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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/9112-h.zip b/9112-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7819a1a --- /dev/null +++ b/9112-h.zip diff --git a/9112-h/9112-h.htm b/9112-h/9112-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..114eacb --- /dev/null +++ b/9112-h/9112-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5854 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?> +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title>The Dare Boys of 1776 - by Stephen Angus Cox</title> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +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: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DARE BOYS OF 1776 *** + + + + +Produced by Curtis Weyant + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + <div class="titlepage" style="text-align: center"> + <h1 style="text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 2.25em;">The Dare Boys<br style="display: block" />of 1776</h1> + <p class="byline" style="font-variant: small-caps; font-size: .75em">by</p> + <p class="author" style="text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.75em">Stephen Angus Cox</p> + <p class="byline" style="font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0%">Illustrations by<br style="display: block;" /> + </p> + <p class="author" style="text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 0%">R. Mencl</p> + <div class="docimprint"> + <p class="pubPlace" style="margin-bottom: 0%">New York</p> + <p class="publisher" style="text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 0%">The Platt & Peck Co.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="verso" style="text-align: center"> + <p>Copyright 1910<br style="display: block" /> + <span style="font-variant: small-caps; font-size: .8em;">by</span><br style="display: block" /> + <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The A. L. Chatterton Co.</span> + </p> + </div> + + <div class="toc"> + <h2 style="text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.2em">Contents</h2> + + <ol style="list-style-type: upper-roman"> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> C<span style="font-variant: small-caps">lang of the</span> L<span style="font-variant: small-caps">iberty</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ell</span></li> + <li>W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">aylaid on the</span> R<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oad</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">en</span> F<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oster</span></span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">rings</span> I<span style="font-variant: small-caps">mportant</span> N<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ews</span></li> + <li>A N<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ight</span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ttack</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">are</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oys in</span> N<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ew</span> Y<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li>C<span style="font-variant: small-caps">hosen for</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">angerous</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ick</span>'s</span> F<span style="font-variant: small-caps">irst</span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">dventure</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">om</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">are</span></span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">cts</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">rothers</span> T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ogether</span></li> + <li>I<span style="font-variant: small-caps">n the</span> E<span style="font-variant: small-caps">nemy's</span> C<span style="font-variant: small-caps">amp</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">om</span></span> <span style="font-variant: small-caps">in</span> T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">rouble</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ick</span></span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oes</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">onderful</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">G<span style="font-variant: small-caps">eneral</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ashington</span></span> <span style="font-variant: small-caps">is</span> P<span style="font-variant: small-caps">leased</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> H<span style="font-variant: small-caps">aunted</span> H<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ouse</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ick</span></span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">gain</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oes</span> S<span style="font-variant: small-caps">py</span>-W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">attle of</span> <span class="name.place">L<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ong</span> I<span style="font-variant: small-caps">sland</span></span></li> + </ol> + + </div> + + + + + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.1"> + <h2 class="1" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em">Chapter I</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em">The Clang of the Liberty Bell</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">I</span>t</span> was the fourth day of July of the year +1776. There was great excitement in all +of the colonies of <span class="name.state">America</span> at that time, for on +this day the representatives of the people, gathered together in the city of <span class="name.city"><span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span></span>, were +to decide whether the Declaration of Independence, already drawn up, should be adopted +and signed. In <span class="name.city"><span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span></span>, 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Oh, I hope they will adopt the Declaration of +Independence, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I'm sure they +will, aren't you?”</p> + +<p>“I think they will, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. I hope so.”</p> + +<p>“Bah, they won't do nothin' uv the kind, <span class="name.char">Dick +Dare</span>!” cried a sneering voice at their side, and +turning, the Dare youths saw <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> and +<span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, the sons of two Tory neighbors, +standing there.</p> + +<p>“Uv course they won't,” added <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>. +“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.”</p> + +<p>“Well, they just will!” cried <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, who +was an excitable, impulsive youth. “They'll +ring it pretty soon, <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, and they aren't +afraid of your old king, not a bit of it!”</p> + +<p>“What's thet! Don't ye dare speak disrespectfully uv the king!” snarled <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span>, +making a threatening motion with his fist. “Ef +ye do, why et'll be the worse fur ye, that's all.”</p> + +<p>Instantly <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, who was the elder of the +brothers, a handsome, manly youth of eighteen +years, seized <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> by the wrist, and pushed him +back, at the same time saying quietly, yet +firmly:</p> + +<p>“That will do, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>. Don't go making any +threats. You and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> go about your business, +and don't interfere with <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and I.”</p> + +<p>“We'll go where we please,” snarled <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>, +who was a vicious youth of about <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> age, as +was <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> also. “An' we'll stay heer ef +we want to, too, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, an' ye can't he'p +yerself.”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +and I, or to bully us, you will wish you hadn't +stayed.”</p> + +<p>“Is thet so?” sneeringly. “Whut'll ye do, +<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, hey?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, whut'll ye do?” cried <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, pushing forward and facing <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> confronted him quickly, and met his +angry glare unflinchingly. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Lem's</span> chest, pushed him back.</p> + +<p>“Hold on, <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>,” he said. “Just you +stand back. One at a time talking with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> is +enough. You talk to me, if you want to talk to +anybody.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> was a hot-tempered youth also, +and suddenly his rage flared to the surface. He +didn't relish being pushed back by <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and +quick as a flash, he gave the patriot youth a +smart slap on the cheek.</p> + +<p>“That thet, an' l'arn to keep yer han's offen +people!” he snarled.</p> + + + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Tom +Dare</span> into action, and quick as a flash out shot +his fist. It caught <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> between the eyes +and knocked him down flat on his back.</p> + +<p>“There, see how you like that!” exclaimed +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eyes flashing. “I guess that next +time you'll think once or twice before you slap +me in the face!”</p> + +<p>With an angry exclamation, <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> +struck at <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, but that youth was on his +guard, and he warded the blow off, and striking +out himself, landed a blow on <span class="name.char">Zeke's</span> jaw, downing +him as neatly as had been the case with +Hicks.</p> + +<p>Instantly a crowd gathered, many eagerly +asking what the trouble was about. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> explained that the two youths who had +been floored were Tories, and the sympathies +of the crowd were at once with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +more especially when they learned that the Tory +boys had picked the quarrel with the patriots.</p> + +<p>“You did just right in knocking them down!” +was the cry, and so hostile were the looks, +actions and words of the crowd, that <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and +<span class="name.char">Lem</span> on scrambling to their feet, did not renew +the fight. They shook their fists at <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, however, and muttered threats, as they +moved away through the crowd declaring that +they would get even with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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:</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p>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.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.2"> + + + <h2 class="2" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter II</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">Waylaid on the Road</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>s</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Oh, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, I'm so glad!” cried <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I never +was so happy in my life.”</p> + +<p>“Nor I, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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!”</p> + + + +<p>“It will please him more than anything else in +the world, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes indeed.”</p> + +<p>Then lifting up his voice the patriot youth +cried out loudly, his voice ringing clear as the +notes of a bugle:</p> + +<p>“Down with the king! Long live Liberty! +Long live <span class="name.char">Washington</span>!”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Washington</span>!”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>After awhile, when the people had calmed +down to a considerable extent and were beginning to disperse to their homes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom +Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Part of the way the road led through a heavy +growth of timber, and as <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span>, <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> and two other +Tory <span title="sympathizers">sympathisers</span> of the neighborhood.</p> + +<p>“We told ye we'd git even with ye!” hissed +<span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span>, as they hurled themselves upon +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “Ye thought ye was mighty +smart, there in <span class="name.city">Phillydelphy</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> masters +of the situation.</p> + +<p>“Phew, that was warm work, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, wiping his perspiring face with his handkerchief.</p> + +<p>“Yes, so it was, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” replied his brother. +“But I believe that we made it warmer for <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> +and his gang than they did for us.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I think we did,” with a chuckle. “Say, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, they are better runners than fighters, +aren't they!”</p> + +<p>“I think they are, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. They did some lively +sprinting, just now, at any rate.”</p> + +<p>“I guess they won't be likely to attack us +again, soon.”</p> + + + +<p>“Hardly.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“They did it, father!” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, pantingly. “They adopted and signed the Declaration of Independence.”</p> + +<p>“Say you so, my son?” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> +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.”</p> + +<p>“It was wonderful, the interest and excitement shown by the people in <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span>, +father!” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “They were wild with delight.”</p> + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>The three then entered the house, <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> +having finished his work for the evening, and +<span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> greeted her sons affectionately.</p> + +<p>“The Declaration of Independence has been +adopted, wife,” said <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>, joyously. “The +die is cast. There will be war now, undoubtedly, +and it will result in the independence of the +people of <span class="name.state">America</span>. It cannot result otherwise, +for the people will fight to the death. In the +words of <span class="name.char">Patrick Henry</span>, it will be with them, +‘Give me liberty, or give me death!’”