boy. Well, the matter is settled, then.
+Here, take this order and present it to Colonel Morgan, who will find
+room for you in his regiment, now in process of formation."
+
+The commander-in-chief hastily wrote the order and handed it to Dick,
+who took it and saluted.
+
+"Thanks, your excellency," he said. "I will do as you have commanded.
+My companions will be delighted when I make my report to them."
+
+Then, saluting again, Dick left the presence of the great man, and was
+quickly back with Tom and Ben, who were quartered in a building only
+about a block distant.
+
+They greeted him eagerly.
+
+"Did you see General Washington, Dick?" cried Tom Dare.
+
+"Yes, Tom, I saw him," was the reply.
+
+"And what did he say?" queried Ben Foster. "Did he accept our offer of
+our services?"
+
+"Yes, Ben," replied Dick. "He seemed to be pleased, and said that he
+hopes to hear a good report concerning us when we come in actual
+conflict with the British."
+
+"I think he will be satisfied on that score," said Ben, a grim look on
+his face. "I think we will be as good fighters as any of them, when we
+get started, eh, Tom?"
+
+"Yes, I think so, Ben," nodded Tom, his eager eyes sparkling.
+
+"Get ready and come with me, boys," said Dick, beginning to gather up
+his belongings, which were not many, as the youths had not brought
+very much luggage with them.
+
+"Where to, Dick?" queried Tom.
+
+"We are to report to Colonel Morgan, and will be assigned to his
+regiment."
+
+"Good!" said Ben. "Then we will be genuine soldiers, eh, Dick?"
+
+"Yes, indeed."
+
+"Say, that will be fine!" said Tom. "I'm ready. Lead the way to
+Colonel Morgan's quarters, Dick."
+
+A few minutes later the youths set out. They found Colonel Morgan and
+Dick gave him the note from the commander-in-chief, whereupon they
+were assigned to their new quarters, their names having been enrolled
+on the membership list of the regiment.
+
+"Now we are soldiers, sure enough!" murmured Tom Dare, his eyes
+shining. "Hurrah!"
+
+"Yes, patriot soldiers, Tom," said Dick, quietly. There was an air of
+satisfaction on his face also.
+
+"We will be ready to take part in the first battle that takes place,"
+said Ben. "Say, that'll be fine. I am eager to be in a battle!"
+
+"And I," said Dick. "I want to fight for Independence and the freedom
+of the American people. And, too, I want to fight and rescue our
+father, Tom."
+
+"Yes, yes, Dick. We won't forget that part of our work!" said Tom.
+
+
+
+Chapter VI
+
+Chosen for Dangerous Work
+
+
+Dick, Tom and Ben made friends rapidly, and were soon well acquainted
+with the majority of the members of the company to which they had been
+assigned, and with many of the members of other companies that were
+quartered in the same building and near at hand.
+
+They had been in New York about a week, and were feeling quite at
+home. One afternoon, as they were sitting in the big front room,
+talking to some of the soldiers, the door opened and an orderly from
+headquarters was seen standing on the threshold.
+
+"Is there anyone here by the name of Dare?" he asked. "Dick Dare, I
+believe it is."
+
+"I am he," said Dick, advancing. "What is wanted?"
+
+"You are wanted at headquarters."
+
+"Now?"
+
+"Yes, at once. The commander-in-chief orders you to report."
+
+"I will go right along with you."
+
+"Very well. Such were his instructions."
+
+Dick put on his hat and took his departure in the orderly's company,
+after telling Ben and Tom that he would probably be back soon.
+
+They arrived quickly at headquarters, and Dick was ushered into the
+private room occupied by the commander-in-chief.
+
+Dick saluted and said:
+
+"You sent for me, your excellency?"
+
+"Yes, Dare. Be seated," and he pointed to a chair near his desk.
+
+Dick took the seat and then looked at the commander-in-chief
+inquiringly.
+
+General Washington did not say anything for a few moments, but eyed
+Dick keenly and searchingly. It was evident that he was appraising the
+boy's value carefully, and it seemed that the result was satisfactory,
+for he gave a sigh as of relief, and said:
+
+"How old are you, Dare?"
+
+"Eighteen, sir."
+
+"Eighteen. That is young. You are a mere youth, but somehow I believe
+you are the one to do what I wish done. I have a mind to try you,
+anyway. Dick," pausing and looking impressively at the youth, "if I
+were to ask you to undertake something that was exceedingly dangerous,
+something that might easily result in your death if you made a false
+step, what would you say?"
+
+"I would say, your excellency, that if you had confidence enough in me
+to think I might succeed, I would be only too glad to try. You have
+only to command and I will obey, sir."
+
+"Spoken like a true Son of Liberty!" exclaimed the commander-in-chief.
+"That is what I expected to hear you say, however. I believe you are a
+brave, sensible youth, and that it is possible you may succeed in the
+undertaking which I have in mind, even though several grown men have
+already failed. You had better think well before you consent to
+attempt this task, however, Dick. It is one fraught with such danger
+that I would not think of ordering you to attempt it, considering your
+age. But if, on the other hand, after knowing what the work is, you
+still wish to go ahead, I shall be delighted to avail myself of your
+services."
+
+"I will be glad to attempt the work, sir. Pray state the case. What is
+the nature of the work you wish me to do?"
+
+"It is spy-work!"
+
+Dick's heart leapt with joy. Spy-work! This, of all things was what he
+felt that he would most like to do. As a spy he would have to venture
+into the enemy's territory, would have to even penetrate to their
+midst and secure information as to their plans and, too, he might thus
+find and rescue his father. It was fine to think of, and the sparkle
+in his eyes must have told the commander-in-chief that the youth was
+pleased, for he said:
+
+"You seem to be favorably impressed, rather than otherwise, my boy.
+You think you will like spy-work?"
+
+"Yes, your excellency," was the reply. "I think I shall like it,
+better than anything else. I shall be glad to attempt any work in that
+line that you wish. Just tell me where you wish me to go and what you
+want me to do, and I will do my best to make a success of the work,
+sir."
+
+"Very well, Dick. I will do so. You know, perhaps, that the British
+army is located on the southwest shore of Long Island, near York Bay,
+and the British fleet lies just outside the Narrows and off York Bay.
+The British outnumber us considerably, I think, but just how much I do
+not know. And this is one thing that I wish to learn. I want to learn
+the numerical strength of the British, and also I wish to find out, if
+such a thing is possible, the intentions of the British
+commander-in-chief. This is a big undertaking, my boy, and as I have
+told you, several of my best men have already tried to accomplish this
+and failed, so you can see the magnitude of the task that confronts
+you. It will be no disgrace if you should fail."
+
+"I may fail, sir," said Dick, modestly; "I may not succeed in securing
+the information you desire, but I will make the attempt, and I will
+say this, that if such a thing as securing the information is
+possible, I will do it. I will do my very best, sir, you may rest
+assured of that."
+
+"I do, Dick. I feel confident that if you fail it will be only after
+you have made every effort to succeed. Well, it is settled, then? You
+will attempt his spy-work?"
+
+"Yes, your excellency. When shall I start?"
+
+"This evening. I will give you a letter of introduction to General
+Putnam, who is in command of the patriot force on Brooklyn Heights,
+and he will give you all the information and assistance in his power."
+
+"Very well, sir. At what hour shall I report here?"
+
+"Be here at six, Dick. I will have the letter for you, and then you
+will go down to the East River in company with one of my orderlies,
+and a boatman will take you across to the Long Island side. It is not
+far from there to the Heights, where you will locate General Putnam."
+
+"I will report here at six, your excellency," said Dick, and then
+saluting, he took his departure.
+
+When he returned to his quarters and told Tom and Ben that General
+Washington had selected him to go over onto Long Island and do some
+spying, the youths were surprised, but were delighted as well, for
+they felt that it was an honor to Dick.
+
+"That will be fine," said Ben Foster. "I believe you will make a good
+spy, Dick."
+
+"I hope so, Ben."
+
+"I wish I could go with you," said Tom, looking wistfully at his
+brother.
+
+"It will be best that I go alone, Tom," said Dick. "One can do
+spy-work better than two."
+
+"I vould lige dot sby vork," said Fritz Schmockenburg, a fat, Dutch
+soldier, gravely.
+
+"It's a foine spoy yez would be afther makin', Fritz," chuckled Tim
+Murphy, a merry Irish patriot. "Yez would be caught the first thing,
+and the only thing thot would kape thim from hangin' yez would be
+because they wouldn't have inny rope sthout enough to hould your
+weight."
+
+"When are you going, Dick?" queried Ben.
+
+"This evening at six."
+
+The youths discussed the matter at considerable length, and were glad
+that Dick had been selected for such important work, though they were
+somewhat fearful for his safety. Tom and Ben cautioned him to be
+careful, and he was the recipient of advice from others, all
+well-meant, but of course not likely to be of much use to him, as he
+would have to govern his actions mainly by existing circumstances,
+after he was on the ground and at work.
+
+Shortly before six he bade Tom and Ben, and his comrades good-bye and
+made his way to headquarters, where he was given the letter of
+introduction by the commander-in-chief, and also a few kindly words of
+encouragement.
+
+"General Putnam will give you all the information and help in his
+power," General Washington said. "Go, now, Dick, my boy, and may you
+be successful is my prayer. Good-bye, and heaven bless you."
+
+He shook Dick's hand, and then with a good-bye and a salute, the youth
+took his departure.
+
+An orderly accompanied him to the dock and summoned a boatman, and
+then Dick got in and was ferried across the East River. Alighting on
+the Long Island shore, he set out in the direction of Brooklyn
+Heights, reaching there shortly after dark.
+
+
+
+Chapter VII
+
+Dick's First Adventure
+
+
+Dick was challenged, and on answering that he was a friend, was told
+to advance and give the countersign.
+
+He approached the sentinel, and when near him, said:
+
+"I am a patriot, but do not know the countersign. I wish to see
+General Putnam."
+
+"Who are you and why do you wish to see the general?" the sentinel
+asked.
+
+"My name is Dare, and I am a messenger from General Washington. I have
+a letter of introduction to General Putnam."
+
+"All right. I'll summon the officer of the guard and he'll conduct you
+to the general."
+
+He did so, and the officer asked Dick a few questions, seemed
+satisfied, and conducted him to the quarters occupied by General
+Putnam.
+
+Dick saluted on entering the presence of the general, and drawing the
+letter from his pocket, handed it to Putnam, who took it an read the
+contents, after which he gave Dick a keen, searching and somewhat
+wondering glance.
+
+"You are Richard Dare?" he queried.
+
+"Yes, General Putnam," replied Dick.
+
+"H'm. The commander-in-chief says here that you are going down to the
+enemy's territory to try to do some spying. You are rather young, it
+seems to me, to be going such work."
+
+"Time will cure that," smiled Dick.
+
+"Yes-if you live," grimly. "This is very dangerous business you are
+entering upon, my boy."
+
+"So General Washington said, sir."
+
+"Yes? Well, it is a fact, and I have my doubts regarding your ability
+to do anything, but since the commander-in-chief has seen fit to try
+you and has sent you to me for the purpose of having me give you what
+information I possess regarding the location of the British, I will do
+what I can to assist you."
+
+"Thank you, General Putnam."
+
+The general then gave Dick all the information that he thought would
+be of value to him, and the youth listened attentively.
+
+"Now," said Putnam when he had finished, "do you think you can find
+the British without any trouble?"
+
+"I am sure I can find the British, sir," was the reply; "but I don't
+know about the trouble part."
+
+The grim general chuckled. He seemed to like the dry humor of the lad.
+
+"I guess you'll do, Dare," he said. "I'm beginning to think the
+commander-in-chief showed good judgment in sending you, after all.
+But, I might have known that such was the case, for he is a man who
+seldom makes mistakes."
+
+"I hope he hasn't made a mistake in this instance, sir," modestly.
+
+"I guess he hasn't. It is possible that a boy like you may be better
+able to penetrate to the enemy's lines and secure information than a
+man, for the British will not be so likely to suspect you of being a
+spy."
+
+"That is what General Washington said, sir."
+
+"The position is well taken, I feel confident. Well, Dare, be careful,
+take care of yourself and secure all the information possible
+regarding the enemy."
+
+"I will do my best, General. Well, I must be going."
+
+The general shook hands with Dick, and wished him good luck.
+
+"Don't let the redcoats get you," he said.
+
+Dick laughed.
+
+"They won't get me, if I can help it," he said. "Good-bye, General
+Putnam."
+
+Dick did not start just then, however, for the very good reason that
+while he had been engaged in conversation with General Putnam, a storm
+that had been threatening that afternoon and evening, broke upon them,
+the wind blew a gale and the rain poured down in torrents, the
+lightning was incessant and the roar of the thunder terrific. It was
+indeed a severe storm.
+
+"You must not think of starting out to-night," said General Putnam.
+"You could not find your way anywhere, and would simply get soaked to
+the skin, or perhaps struck by lightning. I will give you a bed, and
+you will remain here till morning."
+
+"Doubtless that will be best," agreed Dick, though he disliked the
+delay. Still, he felt that it would do no good to go in such a storm,
+for as the general had said, he could not find his way to the British
+encampment, or accomplish anything if he did find it.
+
+So he remained on the Heights that night, only to find it still
+raining the next morning.
+
+"You would not want to start out in the daytime, anyhow," said General
+Putnam; "so it does not matter. You will stay till evening, and then
+if it has ceased raining, you can start on your expedition."
+
+It was still raining hard, when evening came, however, and General
+Putnam said it would be foolish to make the start in the storm. So
+Dick remained all that night, and all next day. The rain had ceased
+soon after sunrise and the sun shone brightly that day, drying the
+ground pretty thoroughly, by evening.
+
+"You can make the start, this evening, Dare," said the general. "I
+don't suppose the delay in getting away from here will make any
+difference."
+
+"I hope not, sir," said Dick.
+
+After dark that evening, Dick took his departure, and as soon as he
+was past the sentinels, he struck out southward. The British army was
+at that time encamped near the Flatlands, about two miles from the bay
+and about two miles south of Flatbush.
+
+Dick walked onward at a moderate pace. There was no hurry, and
+besides, by hurrying he might run right into a party of redcoats, and
+this would be bad, as it would likely result in his capture.
+
+It were better to make haste slowly. Dick realized this, and he
+decided to take his time and exercise his every care. Caution was a
+necessary adjunct of a spy.
+
+Dick was eager to succeed. Several men had failed, and had doubtless
+been captured, and if he could accomplish his object it would be a big
+feather in his cap. He was intensely patriotic, anyway, and this made
+him extremely desirous of succeeding in securing the information
+regarding the plans of the British.
+
+He reached the wooded heights about halfway between the village of
+Bedford and Flatbush after a walk of an hour or so, and having climbed
+the hill, he paused on the summit and listened intently for some time.
+It was his thought that perhaps a party of British might be located
+here, and he did not want to run into their midst, if such were the
+case.
+
+He heard sounds, but only such as are usually to be heard in the woods
+at night-the chirping of crickets, the buzzing of the wings of
+insects, and the call of nightbirds. He heard nothing that would
+indicate the presence of human beings.
+
+"I guess there are no redcoats in these woods," he murmured after
+listening a while. "The British haven't advanced this far yet, likely.
+I'll go ahead, but will be exceedingly careful."