</p> + +<p>“I am glad, <span class="name.char">Henry</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Spoken like my own true-hearted wife!” said +<span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>. “I knew you would look at the +matter that way, dear.”</p> + +<p>At this moment there came a knock on the +back-door, and when <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> opened it, she +saw a neighbor, <span class="name.char">Abe Boggs</span>, the father of <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>, +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, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare's</span> heart sank +when she saw who was standing there.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Good evenin', <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>,” said Boggs, ducking his head. “Tell yer husban' to come out +here; we'd like to see 'im.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“W-what do you want, <span class="name.char">Mr. Boggs</span>?” she +asked, her voice trembling. “My husband is +here, but–but–we were just going to eat +supper, and—”</p> + + + +<p>“Supper can wait a few minutes, wife,” said +<span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>. “I'll see what neighbor Boggs wants. +Won't you come in, <span class="name.char">Abe</span>?”</p> + +<p>“No, we wanter see ye out here, Dare” replied the Tory. “Come out uv doors. We won't +keep ye but a minnet.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, husband, be careful!” whispered <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> had been out in the yard +perhaps five minutes. During this time <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Abe Boggs</span> and some more of the neighbors, +and how they had called <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> out, on the +plea of wishing to speak to him.</p> + +<p>“He's been out there quite a while,” <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Certainly, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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 +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> had had with <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> and his cronies +that afternoon in <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span> and on the road +home, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was led to fear that the Tories +had called his father out of doors with evil +intent.</p> + +<p>He opened the door and stepped quickly out, +and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“They're around in the front yard, likely, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, but his tone lacked positiveness. It was evident that he had fears that such +was not really the case.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> as well, had disappeared.</p> + +<p>“Oh, where can they be?” cried <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, +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!”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“He has gone with them, to see about something,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “You go back in the house, +mother, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and I will go over to <span class="name.char">Mr. +Boggs</span> and see what has become of father. +Likely he is there. You go in and stay with +Mary. We won't be gone long.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>; “but +hurry, for I shall be anxious till you get back +with your father.”</p> + +<p>She entered the house, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +hastened over to the Boggs home, which was +less than a quarter mile distant. <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> +was not there, and <span class="name.char">Mrs. Boggs</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> hastened +to the homes of several of the neighboring +Tories in succession, and made inquiries regarding <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>Greatly worried now, but hoping they would +find their father at home when they got there, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Abe Boggs</span> +and six of his Tory neighbors. The note read +as follows:</p> + +<p class="letter" style="margin-left: 2em;margin-top: .5em;margin-bottom: .25em">“To <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> and rebel sons, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>:</p> + +<p class="letter" style="margin-left: 2em;margin-top: .25em;margin-bottom: .5em">“We hev took <span class="name.char">Henry Dare</span> prisner. He<br style="display: block" /> +is a rebel, an we are goin ter turn him over<br style="display: block" /> +to Captain Wilson an his compny uv<br style="display: block" /> +<span class="name.nationality"><span class="name.nationality">British</span></span> sojers, who hev ben heer fur a<br style="display: block" /> +week past, an are goin to jine the main<br style="display: block" /> +army on <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> to-night. Ye kaint<br style="display: block" /> +do nothin to git him back, so ye needn try.<br style="display: block" /> +An ye two boys, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> an <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, had better be<br style="display: block" /> +keerful er we'll serve ye worsen whut we<br style="display: block" /> +hev <span title="your">yer</span> father. We don't aim ter hev<br style="display: block" /> +any rebels in our neighborhood. So, <span class="name.char">Dick</span><br style="display: block" /> +and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, hev a care!”</p> + +<p>“Oh, husband is a prisoner in the hands of the +<span class="name.nationality"><span class="name.nationality">British</span></span>!” wailed <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. “Oh, this is terrible, boys! What shall we do? Oh, what shall +we do!”</p> + +<p>“Don't be frightened, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +soothingly. “I don't think father is in any +danger. He is a prisoner, true, but the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +don't kill prisoners, and sooner or later father +will escape–or be rescued. That will be work +for <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>The poor woman was not greatly comforted, +however, and she shook her head, at the same +time saying, in a hopeless tone of voice:</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>“Yes, you shall see father again, mother,” declared <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and I will make that our object in life.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, that is what we will do,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> says, it +will give us a better chance to find and rescue +father.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, my sons, my sons! How can I spare +you, too?” murmured <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. “How can I +let you leave me, now that I have lost your dear +father!”</p> + +<p>“It will be only temporary, mother. You can +see, when you give the matter more thought, +that it is the best thing to do.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps so, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, darling,” acquiesced <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span>, “but it is hard!”</p> + +<p>Throwing their arms about their mother's +neck, the youths kissed her, and presently she +grew more calm.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.3"> + + + <h2 class="3" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter III</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> Brings Important News</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">“O</span>h</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, is it true that you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> are +going to enter the army and fight for +liberty?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, it is true, Elsie. Aren't you glad?”</p> + +<p>“Y-yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” replied <span class="name.char">Elsie Foster</span>, hesitatingly. “I'm glad you are to be a soldier, but I–well, you might get killed you know, and–and–”</p> + +<p>“Would you care, Elsie?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Elsie Foster</span> was the daughter of <span class="name.char">Robert +Foster</span>, the nearest neighbor of the Dares. <span class="name.char">Mr. +Foster</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>, and was outspoken in his denunciation of his Tory neighbors for the deed they had committed.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> as above. The truth was that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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., <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was Elsie's companion. Elsie was seventeen, and she had a +brother, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> were +going away to the war, it would break into this +arrangement.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I'm glad to know that, Elsie,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +earnestly.</p> + +<p>At this moment <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, whose father +had been captured by the Tories only the day +before, was in no mood for jollity. There was +an eager expression on <span class="name.char">Ben's</span> face, however, +and after greeting <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, he asked:</p> + +<p>“Are you really going to join the Continental +army, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“Well, say, I'm going to go with you,” declared <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“Oh, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>!” exclaimed Elsie. “What will +father say?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> face lighted up, for he liked <span class="name.char">Ben</span> very +much, and the idea of having him along was a +pleasing one.</p> + +<p>“That would be fine, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” he said. “But I +wouldn't want you to do anything contrary to +the wishes of your father.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, that will be all right,” <span class="name.char">Ben</span> assured him. +“He won't care, I am sure.”</p> + +<p>“Goodness, what will Mary do if you go +away?” said Elsie. <span class="name.char">Ben</span> seemed to think as +much of Mary Dare as <span class="name.char">Dick</span> did of Elsie, and he +flushed slightly at his sister's words, and then +retorted:</p> + +<p>“I guess she'll do about the same thing that +you will when <span class="name.char">Dick</span> goes–go up into the attic +and have a good cry.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>They talked awhile, and then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> attended to +the errand that had brought him there and went +home.</p> + +<p>“I guess we will have company when we go +to war, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>” he said to his brother.</p> + +<p>“Is that so?” with an interested ear. “Who?”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.”</p> + +<p>“You don't mean it, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes. He just told me he intends to accompany us.”</p> + +<p>“But–his father's a Tory!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, but he is a reasonable man, and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> +says that he will not object.”</p> + +<p>“Well, that will be fine. I'd like to have <span class="name.char">Ben</span> +along.”</p> + +<p>“So would I. And I guess he'll go.”</p> + + + +<p>“I hope he will. He's such a lively, jolly fellow that he is good company, and will help keep +us from getting homesick.”</p> + +<p>“I guess, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, that we will be kept too busy +to get homesick.”</p> + +<p>“You think there will be lots of fighting, +then? You feel certain that there will be war?”</p> + +<p>“War has really existed for more than a year, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, the most important of all these +being the battle of Bunker Hill, which took place +on the seventeenth day of June of last year.”</p> + +<p>“Our soldiers defeated the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> there, +didn't they, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“That's what I thought.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, and then <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>–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 +<span class="name.city">Boston</span> and took charge of the army on July +third–kept the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> penned up in <span class="name.city">Boston</span> till +about the middle of last March, when he fortified <span class="name.city">Dorchester Heights</span>, overlooking <span class="name.city">Boston</span>, +the work being performed in one night, and +next morning the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, seeing what had been +done and realizing that they would be at the +mercy of the patriot army if they remained in +<span class="name.city">Boston</span>, hurriedly boarded the ships of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> fleet, then in the harbor, and sailed to +Halifax, Nova Scotia.”</p> + +<p>“And <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> and his patriot +troops went down and took possession of +<span class="name.city">Boston</span>!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eyes shining.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. But <span class="name.char">General Howe</span>, the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +commander-in-chief, did not keep his troops +long in Halifax, but sailed to New York, where +he was soon joined by the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> fleet under +his brother, <span class="name.char">Admiral Howe</span>, and by <span class="name.char">General +Clinton</span>.”</p> + +<p>“And <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> and his patriot +army came to New York and took possession of +that city,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and he's there now, and that is where +we are going, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Hurrah, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>! Say, I'm glad of it. I want +to join the army, and fight the redcoats. I want +to fight for liberty and independence.”</p> + +<p>“So do I. And we will, too.”</p> + +<p>“When will we go, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“True. Well, we'll go in a few days, now, +likely.”</p> + +<p>“Don't be in too big a hurry to go, sons,” +said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> sadly, when they were discussing the matter, that evening at supper. “Think +how lonesome Mary and I will be when you are +gone.”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Mrs. Foster</span> and the girls will come over +often,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “They will keep you cheered +up.”</p> + +<p>“It will help,” was the reply. “But we will +be lonely, just the same.”</p> + +<p>“You might try to be cheerful, mother,” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and I won't want to think of you +as being lonely.”