+
+He moved forward slowly, and cautiously made his way down the south
+slope of the wooded hill. He paused every few moments and listened. He
+was not going to take any chances of discovery and capture, if he
+could avoid it by exercising care.
+
+Somehow Dick's heart thrilled with pleasure, even though he were on a
+perilous undertaking. He was working for General Washington, trying to
+do something that would be of benefit to the great Cause of Liberty,
+and this made him experience a feeling of happiness. The danger did
+not have any effect on him, save to, if anything, add to the zest. He
+was a brave youth, though not a foolhardy one, and the danger made the
+work all the more interesting and exhilarating.
+
+On he went down the slope, slowly and cautiously. He had to
+practically feel his way, for in under the trees it was very dark and
+he could not see to pick a path. This made it slow work, but he had
+all night for his task, if he wished so much time, and so he did not
+worry because he could not proceed at a swift pace.
+
+"`Slow but sure,' is a good motto," he told himself. "There will be
+times, doubtless, when it will pay me to move swiftly, but this is not
+one of the times."
+
+Suddenly Dick paused and stood stock still, his every nerve tense, his
+every sense on the alert. He thought that he had heard the sound of
+voices!
+
+He listened intently, and presently his heart gave a leap. Yes, he had
+not been mistaken. Over to the right, and not very far distant, he had
+heard someone talking. At least two men were there, engaged in
+conversation, their voices being pitched low.
+
+Dick strained his eyes, but could not catch sight of the speakers. He
+could only judge of their location and distance from him by the sound
+of their voices, and he judged that they were perhaps a dozen yards
+from him. This was rather close, if they were British soldiers, as he
+had no doubt they were, and he decided that the best thing for him to
+do was to get away from their vicinity as quickly as possible. It
+would be well to be silent about it, too, for if they should discover
+his presence, they would doubtless make a great outcry and try to
+capture him.
+
+He began edging away, toward the left. Every once in awhile he paused
+to listen. The voices could still be heard, but not so plainly as at
+first. He was gradually getting farther and farther away from the
+speakers, and would have been successful in escaping from the vicinity
+without his presence having been discovered, but for an accident. He
+struck his foot against a good-sized stone, which was lying right on
+the edge of a rather steep slope, and the rock, becoming dislodged,
+went tumbling and plunging downward through the underbrush, making
+what seemed to be a great noise, coming as it did in the midst of the
+night stillness. It sounded as loud as thunder in Dick's ears.
+
+"Now I've done it!" he murmured, in some dismay. "That will rouse them
+sure."
+
+He was right, for instantly there came the challenge, loud and clear:
+
+"Halt! Who comes there?"
+
+There could be no doubt regarding the matter, now; the men Dick had
+heard talking were British soldiers doing picket duty.
+
+Dick's first impulse was to take to his heels and run at the top of
+his speed, but his second thought was that perhaps if he were to stand
+perfectly still, the redcoats would come to the conclusion that there
+was no one in the vicinity save themselves, and would go ahead with
+their conversation after a few minutes of listening. But it did not
+work out that way. After a few moments of silence there came the
+command, in a stern voice:
+
+"Who is there? Answer, or I will fire!"
+
+Dick did not like the idea of being fired at, even in the darkness. He
+knew the soldier could not see to take aim, but a chance shot might be
+as successful as one that was aimed. Dick did not care to take the
+chance, anyway, and he quickly, but very cautiously shifted his
+position and got a tree between himself and the redcoats.
+
+"Now, he won't be able to hit me, even if he does fire," thought the
+youth with a feeling of relief. "Now if he will just make up his mind
+that there is no one here and resume the conversation with his
+comrade, I shall be able to slip away and escape, doubtless."
+
+But the redcoats were evidently not satisfied to let the matter go
+thus. "Let's investigate, comrade," Dick heard a voice say. And then
+he heard another in reply: "All right. If there is anybody round here,
+we will either run him down or frighten him out of his boots."
+
+"That's what we will, comrade."
+
+"And I feel confident there is somebody near here. What else would
+make the noise that we heard?"
+
+"I don't know, comrade. I think it likely that somebody is about."
+
+"I am positive, sure of it as can be."
+
+"Well, come on, then. Let's search all around. We ought to be able to
+lay him by the heels, for we can hear him if he tries to run away."
+
+"True. Come, comrade. We'll quickly have the fellow, if he's here."
+
+Then Dick heard the trampling of feet, which sounded closer and
+closer, and he realized that he must get away from there at once, or
+the redcoats would be upon him.
+
+Having so decided, he lost not time, but moved away as cautiously as
+possible. He went a bit faster than he should have done, to maintain a
+noiseless movement, however, for he stepped on a fallen branch, which
+broke with a cracking sound, and the very next step he stumbled over a
+log, and fell into a brushpile, making considerable noise.
+
+"A spy!" he heard one of the redcoats cry. "There's somebody there,
+sure!"
+
+"Halt!" cried the other soldier, loudly. "Stop, or I'll fire!"
+
+But Dick, fearing to remain, as he would almost certainly be found and
+captured, leaped to his feet and took to his heels, running as fast as
+he dared; to run too fast, would have been to break his head against a
+tree, more than likely.
+
+The British soldiers heard him, evidently, for one cried, excitedly:
+
+"There he goes! I hear him running!"
+
+"Yes," cried the other, "but I'll put a stop to his running, or know
+the reason why. Here goes to wing the rebel."
+
+The next instant the loud crack of a musket rang upon the still night
+air. At the same instant Dick Dare fell sprawling upon his face on the
+ground, and lay still.
+
+
+
+Chapter VIII
+
+Tom Dare Acts
+
+
+On the afternoon of the second day after the departure of Dick Dare
+from patriot headquarters in New York, Tom Dare appeared there, and to
+the orderly at the door said:
+
+"I wish to see General Washington, sir."
+
+"Oh, you do, eh?" was the query. The orderly could not imagine what
+business this sixteen-year-old boy could have with the commander-in-chief.
+
+"Yes, sir. Show me to his presence, please."
+
+The orderly looked at the eager, bright face of the boy with more of
+interest.
+
+"Who are you?" he queried.
+
+"My name is Tom Dare."
+
+"Tom Dare!" in surprise. "Why, there was a young fellow here a couple
+of days ago whose name was Dare-Dick Dare, I believe it was."
+
+"Yes," quietly; "he is my brother."
+
+"Ah, your brother! Are you a member of the patriot army, also?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I'm in Colonel Morgan's regiment."
+
+The orderly stared.
+
+"Well!" he murmured; "the Dares seem to be pretty well represented in
+the Continental Army."
+
+"Yes, sir. Our father was captured by Tories, and Dick and I made up
+our minds that we would join the patriot army and do all we could to
+bring about the defeat of the British and Tories, and if possible
+rescue our father."
+
+"Well, that is the right spirit, certainly."
+
+"Will you show me to the presence of the commander-in-chief, sir?"
+questioned Tom, eagerly. "I am very desirous of seeing him," he added,
+earnestly.
+
+"Come with me," was the reply; "I will speak to the
+commander-in-chief, and if he is willing, I will conduct you to his
+presence."
+
+Tom accompanied the orderly along the hall, pausing presently when
+told to do so. The orderly said he would be back in a few moments, and
+disappeared in a room at one side. He quickly returned and said that
+General Washington would see the youth.
+
+The next moment he ushered Tom into the presence of the
+commander-in-chief, announcing:
+
+"Master Tom Dare."
+
+The general looked up from some papers he was examining, and gave Tom
+a keen, searching glance.
+
+"You are Master Tom Dare," he said.
+
+"Yes, your excellency," saluting.
+
+"Brother to Dick Dare?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Very good. What can I do for you, my boy?" The great man's air and
+tone were kindly, and Tom, encouraged, said:
+
+"I have come to ask a favor, sir."
+
+"What is the favor? Be brief, as my time is of value, my boy."
+
+"Very well, sir. I have come to ask that you let me go over onto Long
+Island, the same as you have done with Dick."
+
+General Washington looked at the boy in surprise.
+
+"Why do you want to do that?" he queried.
+
+"I want to be with Dick, sir, or near him, all the time, if possible.
+I promised my mother that I would stay at Dick's side and fight side
+by side with him, and if I stay here, when he is over on Long Island,
+I won't be keeping my word, sir. Something might happen to Dick. He
+might get into trouble with the British, and if I was near at hand, I
+could render him assistance, and if he were captured, I might be able
+to rescue him. I hope you will let me go, sir."
+
+The commander-in-chief looked thoughtfully at the boy. There was a
+look of admiration in his eyes, and to himself he said: "A brave pair
+of lads are those two Dares, I feel certain." Aloud he said, after a
+few moments:
+
+"I don't know whether to grant your request or not, my boy. I have
+sent Dick over to Long Island on a spying expedition, and if you were
+to go also and join him, it might hamper him in his work. At the same
+time, I dislike to refuse your request, since you made your mother the
+promise that you would stay by your brother's side. Still, you can
+hardly hope to be always together. War is cruel, and one can not
+always do as one would like, or be where one would wish to be. We must
+all go where we think we can be of the most benefit to the Cause, and
+do that which will be most beneficial. Do you think you could do Dick
+any good, if I were to let you go, my boy?"
+
+"I think it possible, sir. He is going into great danger, as I
+understand it, and I might render him very valuable assistance. At any
+rate, if you will let me go, I will promise that at least I will not
+in any way interfere with his work or do anything to cause him to fail
+in the task he has before him."
+
+"Very good. Then I will grant your request. Go, my boy; but be
+careful. I will give you a note to General Putnam, on Brooklyn
+Heights, and he will tell you which way to go to find your brother."
+
+"Thank you, sir. You are very kind, and I will try to do nothing to
+cause you to regret that you let me go."
+
+"That is right." The commander-in-chief wrote a brief note, addressed
+it to General Putnam and handed it to Tom.
+
+"There. Now go, my boy, and may you succeed in joining your brother
+and benefit to him in his work. Good-bye," and he gave the boy's hand
+a friendly grasp.
+
+"Good-bye, your excellency," and saluting, Tom took his departure.
+
+He hastened down to the East River dock and got a boatman to take him
+across to the east shore, after which he made his way as quickly as
+possible to the patriot quarters on Brooklyn Heights.
+
+When he presented himself before General Putnam, and handed over the
+note, the officer, after a perusal of the few words written there,
+looked at the boy in some surprise and with no little interest.
+
+"Another one," he said, with something like a grim smile. "The Dares
+certainly seem to be in evidence to-night."
+
+"Dick was here, then, sir?" eagerly.
+
+"Yes, he was here."
+
+"How long has he been gone?"
+
+"Oh, about an hour, I should judge. He had to remain here until this
+evening on account of the storm."
+
+"Please direct me how to go in order to overtake him, General Putnam."
+
+"I will do so as nearly as possible, my boy." Then the general gave
+Tom all the directions possible, and the boy said:
+
+"Thank you, sir. I will try to join my brother to-night."
+
+"You had better keep your eyes open, Master Dare," cautioned General
+Putnam. "You are going where redcoats are thicker than mosquitoes, and
+that is saying a good deal."
+
+"I'll look out for them, sir," with a smile. "Good-bye, and thank you,
+General Putnam."
+
+"That's all right. You are welcome. Good-bye and good luck."
+
+Tom took his departure, and as soon as he was out of the patriot
+encampment, he hastened away in the direction that he had been told
+Dick had undoubtedly gone.
+
+"Perhaps by hurrying I may be able to overtake Dick," was his thought.
+
+He walked swiftly, at times running, and came to the wooded hills much
+quicker than Dick had done. He climbed the hill quickly, and was soon
+making his way down the other side. He had gone only a few steps when
+he heard the report of the musket-shot, sounding close at hand and
+almost in front of him.
+
+Instantly Tom was greatly excited. The thought came to him at once
+that a redcoat had fired that shot and that it had been fired at Dick,
+and with wildly-beating heart he ran forward, at the same time drawing
+a pistol from his belt. Tom was excited, but not at all frightened.
+His only fear was that perhaps Dick had been wounded or killed by the
+bullet from the musket, and he was eager to get a shot at the person
+who had just done the shooting.
+
+Suddenly he heard voices, and paused, listening intently.
+
+"I wonder if I got the rebel?" he heard one say.
+
+"Likely you did," replied another voice. "I don't hear the sound of
+running feet any more."
+
+"Served the rascal right if I put a bullet through him," said the
+first voice.
+
+"Yes. That is what ought to happen to all rebels."
+
+Tom heard these words, and his heart sank, and then a feeling of anger
+blazed up in his heart. What if Dick was killed, as these soldiers
+surmised. It was terrible to contemplate, and acting on the spur of
+the moment, Tom leveled his pistol, pointing in the direction from
+which the voices sounded, and pulled the trigger.
+
+Crack! went the pistol, and a howl of pain, rage and surprise
+commingled went up on the night air.
+
+"Oh--ow!--ouch! I'm shot!" cried one of the voices. "There are other
+rebels at hand, comrade! Perhaps we're surrounded!"
+
+This gave Tom an idea, and he at once acted upon it. If he could make
+the redcoats think there were a number of patriot soldiers around,
+they might be put to flight, and then he could look for Dick, and
+learn whether he were injured.
+
+"Come on, boys!" he yelled loudly. "Charge the scoundrelly redcoats!
+Kill them! At them, I say!" And then, drawing his other pistol, he
+fired another shot.
+
+He had no way of knowing whether this bullet hit either of the
+redcoats, but he had evidence that it was effective in one way, for he
+heard the British soldiers going tearing down the slope, through the
+underbrush at a great rate. They had undoubtedly been seized with a
+panic and taken to their heels.
+
+Tom waited till he could no longer hear any sounds of the fleeing
+redcoats, and then he called out:
+
+"Dick! Oh, Dick!"
+
+
+
+Chapter IX
+
+The Brothers Together
+
+
+Almost at once came the reply:
+
+"Tom! Oh, Tom, is that you?"
+
+"Yes, Dick. I'll be right with you."
+
+He hastened in the direction from which Dick's voice sounded, and a
+few minutes later was at his side.
+
+"What in the world brought you here, Tom?" queried Dick. "I was never
+so surprised in my life as when I heard your voice."
+
+"I'll tell you why I come, Dick. After you left your quarters in New
+York, I got to thinking, and I remembered what I had told mother-that
+I would go to war with you and fight side by side with you, you know,
+and I thought of how I had let you go away on a dangerous spying
+expedition alone, and I decided to follow you. I went and asked
+permission of General Washington to come over here, and he gave it."
+
+"He was willing for you to come, then, was he?"
+
+"Yes. He held back a little at first, but when I told him about having
+promised mother I would stick by you, he then said I might come."
+
+"Well, it has been all right, so far. You got here just in time to
+frighten those redcoats away, but I don't believe that two can do
+spy-work successfully."
+
+"We don't need to both actually do the spy-work, Dick. You can do
+that, and I'll stay back and wait and watch, and then if anything
+should happen to you, I would perhaps be able to render you some
+assistance."
+
+"True. Well, now that you are here, you may as well stay with me.
+We'll go on down in the neighborhood of the British encampment
+together, and then you can hunt at hiding-place and I will go ahead
+and see what I can do in the way of spying."
+
+"Very well, Dick. That will suit me."
+
+"Come, then."
+
+"You were not hit by the bullet from the redcoat's musket, Dick?"
+somewhat anxiously.
+
+"No, Tom. At the very moment he fired I tripped over a vine and fell
+headlong to the ground. I was still lying there when I heard you fire
+your pistol, and then I heard you yell, `Come on, boys', and
+recognized your voice; but I was sorely puzzled. I didn't know what to
+think. I almost thought I must have dreamed it."
+
+Tom laughed.
+
+"I hit one of the rascals, Dick," he chuckled. "I'll warrant you he
+did not think it was a dream."
+
+"Likely no," with an answering chuckle. "Well, let's move."
+
+They set out down the slope, moving at a fair pace, pausing
+occasionally to listen. All was quiet, however. The redcoat pickets
+had evidently retreated to the British encampment.
+
+When Dick and Tom emerged from the timber, at the foot of the slope,
+they were able to go at a faster pace, and they set out in the
+direction in which they believed the enemy's camp to be. They walked
+onward about half an hour, and then came upon a little clump of trees.
+Feeling certain that they must be in the vicinity of the British
+encampment, they went in among the trees and stopped.
+
+"Wait here a few minutes, Tom" said Dick. "I'm going to climb a tree
+and see if I can see the campfires of the enemy."
+
+"All right."
+
+Dick climbed a tree on the south side of the clump, and looked toward
+the south. He was rewarded by seeing the twinkling lights of the
+campfires, seemingly at no very great distance.
+
+"There is the encampment, sure enough," he murmured. "Well, now, the
+question is, How am I to get into the camp and secure information
+regarding the plans of the British?"
+
+This was a poser. It certainly seemed like a hopeless task, but Dick
+Dare was not a youth to be easily discouraged. He had come here to spy
+on the British and learn their plans, and he would do so, if such a
+thing were possible.
+
+He climbed down and told his brother that he had seen the campfires of
+the British.
+
+"Good," said Tom. "But, what are you going to do next, Dick? How are
+you going to get into their encampment?"
+
+"I decided on my course, Tom," he said, "before I started out."
+
+"What are you going to do?" eagerly.
+
+"I'm going to enter the British encampment boldly and tell them that I
+want to join the army."
+
+"Goodness! That will be dangerous, brother!"
+
+"Yes, but one can't do spy-work without encountering danger."
+
+"I know that. Do you think that you can succeed, Dick?"
+
+"I'm going to try."
+
+"Will they take you into the army-a boy like you?"
+
+"General Washington did."
+
+"But the British army may be different. They may think that they don't
+need help badly enough for them to accept boys as recruits."
+
+"Well, even if that is the case, I will succeed in entering the
+British encampment, Tom."
+
+"That's so. That part will be all right."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"When are you going to approach the encampment? Now?"
+
+"Yes, I don't see any use of waiting."
+
+"What shall I do?"
+
+"You had better stay right here or in this vicinity."
+
+"All right. When do you think you will be back?"
+
+"I don't know. Possibly to-morrow night."
+
+"I'm to wait till you come?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But, I'll get hungry before to-morrow night."
+
+"Go to a farmhouse in the morning and get some food. There must be
+farmhouses near."
+
+"That's so. I can do that."
+
+"Well, I may as well be going. Good-bye, Tom."
+
+"Good-bye, Dick; and-be careful, brother! If anything should happen to
+you, it would break mother's heart."
+
+"I'll be careful, Tom. You had better keep your eyes open, too, for
+the redcoats may come prowling around here to-morrow, and you must not
+let them capture you."
+
+"I'll not let them get me, brother."
+
+Then Dick took his departure. He had some time since decided upon his
+course, and as soon as he was a short distance away from the clump of
+trees, he set out at a brisk walk, and made no effort at concealment.
+He did not care, now, if he were halted by a British picket or
+sentinel.
+
+He walked swiftly onward, and about twenty minutes later was hailed:
+
+"Halt! Who comes there?"
+
+Dick's heart leaped, and he felt that he was soon to be submitted to
+an ordeal, but he did not hesitate, and answered firmly and promptly:
+
+"A friend."
+
+"Advance, friend, and give the countersign," was the command.
+
+Dick advanced till within a few yards of the sentinel, whose form he
+could make out, it being outlined against the light background made by
+the campfires.
+
+"Halt!" ordered the sentinel. "Give the countersign before you come
+any further."
+
+"I don't know the countersign," replied Dick, quietly. "But I am a
+friend, and I wish to see the commander in charge of this army."
+
+"Humph. What do you want to see him for?"
+
+"I want to offer my services to fight for the king."
+
+"Oh, you do, eh?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You are a loyal king's man, then, are you?"
+
+"Would I be anxious to join the king's army if I were not?" questioned
+Dick. He had decided that there could be no harm in deceiving the
+enemy. In spy-work it would be absolutely necessary to use this means.
+His conscience did not reproach him in the least, for he felt that he
+was making the pretense of being a king's adherent in a good
+cause-that of Liberty.
+
+"What is your name?" the soldier asked.
+
+Dick had decided that it would be best to give a fictitious name, so
+he gave the first one that came into his mind:
+
+"Harry Fuller," he said.
+
+"Harry Fuller, eh? Well, Harry Fuller, since you are a loyal king's
+man and wish to join his army, I will see that you have the
+opportunity. I'll summon the officer of the guard and he will conduct
+you to the commander of the force."
+
+"This isn't the full army, then?" queried Dick.
+
+"One division of it," was the curt reply. "There's enough of it here
+for you to join, I guess, if you really mean business."
+
+The sentinel summoned the officer of the guard, explained matters to
+him, and then the officer conducted Dick into the encampment, and to a
+tent near its center. This was occupied by General Percy, and the
+officer of the guard entered and exchanged a few words with the
+general, who was writing at a little, portable desk, by the light of a
+candle, and then he emerged and said to Dick:
+
+"The general will see you."
+
+Then he ushered the youth into the tent, at the same time announcing:
+
+"Harry Fuller, General Percy."
+
+The British general looked up, eyed Dick sharply for a few moments,
+and then said:
+
+"Well, Harry Fuller, so you wish to join the British army and fight
+for the king, eh?"
+
+Dick had met the searching gaze of the officer unflinchingly, and now
+he answered promptly and firmly:
+
+"Yes, sir; such is my wish."
+
+"Humph. How old are you?"
+
+"Eighteen, sir."
+
+"Rather young, but no matter. You can hold a musket and shoot as good
+as a man, without doubt, so should make a good soldier. I accept your
+offer, and will assign you to Colonel Harker's regiment."
+
+Then he scribbled a brief note, handed it to Dick and said: "Give that
+to the colonel. He will take care of you." Lifting his voice, he
+called out: "Orderly!"
+
+An orderly entered at once, and saluted.
+
+"Conduct this young man to Colonel Harker. That is all. Good-night,
+young man."
+
+"Good-night, sir," replied Dick, and followed the orderly from the
+tent and to the point where Harker's regiment was stationed, and to
+that officer he handed the note from the general.
+
+"Ah, a new recruit," said the colonel, when he had read the note.
+"Very well, Harry Fuller, you are a member of Company H. That is it,
+yonder. Take your place there." He pointed to the company in question,
+and Dick saluted and joined the company, taking a seat with the
+soldiers of Company H, some of whom greeted him with nods, and many
+looking at him with a slight show of curiosity, but saying nothing.
+One or two said: "How are you, comrade?"
+
+"I'm all right, I guess," Dick replied to these, smiling.
+
+The soldiers smoked and talked, and Dick sat quietly there and
+listened. He had an eager interest in all that was said, for he wished
+to learn all he possibly could. That indeed was what he had come there
+for.
+
+Dick felt that he had been fortunate in getting within the British
+lines so easily. And, too, he was lucky to have been accepted as a
+soldier. He naturally had feared that his youth would be against him,
+and that he would be refused on that account. But such had not been
+the case, his youth had not counted against him, and he was now in the
+British camp, playing the part of a British soldier.
+
+
+
+Chapter X
+
+In the Enemy's Camp
+
+
+Dick Dare had accomplished what had seemed to be the most difficult
+part of the task that he had come here to accomplish, viz.: Gotten
+within the British lines, had become, in fact, a member of the British
+army.
+
+So far so good. Now to secure information that would be of value to
+General Washington and a benefit to the great Cause of Liberty.
+
+"What's your name?" asked one of the British soldiers.
+
+"Harry Fuller," Dick replied
+
+"Where do you live?"
+
+"Oh, about ten miles from here," replied the youth
+
+"Parents living."
+
+"Yes," replied Dick.
+
+"And so you have joined the king's army and are going to help make it
+hot for the rebels, hey" with a chuckle. "Good for you."
+
+"Yes," said Dick, "I am eager to get a chance to strike blows against
+the rebels. How soon do you think that will happen? When are we likely
+to get into a battle with them?"
+
+"Hard telling, young man. That's for the generals to say. What their
+plans may be is more than I can say."
+
+"I have heard it rumored in our part of the country that he British
+will make an attack on the rebels soon. That's the reason I came here
+to-night. I thought maybe the attack might be made to-morrow, and if I
+didn't get here to-night, I would not arrive in time for the fight."
+
+"We might be ordered to move against the rebels to-morrow, for all I
+know," was the reply. "And then again we might be left sitting here a
+week or a month. I haven't any idea when the move will be made."
+
+"I hope it will be soon," declared Dick, with a view to keeping up the
+pretense of being imbued with an intense desire to get at the rebels.
+
+"You'll get a chance to do all the fighting you care for, one of these
+days, young fellow," said another soldier. "Don't worry on that
+score."
+
+"I'm not worrying about it, sir," said Dick.
+
+"Do you think you will fight when the time comes?" half-sneered
+another, rather evil-featured fellow, leering at Dick. "I'd be willing
+to wager that you'll do more running than fighting."
+
+"You might lose your money if you wagered it that way," said Dick,
+quietly, gazing steadily at the speaker.
+
+"I might, but I don't think I would," with a harsh laugh. "I don't
+think much of the bravery of the Americans, whether rebels or king's
+men. They are not the kind that make good soldiers."
+
+"I suppose you think that you are," said Dick, calmly.
+
+"I know it, sonny!" fiercely. "I've been tried in the fire, do you
+hear? I'm a veteran, and have seen service in the fields of Europe,
+India and Africa."
+
+"You seem to be great at blowing your own horn, at any rate," said
+Dick, quietly. And several of the other soldiers sitting near
+snickered, which seemed to anger the other very much.
+
+"Do you mean to insult me?" he cried, glancing fiercely at Dick.
+
+"Oh, no," coolly. "I was simply stating a fact, that is all."
+
+"Well, you had better be careful, that's all I have got to say!"
+snarled the redcoat, viciously. "If you weren't a boy, I would give
+you a thumping for what you have already said."
+
+"Don't let my youth hinder you," retorted Dick. "I will say this, that
+I think you will find the people of America as brave as those of your
+country or any other, and I think, too, that they will make as brave
+and effective soldiers."
+
+"That's right, youngster, hold up for your own people," said one of
+the soldiers approvingly. "The boy's all right, Coggins," to the
+ill-natured soldier. "You had no business talking as you did."
+
+"Bah!" sneered Coggins. "I meant what I said, but as the young fellow
+is not yet out of his teens, I'll pay no attention to his words. It
+wouldn't look well for me to thrash a boy."
+
+"You might find that you had your hands full if you tried it," said
+Dick, coldly. He had taken a dislike to the boastful redcoat, and as
+he was a brave youth, and also had always found himself a match for
+any man he had ever engaged in a physical struggle with, he had no fear
+of this fellow.
+
+"There's good nerve, for you!" remarked a soldier, admiringly. "How do
+you like it, Coggins?" It was evident that this particular soldier,
+Coggins, was not very well liked by his comrades.
+
+"Do you think I'm a fool, to get myself laughed at for engaging in a
+fight with a green country boy?" growled Coggins. "I'll do no such
+thing." Rising, he walked away with a swagger, but he gave Dick a look
+of hatred as he did so.
+
+A number of the soldiers grinned, and two or three chuckled aloud, and
+unless Coggins was deaf, he must have heard them.
+
+"Would you really have fought him?" queried a soldier, looking at Dick
+keenly, when Coggins was gone.
+
+"If he attacked me, I should have protected myself," was the reply.
+
+"But you couldn't have done much against him. You're only a boy."
+
+"I don't know about that. I am pretty strong and am also rather
+active, and I have wrestled with a number of grown men, and never
+found one yet that I couldn't down."
+
+"Well, you might have held your own with Coggins, but I doubt it a
+little."
+
+"Better be a bit careful how you ruffle him, young man," said another
+soldier. "He's a vicious chap when his anger is aroused, and he would
+not hesitate to do you serious injury. He gave you a look I noticed
+that was not exactly friendly, as he left."
+
+"I noticed that, too," smiled Dick. "But I do not fear him. I shall
+not try to anger him, but if he annoys me, I will take my own part,
+that is certain. I won't let him run over me."
+
+"That's right, of course," approvingly. "But don't get into trouble
+with him if you can avoid it without discredit to yourself."
+
+"I won't, sir, and thank you for your friendly words."
+
+"You're welcome. I don't like Coggins myself, and I don't care who
+knows it. He knows it, all right, I guess," with a short laugh. The
+fact was, though of course Dick knew nothing of it, that this soldier,
+whose name was Ferguson, and the other, Coggins, were enemies, having
+had an encounter once, in which Ferguson had gotten rather the best of
+it, though the fight did not go to a finish, it having been stopped by
+order of the colonel.
+
+Soon the soldiers stretching themselves on blankets and going to
+sleep. Dick was given a blanket, and he also lay down, being quite
+tired by this time, and was soon asleep.
+
+The fact that he was in the encampment of the enemy did not have any
+effect on Dick's nerves at all. He was a brave and matter-of-fact
+youth, and felt the boldest plan was the safest, and so he was enabled
+to act with as much _sang froid_ as if he were really an adherent of
+the king and sincere in his desire to fight for him.
+
+Dick ate breakfast with the rest of the soldiers of his company, then
+he looked about them, and over the encampment, with interest. It was
+very interesting indeed to the boy patriot spy and he was eager to see
+all that there was to be seen.
+
+He noted that this was in itself quite an encampment, but realized
+that it was only one portion of the whole. He wished to get the other
+divisions located, and desired also to learn how many soldiers there
+were in the entire British army. He asked questions, carefully, in
+such a manner as not to create suspicion, and gradually became
+possessed of considerable information that he felt must be reliable,
+since there could be no occasion for those who gave him the
+information to deceive him, they believing him to be loyal to the king
+and a soldier the same as they were.
+
+About nine o'clock Company H. was ordered to proceed to the beach for
+the purpose of allowing the soldiers to bathe, and they set out at
+once, Dick accompanying them, of course. On the way they passed
+another division of the British army, and Dick was informed by a
+companion that it was the main body.
+
+When they neared the beach, Dick caught sight of several old hulks of
+vessels at anchor near the shore, and he inquired what they were.
+
+"Old hulks of dismantled ships," was the reply. "We use them for
+prisons for those of the rebel army that we capture."
+
+"Are there any rebels in there now?" queried Dick, making his tone as
+careless as possible, though having his father in mind, his heart was
+throbbing with eagerness.
+
+"Yes, there are a number in there-fifteen or twenty, I should judge.
+They are in the hulk farthest to the north. Among them are three or
+four rebel spies who will likely be shot or hanged sooner or later."
+
+Dick's heart thrilled as he heard this news. Perhaps he might be able
+to rescue all those poor, suffering patriot prisoners! He made up his
+mind that he would try, at any rate. And again the thought struck him
+that his father might be imprisoned there. He at once decided that he
+would visit the prison ship and rescue the prisoners, if possible.