</p> + + + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>They had just finished eating supper, when +<span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> came in. There was an eager, +excited look on his face, and he said earnestly:</p> + +<p>“There's a plot on foot against <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +and I came right over to let you know about it.”</p> + +<p>“A plot!” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, her face +paling and her voice trembling. “By whom!”</p> + +<p>“The Tories.”</p> + +<p>“Ah!” breathed the woman, a look of anxiety +on her face. “This is terrible!”</p> + +<p>“Don't worry, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “We +know of it, now, and can prepare for them. It +will not be as if we were to be taken by surprise.”</p> + +<p>“No, don't be afraid, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. +“We'll make the Tories wish they had attended +to their own business.”</p> + +<p>“How did you learn about it, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>?” asked +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“What are their plans?” asked <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“They are going to come here to-night at +about midnight and break in, take you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +out and tie you to trees and whip you–at least, +that is their intention. They won't succeed, +though, you may be sure.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed they will not!” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “There +will be some sadder and wiser Tories before the +night is ended.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I am sore afraid, son!” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. +“There will be a dozen or more of the Tories, +and what can you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> do against so +many?”</p> + +<p>“I'll come over and help <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Say, you are all right, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, slapping his friend on the shoulder.</p> + +<p>“That is good of you, old fellow,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, seizing <span class="name.char">Ben's</span> hand and shaking it +heartily. “We thank you.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, indeed!” said Mary, who saw that <span class="name.char">Ben's</span> +eyes were on her, as if he wished to hear what +she thought about it. “It is indeed good of you, +<span class="name.char">Ben</span>, to volunteer to do that.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, that's all right,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, a pleased +look in his eyes. “I tell you we will make it +lively for those Tories when they come sneaking +around here.”</p> + +<p>“We'll do our best to give them a warm reception, at any rate,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“I'll be over in an hour or so,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, “and +I'll bring a musket and a pistol along. But how +about <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> and Mary.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps it would be best,” agreed <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Don't think that, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, then, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. If that is the case, +we will go over to <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster's</span>. 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster</span> +had warned us, and might cause him trouble.”</p> + +<p>“True, mother. That will be all right. You +and Mary can come home after we have driven +the Tories away.”</p> + +<p>“We'll go over to <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster's</span> as soon as it is +dark,” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>Shortly after dark, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, accompanied by his +mother and Mary, went over to the Foster +home, and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> returned with him.</p> + +<p>“So you're here, eh?” greeted <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “That's +fine. I guess when those cowardly Tories put in +an appearance, they will get something that +they are not looking for.”</p> + +<p>“That's what they will,” nodded <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “At +any rate, I hope so.”</p> + +<p>“So do I,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“I wish <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> would be in the party,” +said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, grinning. “I'd like to give them another thrashing.”</p> + +<p>“When did you thrash them, before?” queried +<span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“In <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span>, yesterday. Didn't <span class="name.char">Dick</span> tell +you about it?”</p> + +<p>“No, you tell me now,” eagerly.</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Tom</span> did so, detailing the encounter on +the streets of <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span>, and when he had +heard all, <span class="name.char">Ben</span> said:</p> + +<p>“Good! I'm glad you thrashed them.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.4"> + + + <h2 class="4" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter IV</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">A Night Attack</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">T</span>hey're</span> coming, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!” whispered <span class="name.char">Ben +Foster</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, I hear footsteps,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “But,” +after listening a few moments, “there is only +one person coming. Perhaps it isn't the Tories +after all.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Likely you are right.”</p> + +<p>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 +<span class="name.char">Mr. Foster</span> had heard them say they would do.</p> + +<p>Closer sounded the footsteps, and then they +ceased and there came a knock on the door.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>After a brief period, the knock on the door +was repeated. Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> spoke up.</p> + +<p>“Who is there?” he called out.</p> + +<p>“A friend,” was the reply, in a hoarse, +evidently disguised voice.</p> + +<p>“What is your name, friend?”</p> + +<p>“That doesn't matter. I have news, important news for you, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>”</p> + +<p>“You have no news for me that I don't know +already,” retorted the youth.</p> + +<p>“What do you mean?” There was a quick suspicion in the voice.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>Evidently the man realized it was useless to +carry the deception further, for he cried out, +sneeringly:</p> + +<p>“Oh, will you indeed, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>? 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!”</p> + +<p>“I give you fair warning,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +sternly; “if you attempt to injure myself and +brother, you will get badly hurt. Go about +you business and leave us alone.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“You are wasting breath,” in a voice of contempt. “We would be very foolish if we opened +the door, would we not?”</p> + +<p>“It doesn't matter; we'll break the door down +in a jiffy, anyway.”</p> + + + +<p>“If you do, you'll be very sorry. Remember, +I gave you fair warning.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p>A sneering laugh was the only reply. They +had no idea the boys would really shoot at them.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“They've found a log, and will better the door +down,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“We're ready, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, we'll fire when you give the word,” +from <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“All right, boys. Level your weapons, and be +ready, and when I say ‘Fire’, pull trigger.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes, we will!” came the reply.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Fire!” cried <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, his voice ringing out +loudly and clearly.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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!”</p> + + + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> now hastened to the Foster home +and reported the victory over the Tories, and +was congratulated by all there, even <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster</span>, +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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> and Mary accompanied <span class="name.char">Dick</span> home, +and the good woman thanked <span class="name.char">Ben</span> for coming +and helping her sons.</p> + +<p>“Oh, that's all right,” smiled <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “I was +glad to come. I wanted a chance at those +cowardly Tories.”</p> + +<p>“And we thrashed them soundly, too, +mother,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Do you think there is any danger that they +will return?” queried <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, somewhat +anxiously.</p> + +<p>“I don't think so, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“They've had all the fighting they want, for one +night, I am sure.”</p> + +<p>“I think so,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “But I'll +stay here, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, and if they come, we will +be able to drive them away again.”</p> + +<p>But the Tories did not return. They had, as +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> said, evidently seen all the fighting they +wanted, for one night.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> began getting +ready to go to New York, that day, to join the +patriot army under <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. They +would be ready in a day or two, as there was +not a great deal to do.</p> + +<p>Next day, however, <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> had news for +his friends. He came over, an eager look in his +eyes, and told the brothers that <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> had +just told him that he and <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> were going +over to <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and join the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army.</p> + +<p>“He says that they don't intend to let us get +ahead of them, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” finished <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “They +hope to fight against us in some of the battles.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I guess they will get the chance,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, grimly.</p> + +<p>“Yes, they'll get the worst of the fighting, +too,” declared <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“That they will!” coincided <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“There are two things that I hope to do, +when in the patriot army,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “One +is, to find where my father is imprisoned +and free him, and the other to meet <span class="name.char">Zeke +Boggs</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> in battle and defeat +them.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eyes shining. +“We must find father as soon as possible, and +rescue him from the hands of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. I +think we can do so, don't you?”</p> + +<p>“I surely think so, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you'll be certain to find out where he is, +and before very long, then you can rescue him,” +proposed <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, confidently.</p> + +<p>“And after that we can thrash <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> +with a good heart,” suggested <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“I don't think <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> will make very +good soldiers,” remarked <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“I think they'll run, the very first time they +get into a battle,” concluded <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.5"> + + + <h2 class="5" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter V</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Dare Boys in New York</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>n</span> orderly knocked at the door of the room +occupied by <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, in the +old Fraunces' Tavern, the building used as +patriot headquarters, and on being commanded +to enter, opened the door and said:</p> + +<p>“A young man wishes audience with you, +your excellency.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Who is the young man, orderly?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“He says his name is Richard Dare.”</p> + +<p>“I have never heard of him,” with a shake +of the head. “Did he state his business?”</p> + +<p>“No, your excellency. I asked him, but he +said he preferred seeing you and stating his +business direct.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Washington</span> was thoughtful for a few moments, and then said:</p> + +<p>“He is a young man, you say?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency; or rather, I should +perhaps have said youth. I doubt if he is more +than eighteen or nineteen years of age.”</p> + +<p>“H'm,” murmured the commander-in-chief; +“I am pretty busy, but will see him briefly. +Show him in.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency,” and the orderly withdrew.</p> + +<p>He was back again in a few moments, however, and ushered in a handsome, manly-looking +youth, at the same time announcing:</p> + +<p>“Richard Dare, your excellency.” Then he +withdrew, leaving the two alone.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“You are Richard Dare?” the commander-in-chief remarked.</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, your excellency,” saluting.</p> + +<p>“Very good, <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“Pardon me for taking up your time, sir,” +said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “but I wished to see you in person, +as I have come to make you an offer.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, indeed? What kind of an offer, my +young friend?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Well, well,” said <span class="name.char">Washington</span>, 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?”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“I shall be pleased to do so, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>,” 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.”</p> + +<p>“I think they will give a good account of +themselves, your excellency,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly +but modestly. “I am sure they will fight hard +for freedom.”