+
+
+
+Chapter XI
+
+Tom in Trouble
+
+
+Dick Dare eyed the British fleet with interest. It lay in the
+roadstead, just off York Bay, and the sight of the warships was indeed
+alluring. He asked questions about the fleet, being careful to inquire
+as if actuated merely by curiosity, and he also managed to secure
+information as to the number of soldiers in the army on shore. He was
+told that the army, as a whole, had about twenty-four thousand men in
+its ranks.
+
+"Phew, that outnumbers our army considerably!" thought Dick. "Well, no
+matter, when it comes to battle, I'll wager that we will give the
+redcoats all they can do."
+
+When Company H. had finished bathing, the soldiers marched back to the
+encampment, and other companies were met on their way to the beach to
+take their turn in the water.
+
+Dick was on the alert for information all the rest of that day. He did
+not learn much more, for he found that there was no intention of
+attacking the patriot force on Brooklyn Heights very soon, exactly the
+point on which General Washington wished to be informed. He became
+convinced that it would be useless to remain longer in the hope of
+securing further information, as no date for an attack had been
+decided upon.
+
+He turned his attention therefore to the problem of how if possible to
+rescue the patriot spies and soldiers that were in the old hulk used
+for a prison.
+
+"I must rescue them!" was his thought. "I will rescue them!" he
+decided, and he began figuring on the matter in earnest and laying his
+plans.
+
+About half-past one o'clock in the afternoon, however, he was given a
+shock: He saw half a dozen British soldiers approaching the encampment
+from the north, and in their midst was-his brother Tom!
+
+"They've captured Tom!" he exclaimed mentally, in dismay. "Goodness,
+that is bad! I wonder how it happened?"
+
+This was a simple matter. The half dozen redcoats had been up in the
+hills nearby the Heights, where Dick and Tom had had the adventure the
+night before, when in passing the clump of trees, some one of them
+happened to catch a glimpse of Tom, who was seated under a tree,
+eating some food that he had procured t a farmhouse early that
+morning. The soldiers had advanced, and their sudden appearance had
+startled Tom to such an extent that when they asked who he was and
+what he was doing there, he stammered and was unable to make a
+satisfactory reply offhand, with the result that the redcoats seized
+him and made him a prisoner, their idea being that even though he were
+a boy he might be a "rebel" spy.
+
+As may well be supposed, when Dick saw the redcoats approaching with
+his brother a prisoner in their midst, his heart sank. He had been
+figuring on getting his brother to help him in rescuing the patriot
+spies and soldiers, and here was Tom in the enemy's hands, a prisoner.
+
+"I'll have to begin by rescuing Tom, I guess," was Dick's thought.
+
+The soldiers entered the encampment, with the youth in their midst,
+and conducted him to where in front of his tent the general was
+sitting on a camp-stool. The officer looked up as the party
+approached, and he eyed the prisoner in some surprise.
+
+Dick had drawn near as the soldiers entered the camp, and had managed
+to catch Tom's eye and give him a warning look. He hoped that his
+brother would be very careful, and not let it be seen that they were
+known to each other.
+
+"Whom have you there?" queried General Percy, as the party came to a
+halt in front of him.
+
+"We found this youngster over yonder in that bit of woods, General
+Percy," said one of the soldiers. "He was sitting there, eating a
+lunch, and when we appeared and asked him who he was and where he came
+from, he seemed frightened and could make no satisfactory answer."
+
+"I wasn't frightened, any such thing!" said Tom, his eyes flashing. "I
+am not frightened even now, sir. I was surprised, for they came upon
+me so suddenly, and the leaped at me as if I were a desperado, and
+naturally I may have seemed a bit confused in my answers to their
+questions. But I wasn't frightened, sir."
+
+Something like a grim smile appeared for an instant on the general's
+face, as he looked at the bright face of the boy.
+
+"So you were not afraid, eh?" he remarked. "Well, if you are not a
+rebel spy or an enemy to the king, there is no reason that you should
+be afraid. What is your name?"
+
+"Tom Dare, sir." Tom had given his real name to the soldiers, but had
+wished afterward that he had given a fictitious one. Now he could do
+nothing other than give his own name.
+
+"Tom Dare, eh? Well, Master Tom Dare, where do you live?"
+
+The boy hesitated an instant, and then said: "I live over in New
+Jersey."
+
+"Ah, in New Jersey? Well, what are you doing over here on Long
+Island?"
+
+"I wanted to see the British army, sir, and so I came over here."
+
+"Ah, indeed? Why did you wish to see the British army?"
+
+"Just out of curiosity, sir. I have never before seen an army, and I
+wanted to see one."
+
+General Percy eyed the boy searchingly for a few moments, and then
+said:
+
+"It seems to me you have come good ways to satisfy a feeling of
+curiosity. Your action is a little bit unusual. You appear to have an
+inquiring mind." There was something in his tone that Tom did not just
+like. It had a threatening sound. However, he kept a bold face, and
+said as calmly as possible:
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I suppose," said the general after a few moments, "that you have so
+much curiosity, you would like to see all that you possibly can."
+
+Tom still did not fancy the general's tone and air, but he answered:
+
+"True, sir. So I would."
+
+"Very well. Such being the case, I have no doubt that you would like
+to see the interior of one of the old hulks down at the bay, that we
+use as prisons for rebel spies and other prisoners. I am going to send
+you down there, my boy, and I hope you will like the looks of things
+there, for you will probably be there some time."
+
+Tom started and turned slightly pale.
+
+"Surely you are not going to make me a prisoner there, sir!" he
+exclaimed in dismay.
+
+"That is just what I am going to do, Master Tom Dare!" was the reply
+in a stern tone. "The fact is, I believe you are a rebel spy. Your
+explanation of your presence here, when your home is over in New
+Jersey is not satisfactory at all. I am certain that you have an
+ulterior motive in coming, and the only motive that I can think of is
+that you came to engage in spy-work. Take him to the prison at once,
+men," this last to the soldiers.
+
+Poor Tom! He knew it would be hopeless to expostulate. He felt that he
+was doomed to become an inmate of one of the prison-ships, and as he
+thought it would be useless he said not a word, but accompanied the
+soldiers without making any show of resistance.
+
+"Take him past the other encampments and let him see the whole army,"
+called General Percy after them. "When one has as much curiosity as he
+seems to be possessed of, it should be satisfied." This was sarcasm
+and intended to hurt Tom's feelings and humiliate him, but instead it
+only aroused a feeling of resentment in his breast, and almost before
+he realized what he was saying, he exclaimed aloud:
+
+"I'd like to kick him!"
+
+"Who, the general?" queried one of the soldiers.
+
+"Yes," said Tom, boldly.
+
+"You'd better not let him hear you say anything like that, sonny!"
+
+"Say, comrades," remarked another, maliciously, "let's go back and
+tell the general what he said."
+
+"No, let's not," said another. "The general would whip out his sword
+and cut the boy's head off. Come on; it will be punishment sufficient
+to be incarcerated in the old prison-ship, even if he is a spy."
+
+"I guess you're right about that, comrade."
+
+"If it was me," spoke up another, "I believe I'd rather have my head
+cut off and be done with it, than to be imprisoned in that old hulk."
+
+"I guess you're about right," agreed the first speaker. "I certainly
+would hate to have to change places with you, my boy."
+
+Tom decided that the prison-ship must be a terrible place, and he was
+destined to soon find that such was really the case.
+
+They passed the main encampment of the British, as they went to the
+beach, and the patriot youth thought that the British would be hard to
+defeat, with such a strong army.
+
+"There must be fifteen or twenty thousand soldiers there" was his
+estimate.
+
+Soon the little party was at the beach, and getting into the old
+row-boat, the soldiers rowed out to the hulk furthest north, and
+assisted Tom to the deck. Here they found a British soldier on guard.
+
+"What have you got there, comrades?" this soldier asked, looking at
+Tom in surprise.
+
+"Another prisoner, Hawkins. He is only a boy, but the general is of
+the opinion that he is a rebel spy, so down he goes into the hold with
+the rest of the rebels."
+
+"All right; down with him. But I wouldn't think the rebels would send
+out such a young one to do spy-work."
+
+"Well, the general thinks he's a spy, and that settles it."
+
+"It certainly does so far as I am concerned. Down with him."
+
+The hatch was opened, and Tom was assisted down the ladder to the
+bottom of the hold, and then leaving him there, with his hands still
+tied together behind his back, the soldiers mounted the ladder and put
+the hatch in place, leaving Tom in complete darkness.
+
+As he realized his situation, a shudder went over the youth's form.
+
+"I don't like this!" he murmured.
+
+
+
+Chapter XII
+
+Dick Does Wonderful Work
+
+
+Dick Dare had been afraid that General Percy might connect him with
+Tom, and suspect that they were in the neighborhood together, but such
+a thought evidently did not come to the commander, for happily he
+seemed to dismiss the matter from his mind when the soldiers departed
+with the boy. He again busied himself with some writing.
+
+When Dick noted this, he breathed a sigh of relief. It would have been
+bad indeed had he been then suspected and made a prisoner, the same as
+had been the case with Tom. With them both in the old prison-hulk,
+escape would have been difficult, in fact well-nigh impossible, but
+with Dick free to work from the outside, it was different. The youth
+believed that he might be able to rescue his brother and the other
+prisoners in the prison-ship, and he was fully decided to make the
+attempt that very night.
+
+The afternoon dragged slowly along. Dick could hardly wait for
+nightfall, for he was eager to get to work. He thought the afternoon
+never would end.
+
+But it did, at last, and after he had eaten supper, he began mentally
+reviewing the task that lay before him. The first thing to do would be
+to get away from the encampment, and he decided to do this at once. He
+had laid his plans, and going to the colonel, he asked permission to
+take a walk.
+
+"I am not used to camplife, sir," he said; "and I feel the need of a
+little exercise. If not contrary to the rules, I would like to take a
+walk of a mile or so in the country."
+
+"I guess it will be all right," was the reply. "Go ahead, but don't
+stay too long."
+
+"I won't, sir. Thank you."
+
+Dick walked boldly out of the encampment, and in order to disarm
+suspicion, in case his action should occasion comment, he went toward
+the east. To have started north might have aroused suspicion that he
+was heading for New York.
+
+"Where away, comrade?" queried the sentinel at the east side of the
+encampment.
+
+"Oh, out for a little walk for exercise," replied Dick, carelessly.
+
+"All right. The Countersign is `The King Rules'."
+
+"Thank you," said Dick. "I'll not forget."
+
+He walked slowly on, as if merely taking a leisurely stroll, but as
+soon as he was out of sight of the sentinel and others, he changed to
+a swift pace, and turning, headed toward the prison-ships in the bay.
+
+"Now for business!" he murmured, grimly. "I'll have the patriot
+prisoners out of that old hulk before many hours, or I'll know the
+reason why!"
+
+He hastened onward, but paused frequently and listened intently. He
+did not want to meet any force of British soldiers then for it would
+have been awkward work explaining his presence.
+
+He was fortunate, however, in that he did not encounter any redcoats,
+and in considerably less than an hour he was at the shore, near where
+the prison-ships were anchored.
+
+"Now the next thing is to get aboard the hulk," was Dick's thought.
+
+This would be difficult, for the reason that there was a sentinel on
+the deck. To reach the hulk and climb aboard without being seen by
+this sentinel was a task that would be hard to accomplish. But Dick
+did not hesitate. He was brave, and eager to rescue his brother and
+the other patriot spies and soldiers, and so he located an old boat,
+got in, and then pulled slowly and carefully toward the prison-ship,
+which could be faintly seen looming up a couple of hundred yards
+distant on the water.
+
+Dick felt that the chances were that the sentinel would have his
+attention directed toward the shore, and so he made a half-circuit and
+approached from the other side. He rowed slowly and cautiously, making
+scarcely any noise at all, and was successful in reaching the hulk
+without having been discovered. Dick had rightly guessed that the
+sentinel was at the other side, doubtless keeping a lookout shoreward.
+
+Dick felt around in the boat, and found a rope-ladder, with hooks on
+one end, and with the aid of a boathook, he managed to get the hooks
+caught over the ship's rail. This accomplished, he stood there and
+listened intently. He feared he might have been heard by the sentinel.
+
+Such did not seem to be the case, however, for all was quiet aboard,
+and presently the youth began making his way slowly and cautiously up
+the ladder. He kept on till his head was even with the top of the
+rail, and then he gazed about, trying to locate the sentinel. It was
+so dark, however, that he could not see the redcoat, and feeling that
+the coast was reasonably clear, Dick climbed on up, and over the rail,
+and a moment later stood on the deck.
+
+So far all was well. He had escaped from the British encampment, had
+reached the prison-hulk, and was on board. Now to overpower the
+sentinel and rescue the prisoners.
+
+The youth paused only long enough to tie the boat's painter to the
+rail, and then he slowly and cautiously made his way along the deck,
+going toward the bow. He reached the end of the cabin, moved quietly
+around it, and then started in the other direction. He went with still
+greater caution now, for he realized that at any moment he might come
+upon the British sentinel.
+
+Dick knew that there were two soldiers on board all the time, and that
+they took turns at standing guard, so one would be on deck and the
+other would likely be in the cabin asleep. To capture the one guard,
+without making a noise that would be heard by the other would be a
+difficult matter, but Dick was not the kind of youth to be dismayed by
+difficulties. Their presence only made him the more determined.
+
+He advanced carefully, and suddenly he caught sight of a shadowy form
+a few feet ahead of him. It was the sentinel, undoubtedly, and luckily
+for Dick, the redcoat's back was partially toward him, and the soldier
+was gazing in almost the opposite direction from that in which Dick
+was approaching.
+
+The youth, after a keen survey of the form, decided that the redcoat's
+back was toward him, and so advanced a couple of steps, as silently as
+a shadow. He was now close upon the man, and reaching out suddenly, he
+grasped the fellow by the throat with both hands, and raising his knee
+quickly, struck the soldier in the small of the back, and threw him
+with a twisting motion to the deck; then dropping upon the fallen man,
+Dick compressed his windpipe, gripping it with all his might.
+
+Although but eighteen years of age, Dick Dare was stronger than the
+majority of men. He was naturally powerful, and his life on the farm
+had been such as to develop his strength and endurance, and so it
+happened that he was easily more than a match for the British soldier.
+The fact that this fellow had been taken completely by surprise worked
+to his disadvantage, too, and although he struggled hard, he was
+unable to do anything, and the gripping fingers, compressing his
+windpipe like bands of steel, gradually weakened him, for he was
+unable to get his breath. Neither could he cry out, and the result was
+that in about three minutes from the time Dick had seized the redcoat,
+the fellow was lying unconsciously on the deck-choked into
+insensibility.
+
+Feeling confident the sentinel would remain unconscious some time,
+Dick left the form lying there, and entered the cabin in search of the
+other soldier. A snore sounding from a stateroom at one side guided
+the youth, so he entered the compartment, and seizing this redcoat by
+the throat, as he had the other, Dick quickly choked him into limp
+insensibility. This accomplished, he went out on deck, dragged the
+other redcoat into the cabin, and into the stateroom. Closing the
+door, he locked them in.
+
+"I don't think they will be able to get out of there, even if they
+regain consciousness before I get to the prisoners," thought Dick.
+
+Then he went out on deck again and hunted around till he found the
+hatchway. Removing the covering, he looked down into the hold, but
+could see nothing, the darkness there being even greater than on the
+deck.
+
+"Hello, down there!" he called. "Are you there, Tom!"
+
+"Dick! Oh, is it really you?" came the reply, in the excited voice of
+Tom Dare.
+
+"Yes, it is I," was the reply. "How many are there with you, Tom? Is
+father there?"
+
+"No, Dick, father isn't here. Come down and free us, quick!" eagerly.
+"There are twelve of us here, it is a terrible place,-slimy and
+foul-smelling, and there are rats, insects and worms, ugh!"
+
+"Climb up the ladder," instructed Dick. "Surely you are not bound."
+
+"Our hands are tied. That's what I meant by telling you to come down
+and free us, Dick."
+
+"I'll be with you in moment, Tom."
+
+Dick hastened down the ladder, and was soon standing beside Tom, who
+had scrambled to his feet. He quickly cut the rope binding his
+brother's wrists, and then asked where the other prisoners were.
+
+"Here," replied a hoarse voice. "We are right at hand, Dick Dare, and
+glad to welcome you. Your brother has told us about you, and we have
+been hoping you would succeed in freeing us, though we feared you
+might not be able to do so. But you seem to have succeeded, thank God!
+I am Joseph Boswick," he continued, "one of the spies sent down here
+by General Washington to secure information regarding the British.
+There are three more spies, and seven patriot soldiers and all of us
+are eager to get out of this terrible hole, as you may well believe."
+
+"I can easily believe it, Mr. Boswick, and I'll have your hands free
+in a jiffy, and then you can climb the ladder to the deck, and we will
+go ashore in the boat. The two British guards are insensible, and
+locked in a stateroom."
+
+"You are a wonder, Dare!" said Boswick, admiration in his tone. "Well,
+cut our bonds quickly and we'll try to get out of here."
+
+This was speedily done, and a few minutes later the entire party was
+on the deck. To climb down into the boat was a simple matter, but it
+had only just been accomplished when there came the noise of oars in
+rowlocks, from the other side of the hulk, followed by the sound of
+voices.
+
+"Some redcoats have come off to the ship, from the shore!" whispered
+Dick, to Boswick. "We must get away from here in a hurry, for your
+escape will be discovered very quickly!"
+
+
+
+Chapter XIII
+
+General Washington is Pleased
+
+
+"We had better get to the shore at once," was the reply. "This boat is
+so heavily loaded that it would be dangerous to try to go to New York
+in it."
+
+"Yes, and it is old and leaky, anyway. We'll go ashore and then head
+for Brooklyn Heights."
+
+Dick turned the oars and rowed cautiously toward the island. The boat
+moved very slowly, for it was deep in the water, and rapid progress
+was impossible.
+
+The shore was reached presently, however, and at the same instant
+there came out of the darkness excited yells from the direction of the
+prison-ship.
+
+"They've discovered your escape," said Dick. "Get ashore, men, as
+quickly as possible."
+
+The rescued patriots leaped ashore as fast as they could, and then
+with Dick in the lead, they set out northward.
+
+"By keeping over pretty close to the water, I think we shall be able
+to keep clear of the redcoats," said Dick.
+
+"Likely," agreed Tom. "We mustn't let them capture us now."
+
+"I'll never go back to that terrible prison-pen alive!" declared
+Boswick. "I would much rather die fighting."
+
+"We'll get to the Heights and then over to New York in safety,"
+assured Dick.
+
+The excited voices of the British who had discovered the escape of the
+prisoners could be heard for some time, but gradually grew fainter,
+until at last no sound could be heard. The little party kept steadily
+onward, and managed to get past the left end of the British army and
+an hour or so later arrived at the patriot encampment on Brooklyn
+Heights.
+
+They paused there only long enough to rest a bit and apprise the
+officer in command of their escape from the prison-ship, then they
+went down to the shore and were taken across to the New York side in
+boats.
+
+They went direct to patriot headquarters, and were quickly ushered
+into the presence of the commander-in-chief. When he saw Dick and Tom,
+and also Boswick and the other spies and the patriot soldiers that had
+been prisoners, his face lighted up with pleasure.
+
+"You surely have succeeded well, Dare!" he exclaimed. "You have
+rescued the patriot prisoners from the British prison-ship, and I hope
+you have as well secured some important information."
+
+"I have secured some information, your excellency," replied Dick. "And
+I am pleased because I was able to free the patriots from the
+prison-ship."
+
+"You have done well, Dick-wonderfully well. I congratulate you, my
+boy." Then he shook hands with Boswick and the other spies and the
+soldiers and asked them about their experience in the prison-ship.
+According to their words, the prison-ship was a terrible place, the
+bottom of the hold being water-soaked and slimy, and infested by
+myriads of insects and worms, which crawled over the prisoners'
+bodies, stinging and biting them and almost driving them wild. There
+were large and vicious rats also. The prisoners were thin and gaunt,
+and it was evident that they had suffered indeed.
+
+"You have had a very unpleasant experience, men," said the
+commander-in-chief; "but now you are free and will soon be your old
+selves again. Go to your quarters, get some food and then rest up and
+regain your lost strength."
+
+The soldiers obeyed, all going save Dick, who remained at the command
+of General Washington. When the others had gone, he turned inquiringly
+at Dick.
+
+"What did you learn, my boy?" he queried. "Have you secured any
+information of value?"
+
+"I haven't secured a great deal of information, your excellency," was
+the reply. "I learned the numerical strength of the British army, for
+one thing."
+
+"That is important. What is the number?"
+
+"Twenty-five thousand."
+
+A sober, thoughtful look settled over the face of the
+commander-in-chief.
+
+"That is about five thousand more than I figured on," he murmured.
+"Well, I am glad to have knowledge of their strength, even though it
+is greater than I had expected it to be."
+
+"I learned also, that an attack on Brooklyn Heights, while a
+probability at some future time, is not contemplated at an early
+date."
+
+"That is important also, Dick. Well, did you learn anything else?"
+
+"Nothing else, sir. But, if you desire it, I will go back over onto
+Long Island and will keep watch on the British and do my best to learn
+of any intended move early enough to get the news to you, so that you
+will have time to make a move that will check the enemy."
+
+"We will wait a few days, Dick, and then I may send you again. I
+congratulate you on the success of your first attempt at spying. You
+did well, Dick, exceedingly well, and I shall doubtless make use of
+you frequently in the future, if you care to undertake the work."
+
+"I shall be glad to do so, your excellency. My only wish is to do all
+in my power to aid the people of America to secure their independence,
+and if I can be of value by doing spy-work, then I shall take pleasure
+in doing it."
+
+"That is the right spirit, my boy, and I shall call upon you whenever
+I have work that I think you can do better than an older man could do
+it."
+
+Then he dismissed Dick, who saluted and withdrew, going to his
+quarters.
+
+He found Tom there, engaged in telling the story of his and Dick's
+adventures over on Long Island, and Ben and the other soldiers were
+listening eagerly, their eyes shining. They greeted Dick joyously.
+
+"Say, I wish I had been with you two fellows, old man," said Ben
+Foster. "You have got the bulge on the rest of us, and that isn't
+fair. You have already encountered the redcoats and had adventures
+with them, while the rest of us have had to stay cooped up here in the
+city." Ben pretended to be vexed with Dick and Tom, but it was only
+pretense.
+
+"You boys will get all the adventure you want, one of these days, I
+think," smiled Dick. "There is going to be a battle over on Long
+Island sooner or later, and then you will get all the fighting you
+want."
+
+"Hurroo!" cried Tim Murphy, "shure an' thot is phwat we are afther
+wantin', Oi dunno. It's all av us wull foight to the last gasp, sure
+an' we wull."
+
+"Yah, ve vill fighd lige eferyting," declared Fritz Schmockenburg. "Ve
+are nod avraid uf der retgoads, und dot is so."
+
+"How soon will the battle take place, Dick?" queried Ben Foster.
+
+Dick shook his head.
+
+"As to that I cannot say, Ben," he replied. "But it will come soon
+enough, without doubt, for the British have twenty-five thousand
+soldiers, while we have not more than eighteen thousand."
+
+"That is pretty big odds," said Ben, with a shake of the head.
+
+"So it is," agreed Dick. "But the patriots will give a good account of
+themselves when the time comes, I feel certain."
+
+"Yah, ve vill gif ein goot accound mit mysellufs," said Fritz, the
+Dutch soldier.
+
+"Just listen to thot, wull yez?" remarked Tim, scathingly. "Shure an'
+there is agotism fur yez!"
+
+"Well, I hope all of us will always give a good account of ourselves,"
+said Dick, quietly. "And I believe we will."
+
+"We'll try to, Dick," said Ben, earnestly.
+
+A few days later General Washington again summoned Dick and told him
+to go over on Long Island and see if he could learn anything regarding
+the intentions of the British.
+
+"You will have to be very careful, this time, however, Dick," he
+cautioned; "for you are known to many of the British, and if they
+should see you, they would capture you, and that would be bad."
+
+"True, sir," said Dick. "I will be very careful. I will not let them
+capture me, if I can help myself." Then, after receiving his
+instructions, Dick saluted and withdrew.
+
+After supper he set out, and crossing the East River, made his way in
+the direction of the British encampment, which was about five miles
+distant, to the southward. He did not need to go to Brooklyn Heights
+to see General Putnam, for the reason that he now knew more about the
+location of the enemy than Putnam did.
+
+Dick did not walk rapidly, for he felt that it were better to proceed
+with caution, for if he went too swiftly he could not exercise much
+care, and the result might be unpleasant, as there was danger that he
+might run into a party of British. By going slowly he could avoid this
+danger.
+
+Two hours from the time he crossed the East River, he was in the
+vicinity of the British encampment, and he moved slowly around it,
+trying to figure out some way to get where he could secure
+information, but to no avail. He could not devise any means of doing
+this. To enter the lines was out of the question, for there would
+likely be some of the soldiers who would recognize him as the youth
+who had joined the British army a few days before and then deserted.
+Doubtless the British were aware of the fact, also, that the same
+youth had set the prisoners free from the prison-ship.
+
+Dick remained near the British encampment till after midnight, but
+could do nothing to further the purpose for which he had come, and so
+he retired to a clump of trees situated about a quarter of a mile from
+the edge of the encampment, and hunting up a place under some bushes,
+lay down and went to sleep.
+
+He slept soundly till morning, and then got up and took a survey of
+the British encampment. The sun was just rising, and everything was
+quiet in the camp. The soldiers were still asleep, with the exception
+of the sentinels, who could be seen slowly pacing their beats.
+
+Dick had nothing to eat, but did not let that bother him. He was
+prepared to go without food all day, if by so doing he would have a
+better chance of securing information regarding the enemy. He watched
+till the British soldiers got up and ate their breakfast, and then as
+he saw small groups moving about, some coming almost to the clump of
+trees, he decided that it would be best to climb up into a tree and
+conceal himself amid the leaves, and selecting a tree with very heavy
+foliage, he climbed well up into it. Here he took up as comfortable a
+position as possible, watching the enemy and awaiting developments.
+
+All was quiet till noon, and then as he saw the soldiers eating their
+dinners, he was assailed by a feeling of hunger. He resolutely
+dismissed the thought of food, however, and stuck to his position. He
+was determined to stay till evening, at any rate, and then if he had
+not secured any information, he would go to a farmhouse which he saw
+about a mile distant, to the eastward, and get something to eat, after
+which he would return to his post. He was determined to remain in the
+vicinity of the army till he learned something of value in the way of
+news regarding the intentions of the British, if it took him a week.
+
+He climbed down out of the tree presently and walked about, in the
+thicket, stretching in legs and feeling much better afterward, for his
+position had been a cramped one at the best.
+
+When the British soldiers began moving around again, after dinner,
+Dick climbed up into the tree once more, for some of the redcoats
+might visit the clump of trees at any time. A party of four of the
+soldiers did enter the thicket an hour or so later, and throwing
+themselves down in the shade, talked and laughed for some time, but
+although Dick listened with intense eagerness, no words were spoken
+that gave him any information. If the soldiers knew of any intended
+move on the part of the British army, they did not mention the fact in
+their conversation, which was made up of idle talk, of the kind as
+such men would naturally indulge in.
+
+When they left and returned to the encampment Dick drew a breath of
+relief, for he felt that every minute they remained in the clump of
+trees he was in danger of discovery. He might make a noise, in
+shifting his position, and be heard, or he might have to sneeze, or
+cough. And if he were to be discovered, it would go hard with him, for
+he would undoubtedly be deemed a spy.
+
+After the redcoats returned to the encampment, Dick descended to the
+ground and walked about a while, being careful to keep the most of the
+thicket between himself and the enemy. After half an hour on the
+ground, he again climbed up into the tree.
+
+Dick began to think the day was to be barren of results, as evening
+drew near; but a little while before sundown he caught sight of a
+couple of soldiers approaching the clump of trees. As the two drew
+near, he got a fair view of their faces, and he had all he could do to
+keep from uttering an exclamation, for-the two approaching British
+soldiers were no others than Zeke Boggs and Lem Hicks, Dick's enemies,
+the Tory youths from over in New Jersey!
+
+"Well, this is a surprise!" thought Dick. "But I remember now, that
+Ben said Zeke told him he and Lem were going to join the British army
+and be British soldiers, that they were not going to let Tom, Ben, and
+myself get ahead of them. I wonder what they would say if they knew I
+was so near them?"
+
+Zeke and Lem, dressed in the uniform of British soldiers, entered the
+clump of timber and seated themselves on the moss under the tree next
+to that Dick was in. They had no suspicion that there was anyone other
+than themselves present, and talked freely of their plans.
+
+"How do ye like army life, anyhow, Zeke?" asked Lem, as they lolled on
+the grass.
+
+"Oh, pretty well, Lem," was the reply. "How do ye like et?"
+
+"Oh, only so-so, Zeke. They're too strict ter suit me. I don't like
+ter hev ter come an' go just ez sumbuddy tells me, do you?"
+
+"No, I don't. But when er feller enters the army, that's jest whut he
+hez ter do."
+
+"Yes, thet's so. Well, I guess I'll git used ter et."
+
+"I'll be glad when we git inter a bettle with the rebels, Lem, won't
+you?"
+
+"Yes, I guess so." The tone was not very decided or enthusiastic. "I
+hope thet ef we do git inter a battle, we'll meet up with Dick an' Tom
+Dare an' Ben Foster."
+
+"So do I. I'd like ter giv' 'em a thrashin' in a battle."
+
+"So would I. An' I guess thet we'll hev a chance to fight the rebels
+afore so very long, fur I heerd our colonel tell another officer thet
+et hez be'n decided ter make an attack on Brooklyn Heights the
+twenty-fourth."
+
+"Yes, I heard 'im say thet."
+
+Dick made mental note of this date. He had learned something of value,
+and from the lips of his enemies, Zeke and Lem. How angry they would
+be if they knew they had done Dick Dare a kindness! "Thank you, Zeke
+and Lem," he murmured. "You are very kind, and have done me quite a
+favor."
+
+The two Tory youths remained there half an hour or so, and then
+returned to the encampment. Their conversation had held nothing
+further of interest to Dick, but what he had learned was sufficient.
+He had learned when the British intended to make the attack, and that
+was just what he had come over there to try to learn. Now he was eager
+to get back to New York and tell the commander-in-chief the news.