</p> + +<p>“I have no doubt about it, my boy. Well, the +matter is settled, then. Here, take this order +and present it to <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan</span>, who will +find room for you in his regiment, now in process of formation.”</p> + +<p>The commander-in-chief hastily wrote the +order and handed it to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, who took it and +saluted.</p> + +<p>“Thanks, your excellency,” he said. “I will +do as you have commanded. My companions will +be delighted when I make my report to them.”</p> + +<p>Then, saluting again, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> left the presence +of the great man, and was quickly back with +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, who were quartered in a building +only about a block distant.</p> + +<p>They greeted him eagerly.</p> + +<p>“Did you see <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” +cried <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, I saw him,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“And what did he say?” queried <span class="name.char">Ben +Foster</span>. “Did he accept our offer of our +services?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I think he will be satisfied on that score,” +said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, a grim look on his face. “I think we +will be as good fighters as any of them, when +we get started, eh, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I think so, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” nodded <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eager +eyes sparkling.</p> + +<p>“Get ready and come with me, boys,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, beginning to gather up his belongings, +which were not many, as the youths had not +brought very much luggage with them.</p> + +<p>“Where to, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” queried <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“We are to report to <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan</span>, and +will be assigned to his regiment.”</p> + +<p>“Good!” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “Then we will be genuine +soldiers, eh, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, indeed.”</p> + +<p>“Say, that will be fine!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I'm +ready. Lead the way to <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan's</span> +quarters, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>A few minutes later the youths set out. They +found <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan</span> and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Now we are soldiers, sure enough!” murmured <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, his eyes shining. “Hurrah!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, patriot soldiers, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. There was an air of satisfaction on his face +also.</p> + +<p>“We will be ready to take part in the first +battle that takes place,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “Say, that'll +be fine. I am eager to be in a battle!”</p> + +<p>“And I,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I want to fight for +Independence and the freedom of the <span class="name.nationality">American</span> +people. And, too, I want to fight and rescue our +father, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. We won't forget that part +of our work!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.6"> + + + <h2 class="6" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter VI</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">Chosen for Dangerous Work</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Is there anyone here by the name of Dare?” +he asked. “<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, I believe it is.”</p> + +<p>“I am he,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, advancing. “What is +wanted?”</p> + +<p>“You are wanted at headquarters.”</p> + + + +<p>“Now?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, at once. The commander-in-chief +orders you to report.”</p> + +<p>“I will go right along with you.”</p> + +<p>“Very well. Such were his instructions.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> put on his hat and took his departure in +the orderly's company, after telling <span class="name.char">Ben</span> and +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> that he would probably be back soon.</p> + +<p>They arrived quickly at headquarters, and +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> was ushered into the private room occupied by the commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> saluted and said:</p> + +<p>“You sent for me, your excellency?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Dare. Be seated,” and he pointed to a +chair near his desk.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> took the seat and then looked at the +commander-in-chief inquiringly.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> did not say anything for +a few moments, but eyed <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“How old are you, Dare?”</p> + +<p>“Eighteen, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” 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?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>“It is spy-work!”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“You seem to be favorably impressed, rather +than otherwise, my boy. You think you will +like spy-work?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. I will do so. You know, +perhaps, that the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army is located on the +southwest shore of <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, near York Bay, +and the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> fleet lies just outside the Narrows and off York Bay. The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, and also I wish to find +out, if such a thing is possible, the intentions +of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“I may fail, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>“I do, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency. When shall I start?”</p> + + + +<p>“This evening. I will give you a letter of introduction to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, who is in command of teh patriot force on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, +and he will give you all the information and +assistance in his power.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir. At what hour shall I report +here?”</p> + +<p>“Be here at six, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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 +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, where you will locate <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I will report here at six, your excellency,” +said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and then saluting, he took his departure.</p> + +<p>When he returned to his quarters and told +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> that <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> had +selected him to go over onto <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and +do some spying, the youths were surprised, but +were delighted as well, for they +felt that it was an honor to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + + + +<p>“That will be fine,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “I believe you will make a good spy, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I hope so, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I wish I could go with you,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, looking wistfully at his brother.</p> + +<p>“It will be best that I go alone, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “One can do spy-work better than two.”</p> + +<p>“I vould lige dot sby vork,” said <span class="name.char">Fritz +Schmockenburg</span>, a fat, <span class="name.nationality">Dutch</span> soldier, gravely.</p> + +<p>“It's a foine spoy yez would be afther makin', +<span class="name.char">Fritz</span>,” chuckled <span class="name.char">Tim Murphy</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>“When are you going, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” queried <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“This evening at six.”</p> + +<p>The youths discussed the matter at considerable length, and were glad that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had been +selected for such important work, though they +were somewhat fearful for his safety. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and +<span class="name.char">Ben</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Shortly before six he bade <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> will give you all the information and help in his power,” <span class="name.char">General +Washington</span> said. “Go, now, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, my boy, and +may you be successful is my prayer. Good-bye, +and heaven bless you.”</p> + +<p>He shook <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> hand, and then with a good-bye and a salute, the youth took his departure.</p> + +<p>An orderly accompanied him to the dock and +summoned a boatman, and then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> got in and +was ferried across the East River. Alighting +on the <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> shore, he set out in the +direction of <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, reaching there +shortly after dark.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.7"> + + + <h2 class="7" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter VII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> First Adventure</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> was challenged, and on answering +that he was a friend, was told to advance +and give the countersign.</p> + +<p>He approached the sentinel, and when near +him, said:</p> + +<p>“I am a patriot, but do not know the countersign. I wish to see <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Who are you and why do you wish to see the +general?” the sentinel asked.</p> + +<p>“My name is Dare, and I am a messenger +from <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. I have a letter of +introduction to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“All right. I'll summon the officer of the +guard and he'll conduct you to the general.”</p> + +<p>He did so, and the officer asked <span class="name.char">Dick</span> a few +questions, seemed satisfied, and conducted him +to the quarters occupied by <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> saluted on entering the presence of the +general, and drawing the letter from his pocket, +handed it to <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>, who took it an read the +contents, after which he gave <span class="name.char">Dick</span> a keen, +searching and somewhat wondering glance.</p> + +<p>“You are Richard Dare?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Time will cure that,” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes–if you live,” grimly. “This is very +dangerous business you are entering upon, my boy.”</p> + +<p>“So <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> said, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, I +will do what I can to assist you.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>The general then gave <span class="name.char">Dick</span> all the information that he thought would be of value to +him, and the youth listened attentively.</p> + + + +<p>“Now,” said <span class="name.char">Putnam</span> when he had finished, +“do you think you can find the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> without +any trouble?”</p> + +<p>“I am sure I can find the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, sir,” was the +reply; “but I don't know about the trouble part.”</p> + +<p>The grim general chuckled. He seemed to +like the dry humor of the lad.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I hope he hasn't made a mistake in this +instance, sir,” modestly.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> will not be so likely to +suspect you of being a spy.”</p> + +<p>“That is what <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> said, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I will do my best, General. Well, I must be +going.”</p> + + + +<p>The general shook hands with <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and +wished him good luck.</p> + +<p>“Don't let the redcoats get you,” he said.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> laughed.</p> + +<p>“They won't get me, if I can help it,” he said. +“Good-bye, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> did not start just then, however, for the +very good reason that while he had been engaged in conversation with <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“You must not think of starting out to-night,” said <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Doubtless that will be best,” agreed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, or accomplish anything if he did find it.</p> + + + +<p>So he remained on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> that night, +only to find it still raining the next morning.</p> + +<p>“You would not want to start out in the daytime, anyhow,” said <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>; “so it +does not matter. You will stay till evening, +and then if it has ceased raining, you can start +on your expedition.”</p> + +<p>It was still raining hard, when evening came, +however, and <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> said it would be +foolish to make the start in the storm. So <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +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.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I hope not, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>After dark that evening, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> took his departure, and as soon as he was past the sentinels, he struck out southward. The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army was at that time encamped near the +Flatlands, about two miles from the bay and +about two miles south of Flatbush.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>It were better to make haste slowly. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +realized this, and he decided to take his time +and exercise his every care. Caution was a necessary adjunct of a spy.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> might +be located here, and he did not want to run into +their midst, if such were the case.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“I guess there are no redcoats in these +woods,” he murmured after listening a while. +“The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> haven't advanced this far yet, +likely. I'll go ahead, but will be exceedingly +careful.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>Somehow <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> heart thrilled with pleasure, +even though he were on a perilous undertaking. +He was working for <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“‘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.”</p> + +<p>Suddenly <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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!</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> ears.</p> + +<p>“Now I've done it!” he murmured, in some +dismay. “That will rouse them sure.”</p> + +<p>He was right, for instantly there came the +challenge, loud and clear:</p> + + + +<p>“Halt! Who comes there?”</p> + +<p>There could be no doubt regarding the matter, +now; the men <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had heard talking were +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers doing picket duty.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“Who is there? Answer, or I will fire!”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>But the redcoats were evidently not satisfied +to let the matter go thus. “Let's investigate, +comrade,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“That's what we will, comrade.”</p> + +<p>“And I feel confident there is somebody near +here. What else would make the noise that we +heard?”</p> + +<p>“I don't know, comrade. I think it likely that +somebody is about.”</p> + +<p>“I am positive, sure of it as can be.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“True. Come, comrade. We'll quickly have +the fellow, if he's here.”</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“A spy!” he heard one of the redcoats cry. +“There's somebody there, sure!”</p> + +<p>“Halt!” cried the other soldier, loudly. +“Stop, or I'll fire!”</p> + +<p>But <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers heard him, evidently, for +one cried, excitedly:</p> + +<p>“There he goes! I hear him running!”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” cried the other, “but I'll put a stop to +his running, or know the reason why. Here +goes to wing the rebel.”</p> + +<p>The next instant the loud crack of a musket +rang upon the still night air. At the same instant <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> fell sprawling upon his face on +the ground, and lay still.</p> + + + +<p></p> + + + +</div> + + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.8"> + + + <h2 class="8" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter VIII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> Acts</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">O</span>n</span> the afternoon of the second day after +the departure of <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> from patriot +headquarters in New York, <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> appeared there, and to the orderly at the door +said:</p> + +<p>“I wish to see <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. Show me to his presence, please.”</p> + +<p>The orderly looked at the eager, bright face +of the boy with more of interest.</p> + +<p>“Who are you?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“My name is <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>!” in surprise. “Why, there was +a young fellow here a couple of days ago whose +name was Dare–<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, I believe it was.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes,” quietly; “he is my brother.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, your brother! Are you a member of the +patriot army, also?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. I'm in <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan's</span> regiment.”</p> + +<p>The orderly stared.</p> + +<p>“Well!” he murmured; “the Dares seem to be +pretty well represented in the Continental +Army.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. Our father was captured by Tories, +and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> and +Tories, and if possible rescue our father.”</p> + +<p>“Well, that is the right spirit, certainly.”</p> + +<p>“Will you show me to the presence of the +commander-in-chief, sir?” questioned <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +eagerly. “I am very desirous of seeing him,” he +added, earnestly.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> would see the youth.</p> + +<p>The next moment he ushered <span class="name.char">Tom</span> into the +presence of the commander-in-chief, announcing:</p> + +<p>“Master <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.”</p> + +<p>The general looked up from some papers he +was examining, and gave <span class="name.char">Tom</span> a keen, searching +glance.</p> + +<p>“You are Master <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency,” saluting.</p> + +<p>“Brother to <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Very good. What can I do for you, my +boy?” The great man's air and tone were +kindly, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, encouraged, said:</p> + +<p>“I have come to ask a favor, sir.”</p> + +<p>“What is the favor? Be brief, as my time is +of value, my boy.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir. I have come to ask that you +let me go over onto <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, the same as +you have done with <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> looked at the boy in +surprise.</p> + +<p>“Why do you want to do that?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“I want to be with <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, sir, or near him, all +the time, if possible. I promised my mother +that I would stay at <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> side and fight side +by side with him, and if I stay here, when he +is over on <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, I won't be keeping my +word, sir. Something might happen to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +He might get into trouble with the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>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:</p> + +<p>“I don't know whether to grant your request +or not, my boy. I have sent <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> any good, +if I were to let you go, my boy?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Very good. Then I will grant your request. +Go, my boy; but be careful. I will give you a +note to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, +and he will tell you which way to go to find +your brother.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, sir. You are very kind, and I +will try to do nothing to cause you to regret +that you let me go.”</p> + +<p>“That is right.” The commander-in-chief +wrote a brief note, addressed it to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> and handed it to <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + + + +<p>“Good-bye, your excellency,” and saluting, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> took his departure.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.city">Brooklyn +Heights</span>.</p> + +<p>When he presented himself before <span class="name.char">General +Putnam</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Another one,” he said, with something like a +grim smile. “The Dares certainly seem to be in +evidence to-night.”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick</span> was here, then, sir?” eagerly.</p> + +<p>“Yes, he was here.”</p> + +<p>“How long has he been gone?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, about an hour, I should judge. He had to remain +here until this evening on account of +the storm.”</p> + +<p>“Please direct me how to go in order to overtake him, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I will do so as nearly as possible, my boy.” +Then the general gave <span class="name.char">Tom</span> all the directions +possible, and the boy said:</p> + + + +<p>“Thank you, sir. I will try to join my brother +to-night.”</p> + +<p>“You had better keep your eyes open, Master +Dare,” cautioned <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. “You are +going where redcoats are thicker than mosquitoes, and that is saying a good deal.”</p> + +<p>“I'll look out for them, sir,” with a smile. +“Good-bye, and thank you, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“That's all right. You are welcome. Good-bye and good luck.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> had undoubtedly gone.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps by hurrying I may be able to overtake <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” was his thought.</p> + +<p>He walked swiftly, at times running, and +came to the wooded hills much quicker than +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Instantly <span class="name.char">Tom</span> was greatly excited. The +thought came to him at once that a redcoat had +fired that shot and that it had been fired at +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and with wildly-beating heart he ran forward, at the same time drawing a pistol from +his belt. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> was excited, but not at all +frightened. His only fear was that perhaps +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he heard voices, and paused, listening intently.</p> + +<p>“I wonder if I got the rebel?” he heard one +say.</p> + +<p>“Likely you did,” replied another voice. “I +don't hear the sound of running feet any more.”</p> + +<p>“Served the rascal right if I put a bullet +through him,” said the first voice.</p> + +<p>“Yes. That is what ought to happen to all +rebels.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> heard these words, and his heart sank, +and then a feeling of anger blazed up in his +heart. What if <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was killed, as these soldiers surmised. It was terrible to contemplate, +and acting on the spur of the moment, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +leveled his pistol, pointing in the direction +from which the voices sounded, and pulled the +trigger.</p> + +<p>Crack! went the pistol, and a howl of pain, +rage and surprise commingled went up on the +night air.</p> + +<p>“Oh—ow!—ouch! I'm shot!” cried one +of the voices. “There are other rebels at hand, +comrade! Perhaps we're surrounded!”</p> + +<p>This gave <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and learn whether he were injured.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> waited till he could no longer hear any +sounds of the fleeing redcoats, and then he called +out:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick</span>! Oh, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.9"> + + + <h2 class="9" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter IX</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Brothers Together</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>lmost</span> at once came the reply:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom</span>! Oh, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, is that you?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. I'll be right with you.”</p> + +<p>He hastened in the direction from which +<span class="name.char">Dick's</span> voice sounded, and a few minutes later +was at his side.</p> + +<p>“What in the world brought you here, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>?” +queried <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I was never so surprised in +my life as when I heard your voice.”</p> + +<p>“I'll tell you why I come, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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 <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> to come over here, +and he gave it.”</p> + + + +<p>“He was willing for you to come, then, was +he?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“We don't need to both actually do the spy-work, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“True. Well, now that you are here, you may +as well stay with me. We'll go on down in the +neighborhood of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. That will suit me.”</p> + +<p>“Come, then.”</p> + +<p>“You were not hit by the bullet from the redcoat's musket, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” somewhat anxiously.</p> + +<p>“No, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> laughed.</p> + +<p>“I hit one of the rascals, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” he chuckled. +“I'll warrant you he did not think it was a +dream.”</p> + +<p>“Likely no,” with an answering chuckle. +“Well, let's move.”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, they went in among +the trees and stopped.</p> + +<p>“Wait here a few minutes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“I'm going to climb a tree and see if I can see +the campfires of the enemy.”</p> + +<p>“All right.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span title="camp-fires">campfires</span>, seemingly at no very great +distance.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>?”</p> + +<p>This was a poser. It certainly seemed like a +hopeless task, but <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> was not a youth to +be easily discouraged. He had come here to spy +on the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> and learn their plans, and he +would do so, if such a thing were possible.</p> + +<p>He climbed down and told his brother that he +had seen the campfires of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>“Good,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “But, what are you going +to do next, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>? How are you going to get +into their encampment?”</p> + +<p>“I decided on my course, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” he said, “before I started out.”</p> + +<p>“What are you going to do?” eagerly.</p> + +<p>“I'm going to enter the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment +boldly and tell them that I want to join the +army.”</p> + +<p>“Goodness! That will be dangerous, brother!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, but one can't do spy-work without encountering danger.”</p> + +<p>“I know that. Do you think that you can +succeed, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“I'm going to try.”</p> + +<p>“Will they take you into the army–a boy like +you?”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> did.”</p> + +<p>“But the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army may be different. They may +think that they don't need help badly enough +for them to accept boys as recruits.”</p> + +<p>“Well, even if that is the case, I will succeed +in entering the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“That's so. That part will be all right.”</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“When are you going to approach the encampment? Now?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I don't see any use of waiting.”</p> + +<p>“What shall I do?”</p> + +<p>“You had better stay right here or in this +vicinity.”</p> + +<p>“All right. When do you think you will be +back?”</p> + + + +<p>“I don't know. Possibly to-morrow night.”</p> + +<p>“I'm to wait till you come?”</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“But, I'll get hungry before to-morrow +night.”</p> + +<p>“Go to a farmhouse in the morning and get +some food. There must be farmhouses near.”</p> + +<p>“That's so. I can do that.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I may as well be going. Good-bye, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Good-bye, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>; and–be careful, brother! +If anything should happen to you, it would +break mother's heart.”</p> + +<p>“I'll be careful, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“I'll not let them get me, brother.”