+
+As soon as it was dark, he set out for New York, and reached there a
+couple of hours later. He went at once to headquarters, where he told
+General Washington what he had learned.
+
+The commander-in-chief complimented Dick on his success in securing
+the information, and next morning he sent three thousand troops over
+to reinforce General Putnam's force on Brooklyn Heights. To the
+delight of Dick, Tom and Ben, Colonel Morgan's regiment was among
+those sent, and the youths would thus be able to take part in the
+battle.
+
+When the 24th arrived, however, the British did not make the expected
+attack, and about mid-day General Washington came over to the Heights
+and conferred with Putnam, and Dick was asked his opinion regarding
+the non-appearance of the British.
+
+"I don't understand it, sir," he replied. "I heard the two Tory youths
+say that an attack would be made on the twenty-fourth. Perhaps the
+British have learned that you were expecting them, and have postponed
+the attack on that account."
+
+"That is possible," agreed General Washington. "Well, the only thing
+to do, now, is to keep constantly on the lookout and be ready all the
+time to repulse an attack."
+
+"That is the proper course, your excellency," said General Putnam.
+
+So it was decided to remain in readiness, and to keep out double the
+usual number of sentinels, so as to avoid being taken by surprise.
+
+This course was adopted, and the patriots kept in readiness for
+instant battle, and waited with what patience they could muster,
+pestered as they were by the hot weather and myriads of mosquitoes,
+for the British to make an attack.
+
+
+
+Chapter XIV
+
+The Haunted House
+
+
+Life in the patriot camp often grew irksome to the volunteers of
+Washington's army. All were eager to meet their red-coat foes, and
+prove their mettle in a real battle. Thus far the troops gathered in
+New York, had been forced to content themselves with occasional
+skirmishes with the British outposts, which little affairs only served
+to increase their eagerness to "have it out" with the invaders.
+
+To make the long days of waiting pass more pleasantly, frequent
+excursions were made into the surrounding country in search of
+adventures and to pick up whatever delicacies in the way of fruit and
+fowl that the outlying farms afforded. Tom appointed himself a
+committee of one to supply the company to which he and his friends
+belonged. He had exhausted most of the well-known haunts about camp,
+and was in the habit of going off on long tramps to find the coveted
+fruit.
+
+One evening toward dusk Tom was sauntering along a quiet country road
+hunting for apples. In the course of his wanderings he came upon a
+well laden tree standing on the grounds of a neglected estate. Far
+back amongst the trees was the deserted mansion-house, looking
+desolate and forbidding in the rays of the sinking sun.
+
+About this old place many stories clung of mystery and violent death.
+From the time of its erection by a runaway nobleman the families who
+had unfortunately occupied it had either left in extreme haste and
+terror for some far removed section of the country, or had met with
+foul play at the hands of a band of Gypsies, who appeared in the
+neighborhood only when a new occupant moved into the fated homestead.
+The last family that had lived there had suddenly left the house one
+night. Two grown up sons, however, returned and told the inquisitive
+farmers that although their folks had been frightened away, they
+proposed to remain until they had solved the mystery of the place.
+This perhaps they did the next night, but they both paid for their
+curiosity with their lives, for the neighbors found their bodies
+suspended from the upper floor over the Main Stairway. Since this last
+fatality, the house had been deserted, its bad name growing with each
+recounting of its dark history.
+
+A little youngster scarce four years old, was playing under the tree.
+Tom helped himself to some apples as was his wont, and speaking
+cheerily to the boy, learned that his name was "Jackie." A stick of
+candy from Tom's pocket was greedily accepted by Jackie. Tom was
+feeling blue that day thinking of his father from whom had come no
+word, of his mother and sister, and his old home. He wandered on
+unobservant of the fact that it was growing dark, and that a storm was
+fast approaching. He was suddenly called to a sense of his
+surroundings by hearing a cry behind him, and turning back saw that
+little Jackie was dogging his footsteps.
+
+The youngster was tired out now, and wanted "home and mother," so Tom
+spoke a soothing word or two and they commenced to retrace their
+footsteps. He noted now that the storm was soon to break, and Jackie
+was too tired to hurry, so he gathered the little fellow into his
+strong arms, and made fast time for home.
+
+By the time they had reached the apple tree it was quite dark. Large
+drops of rain, the roar of thunder, and the glare of lightning told
+Tom that he was none too soon. He ran through the unkempt garden, and
+was quickly at the door. A sinister looking place it was even in
+daylight, and now revealed by an occasional lightning flash, the house
+seemed but a wreck of former stateliness. Not a light was visible
+within, and to Tom's loud and hurried rappings on the door, there was
+no response.
+
+A flash of lightning however, showed Tom that the door was unlatched,
+and with the rain now descending in torrents, he hesitated no longer,
+but stepped within. There was a rush of wind, a rattle of shutters, a
+deafening peal of thunder as if close at hand, and with a crash the
+great door suddenly closed.
+
+It did not take Tom long to determine that he and his little charge
+were alone in a deserted mansion.
+
+"Is this your home, Jackie?" inquired Tom.
+
+The little fellow whom Tom had placed upon the floor was thoroughly
+terrified, and could only grasp his answer.
+
+"It is the haunted house, let me go home."
+
+"Nonsense, Jackie, don't be afraid, but where is your home?"
+
+Meantime Tom had turned about and was searching for the handle of the
+great door. There was none. It had been broken off, and this means of
+egress was unavailable.
+
+"Let's see if we can find a window," suggested Tom, but Jackie clung
+closer to his rescuer and began to cry wildly.
+
+"There is a ghost, it's coming," shrieked the little fellow.
+
+Tom looked along the depth of the long hall, and at first saw nothing,
+then at the next flash of lightning he was startled to see two green
+and glaring eyes fixed upon him. No thought of such a thing as a ghost
+entered his mind, he was far too sensible for that, and had no fear of
+spirits. If they were good spirits, he argued, of course they would
+not hurt, if they were bad, he might hurt them. He was for advancing
+at once to investigate, but his little charge clung to him in
+desperate terror.
+
+Then there came another crash of thunder, and at the same instant a
+noise as of an overturned table, and the rattle of pans and pots upon
+the floor. But the eyes, they were gone-no, they were close upon the
+floor, and coming toward them. Tom could not deny that he felt a
+creeping feeling, and poor Jackie, always observant of the goings on,
+was simply overcome with fright, and buried his head in Tom's side to
+shut out the dreaded sight.
+
+"Come, Jackie, let's get out of here," encouraged Tom, and having
+observed a window in the room to the left, he once more took up his
+charge and made for it.
+
+Halfway to his objective point, however, he was startled for a moment
+to see revealed by a lantern the whiskered face of a man on the other
+side of the window. Tom stopped short an instant, but not so Jackie,
+who struggled from his protector's embrace calling out, "There's
+papa!"
+
+In a brief interval Jackie was in his parent's arms, and as they lived
+next door to the deserted mansion, Tom was soon being thanked time and
+again for the rescue of the little runaway.
+
+"And is the house really haunted?" asked Tom, and then without waiting
+for a reply he answered his own question "but of course I know it is
+not."
+
+"No," was the laughing response, "but it has been unoccupied except by
+cats, and in some way has gotten that name."
+
+"And then the eyes we saw-?"
+
+"Quite likely a stray cat, but still it would not be wondered at if
+your nerves got on edge. You are a brave boy, Tom Dare, and I know I
+shall hear of brave deeds of yours in the future."
+
+The storm had moderated, and Tom now had to hasten back to camp where
+he was welcomed for he had for distribution a large bag of apples,
+given him by Jackie's father.
+
+That evening about the camp-fire Tom recounted his adventures to his
+friends, and a trip was planned for the next day to explore the
+secrets of the old house.
+
+The following morning, after drill and the camp duties had been
+performed, Tom, Dick and Ben set out for the scene of the previous
+day's excitement.
+
+"I don't believe half of these `haunted house' stories," said Tom,
+"ever since-," and here he stopped.
+
+"Yes, ever since you thought we had a real ghost, and suggested
+leaving the poor spirit to its own reflection while you and the rest
+of us made for home," broke in Dick.
+
+"When was that?" questioned Ben.
+
+"Why, about a year ago," Dick responded, "four of us spent a night in
+a house with a `haunted' reputation, and after numerous fake alarms,
+caused by the wind shaking the windows or banging the shutters, we at
+last got track of the real disturber, who happened along the very
+night we were on watch."
+
+"Who was it?" questioned Ben, eagerly, while Tom, remembering his
+temporary terror on that night, grew suspiciously red in the face.
+
+"None other than a marauding cat," Dick replied, "whose head had stuck
+in a can it was drinking from, and who knocked the unwelcome helmet on
+the floor in an effort to disengage it."
+
+The boys had now reached the old mansion, and a trip through its
+ruined rooms failed to reveal anything unusual, so after gathering
+another supply of apples, the three returned to camp.
+
+
+
+Chapter XV
+
+Dick Again Does Spy-Work
+
+
+As the days and weeks dragged slowly past and the British did not make
+an attack on the patriot force on Brooklyn Heights, General Washington
+became somewhat impatient. He was puzzled by the action, or rather
+lack of action of the enemy, and was desirous of learning what it
+meant.
+
+There was only one way that this could be done-by sending a spy to
+venture among the enemy and spy upon them, and as Dick Dare had done
+good work for him on two former occasions, the commander-in-chief
+decided to try him again. He had been on the Heights, conferring with
+General Putnam, on the afternoon of August 20th, and presently he
+summoned an orderly and told him to tell Dick Dare to come to
+headquarters.
+
+The orderly saluted and went in search of the youth, whom he found in
+company with his brother Tom, and Ben Foster and two or three other
+soldiers, talking listlessly and wondering when the British would make
+an attack.
+
+"Dick Dare, you are wanted at headquarters," said the orderly. "The
+commander-in-chief sent me to inform you."
+
+Dick leaped up with alacrity.
+
+"I'll go at once," he said.
+
+"Maybe he is wanting you to do some more spy-work, Dick," suggested
+Ben.
+
+"I hope so. I would like to get away from camp and circulate around
+awhile."
+
+"So would I," said Tom.
+
+"Yes, and get captured again," grinned Ben. "You are not cut out for
+spy-work, Tom. You are too impulsive."
+
+"Oh, I don't know about that," demurred Tom. "I'd like to try spying,
+on my own hook, once, like Dick does."
+
+"I don't think either of us would be as successful as Dick," remarked
+Ben.
+
+"That is phwat Oi think," said Tim Murphy, the Irish soldier. "Av
+inywan, now, could come innywhere near bein' as good at spyin' as
+Dick, phwy Fritz here," he continued with a grin, "would be the mon,
+Oi'm thinkin'."
+
+Fritz Schmockenburg, the Dutch soldier, grunted.
+
+"I bet me dot I vould mage ein better sby as vot your vould, Tim
+Murphies," he said placidly.
+
+And then ensued a good-natured dispute between the two, who, although
+they quarrelled frequently, and to one who did not understand them
+would seem to be very angry at each other and enemies in fact, were
+the best of friends. And Tom and Ben egged the two on, for they liked
+to hear them talk, it affording something in the way of amusement to
+pass away the time, which was beginning to hang heavy on their hands,
+camp-life being rather dull and trying, especially to youths like
+them, who had always been used to an active life in the open fields.
+
+Dick had gone to headquarters, and on reaching there, he was given a
+cordial greeting by Generals Washington and Putnam.
+
+"You sent for me, your excellency?" said Dick, after saluting.
+
+"Yes, Dick," was the reply. "I think that I shall again call you into
+requisition. How wold you like to again venture out toward the British
+lines in search of information?"
+
+Dick's face lighted up eagerly.
+
+"I would like it first rate, sir," he said.
+
+"I thought so, and that is the reason I sent for you. Well, Dick, the
+fact is, that we are beginning to grow weary of this state of affairs,
+and would like to learn what is detaining the enemy and causing them
+to hold back from making an attack. And we wish to learn, if possible,
+if an attack is intended soon, and if so, on what date. You wish to
+try your hand at the work of learning this, my boy?"
+
+"I shall be glad to make the attempt to secure the information you
+wish, General Washington," was the prompt and earnest reply.
+
+"Very well, Dick. Then the matter is settled. You will leave this
+evening, as soon as darkness has come, and will visit the special spot
+in the vicinity of the enemy's camp, and learn all that you possibly
+can. There is no need of my giving you other than these general
+instructions, for you have had sufficient experience as a spy to know
+how to go about it yourself."
+
+"Yes, your excellency. I will leave as soon as it is dark, and will do
+my best to secure some information of value."
+
+"I hope that you may succeed, my boy."
+
+"I hope so, sir."
+
+After a little further conversation Dick took his departure, and
+rejoined his comrades, who looked at him inquiringly.
+
+"Spy-work again, Dick?" queried Ben.
+
+"Yes, Ben," was the reply.
+
+"That's what we guessed. When do you start?"
+
+"This evening."
+
+"I wish I could go with you!" said Tom.
+
+"I think it will be better for me to go alone," said Dick. "I can do
+better work alone than if somebody is with me. The general selected me
+because I have a likely place to hide."
+
+"How would it do to take Dootchy wid yez, Dick?" grinned Tim. "He
+thinks he would be a foine spy."
+
+Dick laughed. "I don't know how Fritz would make out in that field of
+endeavor," he said.
+
+"He is so big he couldn't get within a mile of the redcoats without
+their seeing him," commented Ben.
+
+"Yes, that's the only trouble with Fritz," said Tom. "He is too big to
+be a success as a spy."
+
+"I didn't said dot I vould be a goot sby, Dick," responded Fritz. "I
+said dot I vould be as goot a sby as vot Tim Murphies vould be, see?
+und I vill stand me by dot statements, alretty."
+
+"Wull, Oi have not said thot Oi would make a good spy, Dootchy," said
+Tim, "so you wouldn't have to be much in thot line to aquil me. But
+whin it comes to foightin', now, it's mesilf belaves Oi have yez bate,
+Fritz, me bye."
+
+"Oh, I don'd vos know abouid dot, Tim," was the reply. "I think dot I
+vill do some fighdin' myselufs alretty, ven ve get der retgoads at,
+yahs."
+
+"Maybe so," grinned Tim. "We wull wait an see how yez act whin we come
+face to face wid the ridcoats."
+
+"Oh, you'll both be brave soldiers, no doubt," said Tom. "But, you
+won't be any ahead of Dick, Ben and myself. We intend to do some
+fighting, too, when the time comes."
+
+"Oi'm bettin' thot yez presint a bold face to the inimy," nodded Tom,
+who liked the youths immensely. "An' sure, it's meself is wishin' thot
+we get a chance at the ridcoats before very long."
+
+"I hope so, Tim," said Dick.
+
+Soon after supper, that evening, Dick made his preparations for going
+on the expedition. Tom cautioned him again and again to be careful,
+and not take too great risks. "I won't be there to help you, and you
+will have to depend on yourself," he said.
+
+"I shall be careful," said Dick. "But I'm going to find out when the
+British intend to make an attack, that is, if such a thing is
+possible."
+
+"I hope that you may succeed, Dick," encouraged Ben.
+
+"I'll do my best," and then saying good-bye to his friends, Dick left
+the works and set out down the slope, heading in the direction of the
+encampment of the British.
+
+He walked at a moderate pace, for there was no occasion for haste. He
+had the whole night before him.