</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> picket or sentinel.</p> + +<p>He walked swiftly onward, and about twenty +minutes later was hailed:</p> + + + +<p>“Halt! Who comes there?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“A friend.”</p> + +<p>“Advance, friend, and give the countersign,” +was the command.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Halt!” ordered the sentinel. “Give the +countersign before you come any further.”</p> + +<p>“I don't know the countersign,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +quietly. “But I am a friend, and I wish to see +the commander in charge of this army.”</p> + +<p>“Humph. What do you want to see him +for?”</p> + +<p>“I want to offer my services to fight for the +king.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you do, eh?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“You are a loyal king's man, then, are you?”</p> + +<p>“Would I be anxious to join the king's army +if I were not?” questioned <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.</p> + +<p>“What is your name?” the soldier asked.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had decided that it would be best to give +a fictitious name, so he gave the first one that +came into his mind:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>,” he said.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, eh? Well, <span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>“This isn't the full army, then?” queried +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>The sentinel summoned the officer of the +guard, explained matters to him, and then the +officer conducted <span class="name.char">Dick</span> into the encampment, +and to a tent near its center. This was occupied +by <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>:</p> + +<p>“The general will see you.”</p> + +<p>Then he ushered the youth into the tent, at +the same time announcing:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>.”</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> general looked up, eyed <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +sharply for a few moments, and then said:</p> + +<p>“Well, <span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, so you wish to join the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> army and fight for the king, eh?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had met the searching gaze of the +officer unflinchingly, and now he answered +promptly and firmly:</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; such is my wish.”</p> + +<p>“Humph. How old are you?”</p> + +<p>“Eighteen, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>Then he scribbled a brief note, handed it to +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and said: “Give that to the colonel. He +will take care of you.” Lifting his voice, he +called out: “Orderly!”</p> + +<p>An orderly entered at once, and saluted.</p> + +<p>“Conduct this young man to Colonel Harker. +That is all. Good-night, young man.”</p> + +<p>“Good-night, sir,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Ah, a new recruit,” said the colonel, when +he had read the note. “Very well, <span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, +you are a member of Company H. That is it, +yonder. Take your place there.” He pointed to +the company in question, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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?”</p> + +<p>“I'm all right, I guess,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> replied to these, +smiling.</p> + +<p>The soldiers smoked and talked, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> felt that he had been fortunate in getting within the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> camp, playing the part +of a <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.10"> + + + <h2 class="10" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter X</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">In the Enemy's Camp</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> lines, had become, in +fact, a member of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army.</p> + +<p>So far so good. Now to secure information +that would be of value to <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> +and a benefit to the great Cause of Liberty.</p> + +<p>“What's your name?” asked one of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> replied</p> + +<p>“Where do you live?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, about ten miles from here,” replied the youth</p> + +<p>“Parents living.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “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?”</p> + +<p>“Hard telling, young man. That's for the +generals to say. What their plans may be is +more than I can say.”</p> + +<p>“I have heard it rumored in our part of the +country that he <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I hope it will be soon,” declared <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, with a +view to keeping up the pretense of being imbued +with an intense desire to get at the rebels.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I'm not worrying about it, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Do you think you will fight when the time +comes?” half-sneered another, rather evil-featured fellow, leering at <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I'd be willing to wager that you'll do more running than +fighting.”</p> + +<p>“You might lose your money if you wagered +it that way,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly, gazing steadily +at the speaker.</p> + +<p>“I might, but I don't think I would,” with a +harsh laugh. “I don't think much of the +bravery of the <span class="name.nationality">Americans</span>, whether rebels or +king's men. They are not the kind that make +good soldiers.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose you think that you are,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, calmly.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“You seem to be great at blowing your own +horn, at any rate,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. And +several of the other soldiers sitting near snickered, +which seemed to anger the other very much.</p> + +<p>“Do you mean to insult me?” he cried, glancing +fiercely at <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Oh, no,” coolly. “I was simply stating a +fact, that is all.”</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Don't let my youth hinder you,” retorted +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I will say this, that I think you will find +the people of <span class="name.state">America</span> as brave as those of your +country or any other, and I think, too, that they +will make as brave and effective soldiers.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“You might find that you had your hands +full if you tried it,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> a look of hatred as +he did so.</p> + +<p>A number of the soldiers grinned, and two or +three chuckled aloud, and unless Coggins was +deaf, he must have heard them.</p> + +<p>“Would you really have fought him?” queried +a soldier, looking at <span class="name.char">Dick</span> keenly, when Coggins +was gone.</p> + +<p>“If he attacked me, I should have protected myself,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“But you couldn't have done much against +him. You're only a boy.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Well, you might have held your own with +Coggins, but I doubt it a little.”</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I noticed that, too,” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“That's right, of course,” approvingly. “But +don't get into trouble with him if you can avoid +it without discredit to yourself.”</p> + +<p>“I won't, sir, and thank you for your friendly +words.”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>Soon the soldiers stretching themselves on blankets and going to sleep. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +was given a blanket, and he also lay down, +being quite tired by this time, and was soon +asleep.</p> + +<p>The fact that he was in the encampment of +the enemy did not have any effect on <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> +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 <span class="foreign" style="font-style: italic">sang froid</span> as if he were really an adherent +of the king and sincere in his desire to fight for +him.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> accompanying them, of +course. On the way they passed another division of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was informed by a companion that it was the main +body.</p> + +<p>When they neared the beach, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> caught +sight of several old hulks of vessels at anchor +near the shore, and he inquired what they +were.</p> + +<p>“Old hulks of dismantled ships,” was the reply. “We use them for prisons for those of the +rebel army that we capture.”</p> + +<p>“Are there any rebels in there now?” queried +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, making his tone as careless as possible, +though having his father in mind, his heart was +throbbing with eagerness.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.11"> + + + <h2 class="11" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XI</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Tom</span> in Trouble</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="name.char"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> Dare</span> eyed the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Phew, that outnumbers our army considerably!” thought <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “Well, no matter, when it +comes to battle, I'll wager that we will give +the redcoats all they can do.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span> +very soon, exactly the point on which <span class="name.char">General +Washington</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>About half-past one o'clock in the afternoon, +however, he was given a shock: He saw half +a dozen <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers approaching the encampment from the north, and in their midst +was–his brother <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!</p> + +<p>“They've captured <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!” he exclaimed +mentally, in dismay. “Goodness, that is bad! +I wonder how it happened?”</p> + +<p>This was a simple matter. The half dozen +redcoats had been up in the hills nearby the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, where <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> had had the adventure the night before, when in passing the +clump of trees, some one of them happened to +catch a glimpse of <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>As may well be supposed, when <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> in the enemy's hands, a prisoner.</p> + +<p>“I'll have to begin by rescuing <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, I guess,” +was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> thought.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had drawn near as the soldiers entered +the camp, and had managed to catch <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Whom have you there?” queried <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span>, as the party came to a halt in front of him.</p> + +<p>“We found this youngster over yonder in that +bit of woods, <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>,” 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.”</p> + +<p>“I wasn't frightened, any such thing!” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>Something like a grim smile appeared for an +instant on the general's face, as he looked at the +bright face of the boy.</p> + + + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, sir.” <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, eh? Well, Master <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, +where do you live?”</p> + +<p>The boy hesitated an instant, and then said: +“I live over in New Jersey.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, in New Jersey? Well, what are you +doing over here on <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>?”</p> + +<p>“I wanted to see the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army, sir, and so +I came over here.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, indeed? Why did you wish to see the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> army?”</p> + +<p>“Just out of curiosity, sir. I have never before seen an army, and I wanted to see one.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Percy</span> eyed the boy searchingly for a +few moments, and then said:</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> did not just like. It had a +threatening sound. However, he kept a bold +face, and said as calmly as possible:</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> still did not fancy the general's tone and +air, but he answered:</p> + +<p>“True, sir. So I would.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> started and turned slightly pale.</p> + +<p>“Surely you are not going to make me a +prisoner there, sir!” he exclaimed in dismay.</p> + +<p>“That is just what I am going to do, Master +<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>!” 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.</p> + +<p>Poor <span class="name.char">Tom</span>! 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.</p> + +<p>“Take him past the other encampments and +let him see the whole army,” called <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“I'd like to kick him!”</p> + +<p>“Who, the general?” queried one of the soldiers.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, boldly.</p> + +<p>“You'd better not let him hear you say anything like that, sonny!”</p> + + + +<p>“Say, comrades,” remarked another, maliciously, “let's go back and tell the general what +he said.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I guess you're right about that, comrade.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I guess you're about right,” agreed the first +speaker. “I certainly would hate to have to +change places with you, my boy.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> decided that the prison-ship must be a +terrible place, and he was destined to soon find +that such was really the case.</p> + +<p>They passed the main encampment of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span>, as they went to the beach, and the +patriot youth thought that the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> would be +hard to defeat, with such a strong army.</p> + +<p>“There must be fifteen or twenty thousand +soldiers there” was his estimate.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +to the deck. Here they found a <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier +on guard.</p> + +<p>“What have you got there, comrades?” this +soldier asked, looking at <span class="name.char">Tom</span> in surprise.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“All right; down with him. But I wouldn't +think the rebels would send out such a young +one to do spy-work.”</p> + +<p>“Well, the general thinks he's a spy, and that +settles it.”</p> + +<p>“It certainly does so far as I am concerned. +Down with him.”</p> + +<p>The hatch was opened, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> in complete darkness.</p> + +<p>As he realized his situation, a shudder went +over the youth's form.</p> + +<p>“I don't like this!” he murmured.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.12"> + + + <h2 class="12" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Dick</span> Does Wonderful Work</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> Dare had been afraid that <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span> might connect him with <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. With +them both in the old prison-hulk, escape would +have been difficult, in fact well-nigh impossible, +but with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The afternoon dragged slowly along. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +could hardly wait for nightfall, for he was eager +to get to work. He thought the afternoon never +would end.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I guess it will be all right,” was the reply. +“Go ahead, but don't stay too long.”</p> + +<p>“I won't, sir. Thank you.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>“Where away, comrade?” queried the sentinel +at the east side of the encampment.</p> + +<p>“Oh, out for a little walk for exercise,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, carelessly.</p> + +<p>“All right<span title=",">.</span> The Countersign is ‘The King Rules’.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I'll not forget.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p>He hastened onward, but paused frequently +and listened intently. He did not want to meet any +force of <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers then for it would have +been awkward work explaining his presence.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Now the next thing is to get aboard the +hulk,” was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> thought.</p> + + + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had +rightly guessed that the sentinel was at the +other side, doubtless keeping a lookout shoreward.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> climbed on up, and over +the rail, and a moment later stood on the deck.</p> + +<p>So far all was well. He had escaped from the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, had reached the prison-hulk, and was on board. Now to overpower +the sentinel and rescue the prisoners.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> sentinel.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was not the kind +of youth to be dismayed by difficulties. +Their presence only made him the more determined.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, the redcoat's back was +partially toward him, and the soldier was gazing in almost the opposite direction from that +in which <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was approaching.</p> + +<p>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, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> compressed his windpipe, gripping it with +all his might.</p> + +<p>Although but eighteen years of age, <span class="name.char">Dick +Dare</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had seized the redcoat, the fellow +was lying unconsciously on the deck–choked into +insensibility.</p> + +<p>Feeling confident the sentinel would remain +unconscious some time, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Hello, down there!” he called. “Are you +there, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick</span>! Oh, is it really you?” came the reply, +in the excited voice of <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, it is I,” was the reply. “How many are +there with you, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>? Is father there?”</p> + +<p>“No, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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!”</p> + +<p>“Climb up the ladder,” instructed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“Surely you are not bound.”</p> + +<p>“Our hands are tied. That's what I meant +by telling you to come down and free us, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I'll be with you in moment, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened down the ladder, and was soon +standing beside <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, who had scrambled to his +feet. He quickly cut the rope binding his +brother's wrists, and then asked where the +other prisoners were.</p> + +<p>“Here,” replied a hoarse voice. “We are +right at hand, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Joseph Boswick</span>,” he +continued, “one of the spies sent down here by +<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> to secure information regarding the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“I can easily believe it, <span class="name.char">Mr. Boswick</span>, 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> guards are +insensible, and locked in a stateroom.”</p> + +<p>“You are a wonder, Dare!” said <span class="name.char">Boswick</span>, +admiration in his tone. “Well, cut our bonds +quickly and we'll try to get out of here.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Some redcoats have come off to the ship, +from the shore!” whispered <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, to <span class="name.char">Boswick</span>. +“We must get away from here in a hurry, for +your escape will be discovered very quickly!”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.13"> + + + <h2 class="13" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XIII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> is Pleased</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">W</span>e</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, and it is old and leaky, anyway. We'll +go ashore and then head for <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“They've discovered your escape,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“Get ashore, men, as quickly as possible.”</p> + +<p>The rescued patriots leaped ashore as fast +as they could, and then with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> in the lead, +they set out northward.</p> + + + +<p>“By keeping over pretty close to the water, I +think we shall be able to keep clear of the redcoats,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Likely,” agreed <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “We mustn't let them +capture us now.”</p> + +<p>“I'll never go back to that terrible prison-pen alive!” declared <span class="name.char">Boswick</span>. “I would much +rather die fighting.”</p> + +<p>“We'll get to the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> and then over to +New York in safety,” assured <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>The excited voices of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army and an hour or so later arrived at the +patriot encampment on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>They went direct to patriot headquarters, and +were quickly ushered into the presence of the +commander-in-chief. When he saw <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and also <span class="name.char">Boswick</span> and the other spies and +the patriot soldiers that had been prisoners, his +face lighted up with pleasure.</p> + +<p>“You surely have succeeded well, Dare!” +he exclaimed. “You have rescued the +patriot prisoners from the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> prison-ship, +and I hope you have as well secured some important information.”</p> + +<p>“I have secured some information, your excellency,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “And I am pleased because I was able to free the patriots from the +prison-ship.”</p> + +<p>“You have done well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>–wonderfully +well. I congratulate you, my boy.” Then he +shook hands with <span class="name.char">Boswick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>The soldiers obeyed, all going save <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, who +remained at the command of <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. When the others had gone, he turned inquiringly at <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“What did you learn, my boy?” he queried. +“Have you secured any information of value?”</p> + +<p>“I haven't secured a great deal of information, your excellency,” was the reply. “I +learned the numerical strength of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army, for one thing.”</p> + +<p>“That is important. What is the number?”</p> + +<p>“Twenty-five thousand.”</p> + +<p>A sober, thoughtful look settled over the face +of the commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I learned also, that an attack on <span class="name.city">Brooklyn +Heights</span>, while a probability at some future +time, is not contemplated at an early date.”</p> + + + +<p>“That is important also, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. Well, did you +learn anything else?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing else, sir. But, if you desire it, I +will go back over onto <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and will +keep watch on the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“We will wait a few days, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and then I +may send you again. I congratulate you on the +success of your first attempt at spying. You +did well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, exceedingly well, and I shall +doubtless make use of you frequently in the +future, if you care to undertake the work.”</p> + +<p>“I shall be glad to do so, your excellency. +My only wish is to do all in my power to aid the +people of <span class="name.state">America</span> to secure their independence, +and if I can be of value by doing spy-work, then +I shall take pleasure in doing it.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>Then he dismissed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, who saluted and +withdrew, going to his quarters.</p> + +<p>He found <span class="name.char">Tom</span> there, engaged in telling the +story of his and <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> adventures over on +<span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> and the other soldiers +were listening eagerly, their eyes shining. They +greeted <span class="name.char">Dick</span> joyously.</p> + +<p>“Say, I wish I had been with you two fellows, +old man,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “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.” +<span class="name.char">Ben</span> pretended to be vexed with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +but it was only pretense.</p> + +<p>“You boys will get all the adventure you +want, one of these days, I think,” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“There is going to be a battle over on Long +Island sooner or later, and then you will get +all the fighting you want.”</p> + +<p>“Hurroo!” cried <span class="name.char">Tim Murphy</span>, “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.”</p> + +<p>“Yah, ve vill fighd lige eferyting,” declared +<span class="name.char">Fritz Schmockenburg</span>. “Ve are nod avraid uf +der retgoads, und dot is so.”</p> + +<p>“How soon will the battle take place, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” +queried <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> shook his head.</p> + +<p>“As to that I cannot say, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” he replied. +“But it will come soon enough, without doubt, +for the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> have twenty-five thousand soldiers, while we have not more than eighteen +thousand.”</p> + +<p>“That is pretty big odds,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, with a +shake of the head.</p> + +<p>“So it is,” agreed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “But the patriots +will give a good account of themselves when +the time comes, I feel certain.”</p> + +<p>“Yah, ve vill gif ein goot accound mit mysellufs,” said <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>, the <span class="name.nationality">Dutch</span> soldier.</p> + +<p>“Just listen to thot, wull yez?” remarked +<span class="name.char">Tim</span>, scathingly. “Shure an' there is agotism +fur yez!”</p> + +<p>“Well, I hope all of us will always give a +good account of ourselves,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. +“And I believe we will.”</p> + +<p>“We'll try to, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, earnestly.</p> + +<p>A few days later <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> again +summoned <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and told him to go over on +<span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and see if he could learn anything +regarding the intentions of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>“You will have to be very careful, this time, +however, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” he cautioned; “for you are +known to many of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, and if they +should see you, they would capture you, and +that would be bad.”</p> + +<p>“True, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I will be very careful. I will not let them capture me, if I can +help myself.” Then, after receiving his instructions, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> saluted and withdrew.</p> + +<p>After supper he set out, and crossing the +East River, made his way in the direction of +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, which was about five +miles distant, to the southward. He did not +need to go to <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span> to see <span class="name.char">General +Putnam</span>, for the reason that he now knew more +about the location of the enemy than <span class="name.char">Putnam</span> +did.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. By going slowly he could avoid this +danger.</p> + +<p>Two hours from the time he crossed the East +River, he was in the vicinity of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army a few days before and +then deserted. Doubtless the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> were +aware of the fact, also, that the same youth +had set the prisoners free from the prison-ship.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> remained near the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>He slept soundly till morning, and then got +up and took a survey of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, if it took +him a week.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>When the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers began moving +around again, after dinner, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +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.</p> + +<p>When they left and returned to the encampment <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>After the redcoats returned to the encampment, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers were no +others than <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> +enemies, the Tory youths from over in New +Jersey!