+
+He walked onward an hour or more, and then stopped in the same little
+clump of timber which had before sheltered him. Climbing a tree, he
+looked toward the south, and saw, not very far distant, the campfires
+of the British. The enemy were still occupying their old quarters.
+
+Dick did not of course dare venture into the British encampment, for
+the reason that he would be recognized and placed under arrest as a
+spy at once, for having pretended to join the force in question only a
+few weeks before, and the redcoats would be only too glad to get their
+hands on him now.
+
+"I guess the best thing I can do is to remain here till morning," was
+Dick's thought. "Then I can get a good view of the encampment, and
+possibly some soldiers may come here to the timber during the day, as
+they did before, to loll in the shade, and I may again be able to hear
+something of interest."
+
+Dick climbed down out of the tree and lay down under some bushes and
+was soon sound asleep. That was one thing that made Dick a good person
+for work of this kind. He did not get excited, and could lie down and
+sleep soundly almost anywhere, and even with the redcoats in close
+proximity to him.
+
+He was up with the sun, next morning, and after eating a portion of
+the food he had brought along with him, he felt refreshed, and turned
+his attention again toward the British encampment. By climbing the
+tree, he was enabled to get a good view of the camp, and could see the
+British soldiers at work cooking their breakfast over the campfires.
+
+Away in the distance, toward the bay, Dick could make out another
+encampment, and knew that this was the main force, under General Howe
+in person. There was no clump of trees near that encampment, however,
+which made it difficult of approach for spying purposes, which was the
+reason he had come to this division of the army instead.
+
+Dick remained up in the tree an hour or so, and then descended and lay
+down under some bushes at the edge of the clump of the trees, on the
+side next to the encampment, and kept a sharp lookout in that
+direction, watching eagerly for the coming of some of the soldiers.
+
+One, two hours passed, and then Dick's patience was rewarded. He saw a
+couple of British soldiers have the encampment and come strolling in
+the direction of the clump of trees.
+
+Dick would have liked to remain on the ground, but feared that he
+might be discovered in case he did so, and thinking it better to be
+careful, he once more careful a position as possible, feeling up as
+comfortable a position as possible, owing to the fact that the foliage
+was very thick.
+
+The two British soldiers came strolling along, talking and laughing,
+and presently they entered the clump of trees and sat down under the
+very tree that Dick was in. Here they made themselves as comfortable
+as possible, and lighting their pipes, smoked and talked lazily.
+
+Dick listened eagerly, hoping to hear something that would be in the
+nature of news, and of value to General Washington, but the soldiers
+kept their conversation in personal channels, which was not of much
+interest to Dick.
+
+"I wish they would talk about the army, and what it intends to do,"
+was Dick's thought.
+
+But the redcoats did not do this. They talked of matters of no
+importance or interest to Dick, and after staying an hour or so, they
+get up and returned to the encampment.
+
+Dick was disappointed. "I was in hopes that I would learn something
+from their conversation," he muttered. "Well, perhaps some more
+soldiers will visit the clump of trees to-day, and in that case I may
+succeed in securing some information. I hope that such will be the
+case, anyway."
+
+Noon came, and no other soldiers had visited the clump of trees. Dick
+was not discouraged, however. He felt that he would likely get a
+chance to hear other soldiers talk that afternoon.
+
+He ate the rest of his food, and then sat down beside a tree and took
+it easy for a while. He knew that the soldiers were busy cooking their
+dinners, and that none would likely come to the timber for quite a
+while.
+
+As he sat there, gazing idly over toward the encampment, however, he
+suddenly heard footsteps behind him, and turned his head quickly, and
+saw a British soldier standing within a few paces of him, musket in
+hand, eyeing him suspiciously.
+
+"Hello," greeted the redcoat.
+
+Dick was surprised and somewhat dismayed as well, but he was a cool
+youth, and did not let the fact that he was flustered show on his
+face. Instead, he affected a cool and careless air, and replied:
+
+"Hello. Good afternoon, sir."
+
+The soldier stood there, keeping a keen eye on the youth.
+
+"Who are you?" he queried.
+
+"My name is Dick Morris." Dick gave the first name that came to his
+mind.
+
+"Humph. What are you doing here?"
+
+"Nothing. Just sitting here."
+
+"Why are you sitting here?" Dick believed the soldier was suspicious
+of him.
+
+"I'm resting," replied the youth.
+
+"Resting, eh?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"What made you tired?"
+
+"I have come quite a distance. I walked here from nearly twenty miles
+east, and I'm resting in the shade, before continuing my journey. No
+objection is there?"
+
+"Humph. Where are you bound for?"
+
+"Over on the shore of the bay."
+
+"What are you going there for?"
+
+"To work for a man, sir."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"An old fisherman."
+
+"Humph. You seem to be interested in the army, yonder, judging by the
+way you were looking that way when I came up."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Dick, quietly. "When one has never seen an army
+before, it does interest one."
+
+The redcoat eyed Dick searchingly.
+
+"I'm almost inclined to believe that you are not what you make out
+yourself to be," he said, after a few moments.
+
+"Why so, sir?" Dick opened his eyes as if surprised and puzzled and
+looked at the soldier inquiringly.
+
+"Because-in these times of war, it is often the case that anyone like
+yourself may turn out to be a spy."
+
+"A spy?" exclaimed Dick, assuming a most astonished expression.
+
+"Yes, and you may be a spy for all I know."
+
+Dick shook his head. "Oh, no, you've got another guess," he said. He
+felt that he was doing no wrong in denying being a spy, to a British
+soldier.
+
+"I'm not so sure of it," was the stubborn reply. "I think that I shall
+have to take you into camp and see what General Percy has to say about
+the matter."
+
+Dick's heart sank. General Percy was the officer he had seen, a few
+weeks before, when he had pretended to join the British force, and the
+officer would recognize him at once, without doubt. It would not do to
+permit himself to be taken into the camp, a prisoner. It would result
+disastrously, as he would likely be shot as a spy, for it was known
+that he had rescued the patriot prisoners out of the old prison-ship
+in the bay, and he would be handled severely. Even though only a boy
+in years, he had proven himself capable of doing a man's work.
+
+"Oh, I wouldn't do that, if I were you," said Dick, calmly.
+
+The soldier smiled grimly. "I suppose you do not view the matter
+favorably," he replied. "But, I think it my duty to take you into
+camp, for you may be a dangerous spy."
+
+Dick had been doing some swift thinking, and he had made up his mind
+that he must not permit himself to be taken into the encampment a
+prisoner. He must manage in some way to prevent the soldier from
+accomplishing this. The only way, so far as he could see, was to
+engage the soldier in a struggle, and overpower him, and as the
+redcoat looked a pretty husky fellow, this would likely not be an easy
+thing to accomplish. But Dick was more than ordinarily strong, and he
+was quick and athletic, and a good wrestler, and he believed he could
+overpower the soldier. He felt confident he could do so, if he could
+succeed in taking the redcoat by surprise.
+
+Dick, busy thinking, made no reply to the redcoat's last remark, and
+the soldier, after waiting a few moments, said sharply: "Get up, young
+fellow."
+
+Dick rose to his feet, slowly and quietly. His actions were such as
+would cause the redcoat to think he did not contemplate offering any
+resistance, and this was done purposely, so as to throw the redcoat
+off his guard. And it worked that way, for the soldier, with a
+careless wave of the hand, said:
+
+"March along in front of me to the encampment, young fellow. We'll see
+what General Percy thinks about you."
+
+But Dick did not march, as ordered to do. Instead, he suddenly leaped
+upon the amazed soldier, and seizing him by the throat, so as to
+prevent his crying out, tripped him, throwing him to the ground
+heavily, and then, seated astride the redcoat's body, and holding him
+pinned to the earth in spite of his struggles.
+
+The soldier was a pretty strong man, but he had been taken at a
+disadvantage and by surprise, and so was not in a position to exercise
+his full powers, and the result was, that although only a youth of
+eighteen years, Dick managed to choke the soldier into a state of
+insensibility in a very few minutes.
+
+And then, when confident that the redcoat was unconscious, Dick let go
+his hold, and proceeded to bind the redcoat's hands and feet, and gag
+him. This accomplished, the youth dragged the soldier into the deepest
+and thickest clump of bushes and concealed him there, so that in case
+any soldiers came to the timber, later on, they would not discover his
+presence.
+
+Having accomplished this task, Dick sat down beside the tree and drew
+a long breath of relief and satisfaction.
+
+"There, that turned out all right, after all," he murmured. "But, I
+thought at first that I might be taken into camp a prisoner, and that
+would have been bad indeed."
+
+Dick looked toward the encampment keenly, as he spoke, and noted that
+all was quiet there, and that none of the soldiers were as yet
+evincing any disposition to visit the clump of timber.
+
+At least an hour passed, and then Dick saw a couple of soldiers leave
+the encampment and come toward the timber. As soon as he was certain
+they were coming to loll in the shade of the trees, Dick climbed the
+tree. From there he could hear the conversation of the redcoats, and
+there was not much chance that they would discover his presence, the
+foliage in the tree as has been noted, being quite thick.
+
+The two soldiers entered the edge of the timber and seated themselves
+under a tree close to the one Dick was in, and sat there, smoking and
+talking, their conversation being mainly personal, as had been the
+case with the two that had been there in the forenoon. But, after a
+while they got to talking about the army, and finally touched upon the
+very matter that Dick wish to hear discussed. In a general way they
+commented upon the bustle, stir and preparation that indicated some
+important move.
+
+"I'm glad of it," remarked one. "I am getting tired of being cooped up
+in camp. I'd rather do some marching and fighting."
+
+"So would I. Well, I think it likely that we will have fighting to do
+in a few days, if the colonel knew what he was talking about, and I
+suppose he did."
+
+"He had the news from General Percy?"
+
+"I suppose so. The general was over to the main encampment yesterday,
+you know, and likely they held a council of war and decided to make an
+attack."
+
+Dick was straining every nerve to hear distinctly.
+
+Just then a groan sounded, from amid the clump of bushes in which Dick
+had placed the soldier he had overpowered. The soldiers heard it, and
+looked at each other wonderingly and inquiringly and then gazed keenly
+toward the clump of bushes. Dick had heard the groan also, and his
+heart sank, for he thought that if the soldiers found and released the
+other redcoat, a search might be instituted for him, and result in his
+discovery and capture.
+
+"What does that mean, comrade?" remarked one of the soldiers.
+
+"Somebody groaned," was the reply. "Let's take a look in that clump of
+bushes and see who is there, and what ails him."
+
+They leaped to their feet, and drawing pistols, strode to the edge of
+the clump of bushes, and stooping, pushed their way through between
+the bushes. A few moments later Dick heard an exclamation from the
+lips of one of the soldiers, and knew they had discovered the bound
+redcoat. The youth had thought of slipping down out of the tree and
+trying to make his escape, but did not do so, for he realized that the
+chances were that he would be seen and either shot or captured. So he
+decided to remain where he was, and risk being discovered.
+
+A few minutes later the three redcoats emerged from amid the bushes,
+the two having freed the redcoat from his bonds. They paused
+underneath the tree Dick was in, and the redcoat explained about his
+encounter with and capture by the person he had suspected of being a
+spy and had intended to march into the camp, a prisoner. To Dick's
+amusement, the redcoat described him as being a big, ferocious-looking
+fellow, a six-footer, and very strong. Evidently the soldier did not
+want his comrades to know that he had been overpowered and mad a
+prisoner by a youth of eighteen years, and smaller than himself.
+
+"I suppose the rascally spy isn't still in this clump of timer, eh?"
+remarked one of the soldiers, with a glance around.
+
+"No, not likely," was the reply of the one who had been made a
+prisoner. "Probably he got away from here as quickly as possible,
+after making a prisoner of me."
+
+"Luckily he was not here to listen to what we were saying," remarked
+one, and he looked significantly at the other who agreed.
+
+Then one suggested that they go into the encampment and make a report
+of the affair to the general. The other two assented to this
+proposition, and they at once left the clump of trees and made their
+way to the encampment.
+
+Dick was eager, now, to get away from there.
+
+He felt that he had important if not really definite information and
+wished to get it to General Washington as quickly as possible. He knew
+that he might succeed in getting away from the clump of timber without
+being discovered, but again there was a chance that he would be seen
+and captured, and so he decided to wait till nightfall, when he could
+slip away in safety, and without being in any danger of being seen.
+True, the redcoats might come and search the clump of timber, for the
+spy the soldier had had the encounter with, but the youth did not
+believe they would do so, as they would not think him likely to linger
+thereabouts after having had the struggle with the British soldier
+there.
+
+So Dick remained in the timber, and the result justified his judgment,
+for the soldiers did not come out again to make a search. Evidently it
+was thought that the spy had taken his departure.
+
+When night came, Dick slipped away and started in the direction of the
+patriot encampment on Brooklyn Heights. He reached there in safety, a
+couple of hours later, and at once went to headquarters and made his
+report, General Washington being there, conferring with General
+Putnam.
+
+When Dick told them of the unwonted activities in the British lines
+they were well pleased, and said that if an attack were made they
+would be able to hold their position on the Heights, in spite of the
+superior numbers of the enemy.
+
+Next day preparations were begun for the reception of the British, and
+all was done that could be to make it possible to offer strong and
+successful battle to the enemy. Then the patriots waited, as patiently
+as possible for the coming of the British, who might now come at any
+time. The days dragged slowly by, however, and it was not until the
+morning of the 27th of August that the British advanced to attack.
+Seated in their quarters on the Heights, Dick, Tom and Ben, and the
+other soldiers were discussing the matter and wishing that the
+redcoats would do something, when suddenly the rattle of musketry was
+heard, coming from down on the Narrows road, near the bay, where
+General Stirling's division was stationed.
+
+"To arms!" at once shouted General Putnam. "The British are beginning
+the attack!"
+
+Instantly all was excitement. The soldiers grabbed their muskets and
+took their places, ready for battle, and down where Stirling's force
+was there sounded the rattle of musketry, as volleys were exchanged.
+It was indeed exciting, and Dick, Tom and Ben, their eyes shining,
+could scarcely contain themselves. They wanted to be at the front,
+helping fight the redcoats.
+
+"Say, Dick, ask General Putnam to let us go down there," pleaded Ben
+Foster. "I want to help fight the redcoats!"
+
+"Yes, do ask him, Dick," urged Tom. "I can't stand staying here, doing
+nothing, when there is fighting going on. Get him to let us go down
+there."
+
+"All right, I'll try," said Dick. "I would like it myself. But, I'm
+afraid he won't be willing to let us go."
+
+"Ask him, anyway," said Tom.
+
+"I will," and Dick hastened to General Putnam and made his wish known.
+
+General Putnam listened, but shook his head. "No, I can't permit you
+to go down there," he said. "You must stay here with your company. If
+it should go, of course you would go too. But I don't think it will
+leave the works."
+
+Dick nodded, a disappointed look on his face.
+
+"Very well, sir," he said, and turning, started to rejoin his
+comrades.
+
+"It is possible that I may make use of you boys as messengers during
+the battle, Dick," the general said. He had noted the disappointed
+look on the youth's face, and doubtless thought the idea of being used
+as messengers would please the boys.
+
+It evidently pleased Dick, for he turned a beaming face toward the
+general and said: "Thank you, General Putnam. If you have any messages
+to send to the commanders of the other forces, at the front, we will be
+glad to take them."
+
+"Very well, Dick. It is likely that I shall want to send some
+messages. You boys hold yourselves in readiness to take them."
+
+"We will do so, sir."
+
+Then Dick hastened back to his comrades and told them the result of
+the interview. They were slightly disappointed because of not being
+permitted to go and join the troops already engaged in fighting the
+British, but were pleased with the idea of being sent to the
+commanders with orders.
+
+"I hope General Putnam will have a lot of messages to send," said Tom
+Dare, his eyes shining with excitement.
+
+"So do I," said Ben Foster.
+
+
+
+Chapter XVI
+
+The Battle of Long Island
+
+
+Down on the Narrows Road, General Stirling's force was holding its own
+against the British. The patriot soldiers were steady and calm, and
+loaded and fired regularly and with considerable effect, and had
+fortune gone well with Sullivan's division, the Continental soldiers
+would probably have won the battle. But General Sullivan, stationed on
+the hills south of Bedford, was attacked fiercely in front by a strong
+force of British, and another force under Generals Howe and
+Cornwallis, having marched around to the north of this position, by
+way of the Jamaica Road, attacked Sullivan from the rear, and his
+force, thus caught between two fires, was driven back and forth among
+the trees, with disastrous results.
+
+General Putnam, watching the battle from the Heights, through his
+glass, saw that Sullivan was in difficulties and in danger of capture,
+and he decided to send a message to Stirling, warning him of this
+fact, and ordering him to retreat toward the Heights as quickly as
+possible-for as soon as Sullivan's force was overpowered, the British
+would sweep on across the fields and fall upon the rear of Stirling's
+force and capture it. So, having written a brief note, General Putnam
+summoned Dick Dare.
+
+"Do you think you can find General Stirling?" the general asked.
+
+"I think so, sir," was the reply.
+
+"He is over on Narrows Road. You will know him, because he will be
+mounted on a large bay horse. Get to him as quickly as possible, and
+hand him this message," and he gave Dick the slip of paper.
+
+"I will do so, General Putnam," said Dick, firmly.
+
+"Very good. Now hurry. Get there as quickly as possible."
+
+Dick hastened away, running swiftly, and as he passed where Tom and
+Ben were stationed, he called out: "I'm taking a message to General
+Stirling."
+
+"Good for you," cried Ben.
+
+"Go it," from Tom.
+
+Dick vaulted over the breastworks and then ran down the slope at the
+top of his speed.
+
+"I'm a messenger from General Putnam," he called to the sentinel, as
+he approached the soldier on duty partway down the slope, and then on
+he dashed, without slackening speed in the least.
+
+Soon he was in among the trees and out of sight of the patriot
+soldiers on the Heights. He knew the direction to go in order to reach
+General Stirling, and he headed in that direction and kept up his
+speed.
+
+Dick heard the firing over to his left, and knew this was where
+General Sullivan was having such a hot fight with the enemy. The youth
+would pass within two or three hundred yards of the left wing of the
+attacking British, and he kept a sharp lookout in that direction, for
+he did not want to get shot by any of the British soldiers.
+
+Presently he caught sight of the right wing of Sullivan's force, and
+saw the patriot soldiers firing at the British as rapidly as possible,
+and then he saw the redcoats, who were attacking the patriots from
+both the front and the rear.
+
+Dick wished that he might be able to help the patriot soldiers fight
+the British, but he had business of his own to attend to, and so he
+kept onward, running at the top of his speed.
+
+Suddenly, however, when he was perhaps halfway to the point where
+General Stirling's army was fighting so bravely, he was given a
+surprise, and a most unpleasant one-for he found himself confronted by
+a force of British soldiers, which was making a flank movement, with
+the intention, doubtless, of falling upon Sullivan's right wing.
+Doubtless another force was executing a similar movement on the
+opposite side, to attack Sullivan's left wing, and when this movement
+was finished, the soldiers under Sullivan would be surrounded.
+
+Dick halted instantly, on catching sight of the approaching soldiers.
+He had seen them while still they were a couple of hundred yards
+distant, they being easy to see owing to the brilliant red of their
+coats, which stood out plainly between the trees. He wondered if he
+had been seen. If not, it might be possible to escape capture by
+hiding-if a hiding-place could be found. If he were to turn to the
+right and run in that direction, with the purpose of getting around
+the end of this advancing force, he would be almost certain to be seen
+and either shot down or captured. Evidently, therefore, the proper
+thing for him to do was to hide if he could find a place of
+concealment.
+
+But could he do this? He glanced around him, eagerly and anxiously. He
+was determined to get through the British ranks and deliver the
+message to General Stirling, if such a thing were possible. It would
+never do to fail in the very first work that he was given to do in a
+battle with the British. No, he must reach General Stirling. General
+Putnam had shown confidence in Dick, and the youth was not going to
+give the general reason to think his confidence had been misplaced.
+
+But, where could he hide? While pondering this matter, Dick was
+standing behind a larger tree, and on glancing around this tree, to
+see how close the redcoats were, the youth noted an interesting fact:
+The tree was hollow. There was an opening at least two feet high by a
+foot and a half wide, at the bottom, but halfway around to the other
+side. In order to enter this opening, Dick would have to take the
+chance of being seen by the approaching British soldiers.
+
+It seemed to be his only chance, however, for he could not hope to run
+around the end of the force and escape without being shot down, and to
+remain where he was would be to be discovered the instant the soldiers
+came up to him.
+
+This being settled, Dick did not hesitate, but acted at once. He
+dropped to the ground, and lying on his stomach, wriggled his way
+around the tree-trunk, much after the fashion of a huge snake. He
+glanced toward the approaching redcoats, and while he could see them
+plainly, they being within seventy-five yards of him, they had not as
+yet, he felt certain, discovered him. This gave him courage, and
+quickly he reached the opening and crawled through it and into the
+hollow within.
+
+Crouching back as far from the opening as possible, Dick waited
+anxiously for the coming of the British soldiers. Had they seen him as
+he crawled through the opening? Would he be hauled out of the hollow
+tree and made a prisoner? Dick could not say. All he could do was to
+wait and see what would happen. If the redcoats had seen him, he would
+certainly be captured, but if they had not, then he stood a chance of
+escaping discovery, and when they passed, he could continue on his way
+and deliver the message to General Stirling. How Dick wished that this
+might be the case!
+
+The moments that intervened before the redcoats reached the vicinity
+of the tree were anxious ones for Dick. He sat there, crouching back
+as far as possible from the opening, and waited, and as he heard the
+footsteps and voices of the British soldiers, his heart came up into
+his throat.
+
+It was indeed a critical moment. It was a situation to try the nerve
+of the bravest person.
+
+Louder sounded the footsteps, plainer the voices of the redcoats.
+Closer and closer the soldiers came, and then some of them appeared
+opposite the opening. Dick's heart was in his mouth. He held his
+breath and wondered if some of the redcoats would stop and haul him
+out from his hiding-place. But no, nothing of the kind occurred. It
+was now evident that he had not been seen as he was entering the
+hollow tree, and the redcoats merely walked past, without looking
+through the opening, and Dick was not discovered.
+
+Eagerly and thankfully he saw the soldiers pass, and when they had all
+gone by, and had gotten perhaps fifty yards beyond, he stuck his head
+out through the opening and took a look after his enemies. They were
+walking swiftly onward, their faces to the front. Not one was looking
+back, and deeming it was safe, Dick crawled out of his hiding-place,
+and heaving a sigh of relief, he again set out in the direction of the
+point where Stirling's force was giving such valiant battle to the
+British.
+
+On Dick ran, at top speed, and presently he emerged upon the Narrows
+Road, and caught sight of the patriot force, and also of the British.
+The battle between these two divisions of the armies was still going
+on, and Dick quickly caught sight of General Stirling, who was seated
+on his big bay charger, watching the progress of the battle.
+
+Dick hastened up to the general, and saluting, said: "I have message
+for you, General Stirling, from General Putnam."
+
+General Stirling took the message and quickly read the few words
+written there.
+
+"Ah!" he exclaimed. "Sullivan is in sore straits, being attacked from
+both front and rear, and I must retreat, or my force will be treated
+to the same fate."
+
+Then he turned to Dick, and said: "Tel General Putnam I will begin
+retreating toward the Heights at once."
+
+"Yes, General Stirling," said Dick, and then he moved away, in the
+direction from which he had come, while General Stirling gave the
+order for his force to beat a retreat. They obeyed, though
+reluctantly, for they did not know that Sullivan's force was
+practically in the hands of the British, and so could not understand
+why the order to retreat was given. They knew there was a strong force
+of redcoats over to their left hand, however, and so they kept a sharp
+lookout in that direction as they fell back. They were attacked from
+that side, by a part of the force, and General Stirling, while
+fighting valiantly, was surrounded and made a prisoner.
+
+Dick, from quite a distance, saw the capture of General Stirling, and
+he remained where he was for a little while, until he saw that the
+main force under Stirling succeeded in getting past the British and
+were coming toward the Heights, which they would undoubtedly succeed
+in reaching, and then he turned and hastened on up to the Heights, and
+made his way to General Putnam.
+
+"I delivered the message to General Stirling, sir," the youth said,
+"and he told me to say to you that he would begin a retreat at once."
+
+"Very well, Dick," said Putnam. "You did well to deliver the message."
+
+"I saw his force retreating, sir, from down the slope a ways," went on
+Dick, "and I saw some of the redcoats make a prisoner of General
+Stirling."
+
+"So you say, my boy?" exclaimed Putnam. "That is bad. Well, it cannot
+be helped. But, I think the major portion of his force will succeed in
+reaching the Heights."
+
+"Yes, I think so, General Putnam. The soldiers are coming steadily,
+and have got past the main part of the British force."
+
+"Thanks for the information, Dick," said the general, and then the
+youth rejoined his comrades at the breastworks. Tom and Ben had many
+questions to ask, and he told them briefly the story of his trip with
+the despatch.
+
+The soldiers of Stirling's force reached and entered the works on the
+Heights by the time Dick had finished his story, and the battle of
+Long Island was practically ended, the firing ceasing very soon
+afterwards.
+
+The British army now advanced till in front of Brooklyn Heights, but
+it did not attempt to storm the defenses. Doubtless General Howe
+remembered Bunker Hill, and felt that a repetition of that experience
+would be disastrous to the king's cause.
+
+General Washington sent over two thousand more soldiers, from New
+York, which made the force ten thousand strong within the patriot
+works of Brooklyn Heights, and he was positive, as was General Putnam
+also, that the Heights could be held, that if the British made an
+attack it would be disastrous for them.
+
+The action of General Howe showed that he thought so too, for instead
+of getting ready to attack, he stretched his force around the Heights,
+from the East River on the north to the East River again, on the
+south, in a semicircle, and it was plain that his intention was to
+establish a siege.
+
+General Washington realized at once that it would not do to stay on
+Brooklyn Heights, under such circumstances, for if the British fleet
+were to come up the East River and cut off the patriot army's retreat
+in that direction, the only result possible would be the surrender of
+the Continental army on the Heights. As he had no intention of
+surrendering, he decided to evacuate the position, and that night all
+the boats that could be gathered together were secured and the patriot
+army was removed across the river to New York. Also all the arms,
+ammunitions, provisions of every kind, and the heavy artillery, were
+ferried over. Nothing was left, and when next morning the British
+looked up at the works on the Heights, they were amazed to see no
+signs of life there-for so silently and cautiously had the patriots
+worked during the night that the British had not gotten an inkling of
+the movement. The redcoats pushed up the hill, and climbed over the
+works, only to stare around in dismay. Nothing was left of the big
+army that had been there only the evening before.
+
+This achievement of General Washington, this wonderful feat of
+withdrawing an entire army of ten thousand men, with all the arms,
+including heavy artillery, and the ammunitions and provisions from
+right under the very nose of the enemy, and without the enemy even
+suspecting what was going on, will always be considered one of the
+greatest triumphs of generalship the world has ever known. This feat,
+when it became known in England, caused some of the greatest soldiers,
+and generals, and over in Europe as well, to shake their heads and
+declare that General Washington was a commander who would cause the
+British a great deal of trouble. And after events proved that they
+were right in their prophecies.
+
+General Putnam must have told General Washington about Dick Dare
+having carried a message practically through the lines of the British,
+to General Stirling, during the battle of Long Island, for the
+commander-in-chief, happening to see Dick the day after the army took
+up quarters in New York, spoke to him about the matter, and
+complimented him on having successfully delivered the message, thus
+probably saving Stirling's force from capture.
+
+To say that Dick was well pleased at receiving words of praise from
+the lips of the commander-in-chief is stating it mildly. And when he
+told Tom and Ben what General Washington had said, they were well
+pleased also, and declared that the commander-in-chief should have
+cause to be satisfied with all three of them many times before the end
+of the war, and, as friends will find, if they read the succeeding
+volume of the Dare Boys Series, which will be entitled, "The Dare Boys
+on The Hudson," the brothers kept their word, and performed many, many
+wonderful deeds of daring while fighting for Liberty.
+
+The British commander-in-chief now put in a week trying to get the
+patriot commander-in-chief to agree to peace, he stating that the king
+would make certain concessions, but as in accordance with the
+Declaration of Independence this was not to be thought of for a
+moment, the interviews came to naught, and so the British
+commander-in-chief began making preparations to continue the war. His
+next move, undoubtedly would be to capture New York City, and General
+Washington knew this would be an easy matter, so he made preparations
+to retreat to Harlem Heights, on the banks of the Hudson at the north
+end of Manhattan Island, where he would occupy a strategic position.
+
+On the fifteenth of September the British made the move that was
+expected. Warships from Admiral Howe's fleet ascended the Hudson river
+as far as Bloomingdale, and the East River as far as Blackwell's
+Island, and while they bombarded the north end of the island, General
+Howe brought his army across from Brooklyn in boats, and landed at
+Kipp's Bay, near what is now the foot of 34th Street.
+
+General Washington came down from the Heights with two brigades of
+patriot soldiers, with the purpose of holding the British in check
+long enough for General Putnam to evacuate the lower part of the city
+with the four thousand soldiers under him at that point. This was
+accomplished, and when Putnam and his men were safe on the Heights,
+the two brigades retired to the Heights also. The British then took
+possession of New York City, and so the two armies lay, the
+Continental on the Heights and the British in the city, confronting
+each other, on Manhattan Island.
+
+It was an interesting situation, and especially so to Dick and Tom
+Dare and Ben Foster, who were now just beginning to feel that they
+were soldiers in the patriot army.
+
+One evening, a few days after the British took possession of New York
+and the patriots took up their station on Harlem Heights, the
+commander-in-chief of the patriot army made the soldiers a stirring
+speech, as they were assembled at the center of the encampment, saying
+that he expected each and every soldier to do his full duty, and
+support the cause of Liberty with his life if need be. The speech made
+a great impression on Dick, Tom and Ben, and when they went to their
+quarters, they were enthusiastic about it.
+
+"I'll tell you what, boys," said Tom Dare, "it was wonderful, the way
+General Washington talked, wasn't it?"
+
+"Yes, Tom," agreed Dick, "and we'll come up to his expectations, too,
+or know the reason why."
+
+And in enthusiastic unison Tom and Ben exclaimed:
+
+"Yes, yes! That we will, Dick!"
+
+And when the time came, they kept their word.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Dare Boys of 1776, by Stephen Angus Cox
+
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