</p> + +<p>“Well, this is a surprise!” thought <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“But I remember now, that <span class="name.char">Ben</span> said <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> told +him he and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> were going to join the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army and be <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers, that they were +not going to let <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, and myself get ahead +of them. I wonder what they would say if they +knew I was so near them?”</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span>, dressed in the uniform of +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers, entered the clump of timber +and seated themselves on the moss under the +tree next to that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was in. They had no +suspicion that there was anyone other than +themselves present, and talked freely of their +plans.</p> + +<p>“How do ye like army life, anyhow, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>?” +asked <span class="name.char">Lem</span>, as they lolled on the grass.</p> + +<p>“Oh, pretty well, <span class="name.char">Lem</span>,” was the reply. “How +do ye like et?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, only so-so, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>. They're too strict ter +suit me. I don't like ter hev ter come an' go +just ez sumbuddy tells me, do you?”</p> + +<p>“No, I don't. But when er feller enters the +army, that's jest whut he hez ter do.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, thet's so. Well, I guess I'll git used +ter et.”</p> + +<p>“I'll be glad when we git inter a bettle with +the rebels, <span class="name.char">Lem</span>, won't you?”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> an' +<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> an' <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.”</p> + +<p>“So do I. I'd like ter giv' 'em a thrashin' in +a battle.”</p> + + + +<p>“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 <span class="name.city">Brooklyn +Heights</span> the <span title="1776-08-24">twenty-fourth</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I heard 'im say thet.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> made mental note of this date. He had +learned something of value, and from the lips +of his enemies, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span>. How angry they +would be if they knew they had done <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> +a kindness! “Thank you, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span>,” he murmured. “You are very kind, and have done me +quite a favor.”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, but what he had +learned was sufficient. He had learned when +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 +<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> what he had learned.</p> + +<p>The commander-in-chief complimented <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +on his success in securing the information, and +next morning he sent three thousand troops +over to reinforce <span class="name.char">General Putnam's</span> force on +<span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>. To the delight of <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan's</span> regiment was among +those sent, and the youths would thus be able +to take part in the battle.</p> + +<p>When the <span title="1776-08-24">24th</span> arrived, however, the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +did not make the expected attack, and about +mid-day <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> came over to the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> and conferred with <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +was asked his opinion regarding the non-appearance of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>“I don't understand it, sir,” he replied. “I +heard the two Tory youths say that an attack +would be made on the <span title="1776-08-24">twenty-fourth</span>. Perhaps +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> have learned that you were expecting them, and have postponed the attack on that +account.”</p> + +<p>“That is possible,” agreed <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. “Well, the only thing to do, now, is to +keep constantly on the lookout and be ready all +the time to repulse an attack.”</p> + + + +<p>“That is the proper course, your excellency,” +said <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> to make an +attack.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.14"> + + + <h2 class="14" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XIV</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Haunted House</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">L</span>ife</span> in the patriot camp often grew irksome +to the volunteers of <span class="name.char">Washington's</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> outposts, which +little affairs only served to increase their eagerness to “have it out” with the invaders.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>One evening toward dusk <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>A little youngster scarce four years old, was +playing under the tree. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> pocket +was greedily accepted by Jackie. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The youngster was tired out now, and +wanted “home and mother,” so <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>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 +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> loud and hurried +rappings on the door, there was no response.</p> + +<p>A flash of lightning however, showed <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +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.</p> + +<p>It did not take <span class="name.char">Tom</span> long to determine that +he and his little charge were alone in a deserted +mansion.</p> + +<p>“Is this your home, Jackie?” inquired <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>The little fellow whom <span class="name.char">Tom</span> had placed upon +the floor was thoroughly terrified, and could +only grasp his answer.</p> + +<p>“It is the haunted house, let me go home.”</p> + + + +<p>“Nonsense, Jackie, don't be afraid, but +where is your home?”</p> + +<p>Meantime <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Let's see if we can find a window,” suggested <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, but Jackie clung closer to his rescuer and began to cry wildly.</p> + +<p>“There is a ghost, it's coming,” shrieked the +little fellow.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Tom's</span> side to shut out the dreaded sight.</p> + +<p>“Come, Jackie, let's get out of here,” encouraged <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and having observed a window +in the room to the left, he once more took up +his charge and made for it.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> stopped short +an instant, but not so Jackie, who struggled +from his protector's embrace calling out, +“There's papa!”</p> + +<p>In a brief interval Jackie was in his parent's +arms, and as they lived next door to the deserted mansion, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> was soon being thanked +time and again for the rescue of the little runaway.</p> + +<p>“And is the house really haunted?” asked +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and then without waiting for a reply +he answered his own question “but of course +I know it is not.”</p> + + + +<p>“No,” was the laughing response, “but it +has been unoccupied except by cats, and in +some way has gotten that name.”</p> + +<p>“And then the eyes we saw–?”</p> + +<p>“Quite likely a stray cat, but still it would +not be wondered at if your nerves got on edge. +You are a brave boy, <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, and I know I +shall hear of brave deeds of yours in the +future.”</p> + +<p>The storm had moderated, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>That evening about the camp-fire <span class="name.char">Tom</span> recounted his adventures to his friends, and a trip +was planned for the next day to explore the +secrets of the old house.</p> + +<p>The following morning, after drill and the +camp duties had been performed, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> set out for the scene of the previous +day's excitement.</p> + +<p>“I don't believe half of these ‘haunted house’ +stories,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, “ever since–,” and here he +stopped.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“When was that?” questioned <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“Why, about a year ago,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“Who was it?” questioned <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, eagerly, +while <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, remembering his temporary terror +on that night, grew suspiciously red in the face.</p> + +<p>“None other than a marauding cat,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +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.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.15"> + + + <h2 class="15" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XV</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Dick</span> Again Does Spy-Work</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>s</span> the days and weeks dragged slowly past +and the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> did not make an attack +on the patriot force on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> +had done good work for him on two former +occasions, the commander-in-chief decided to +try him again. He had been on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, +conferring with <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, on the afternoon of August 20th, and presently he summoned an orderly and told him to tell <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> +to come to headquarters.</p> + + + +<p>The orderly saluted and went in search of the +youth, whom he found in company with his +brother <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> and two or three +other soldiers, talking listlessly and wondering +when the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> would make an attack.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, you are wanted at headquarters,” said the orderly. “The commander-in-chief sent me to inform you.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> leaped up with alacrity.</p> + +<p>“I'll go at once,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Maybe he is wanting you to do some more +spy-work, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” suggested <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“I hope so. I would like to get away from +camp and circulate around awhile.”</p> + +<p>“So would I,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and get captured again,” grinned <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. +“You are not cut out for spy-work, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. You +are too impulsive.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I don't know about that,” demurred +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I'd like to try spying, on my own hook, +once, like <span class="name.char">Dick</span> does.”</p> + +<p>“I don't think either of us would be as successful as <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” remarked <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“That is phwat Oi think,” said <span class="name.char">Tim Murphy</span>, +the Irish soldier. “Av inywan, now, could come +innywhere near bein' as good at spyin' as <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +phwy <span class="name.char">Fritz</span> here,” he continued with a grin, +“would be the mon, Oi'm thinkin'.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Fritz Schmockenburg</span>, the <span class="name.nationality">Dutch</span> soldier, +grunted.</p> + +<p>“I bet me dot I vould mage ein better sby as +vot your vould, <span class="name.char">Tim Murphies</span>,” he said placidly.</p> + +<p>And then ensued a good-natured dispute between the two, who, although they <span title="quarreled">quarrelled</span> +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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had gone to headquarters, and on reaching there, he was given a cordial greeting by +<span class="name.char">Generals Washington</span> and <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>“You sent for me, your excellency?” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, after saluting.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” was the reply. “I think that I +shall again call you into requisition. How +wold you like to again venture out toward the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> lines in search of information?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> face lighted up eagerly.</p> + +<p>“I would like it first rate, sir,” he said.</p> + +<p>“I thought so, and that is the reason I sent +for you. Well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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?”</p> + +<p>“I shall be glad to make the attempt to secure +the information you wish, <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>,” was the prompt and earnest reply.</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency. I will leave as soon +as it is dark, and will do my best +to secure some information of value.”</p> + +<p>“I hope that you may succeed, my boy.”</p> + +<p>“I hope so, sir.”</p> + +<p>After a little further conversation <span class="name.char">Dick</span> took +his departure, and rejoined his comrades, who +looked at him inquiringly.</p> + +<p>“Spy-work again, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” queried <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“That's what we guessed. When do you +start?”</p> + +<p>“This evening.”</p> + +<p>“I wish I could go with you!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“I think it will be better for me to go alone,” +said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I can do better work alone than if +somebody is with me. The general selected me +because I have a likely place to hide.”</p> + +<p>“How would it do to take <span class="name.char">Dootchy</span> wid yez, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” grinned <span class="name.char">Tim</span>. “He thinks he would be a +foine spy.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> laughed. “I don't know how <span class="name.char">Fritz</span> +would make out in that field of endeavor,” he +said.</p> + +<p>“He is so big he couldn't get within a mile of +the redcoats without their seeing him,” commented <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, that's the only trouble with <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>,” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “He is too big to be a success as a spy.”</p> + +<p>“I didn't said dot I vould be a goot sby, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” +responded <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>. “I said dot I vould be as goot +a sby as vot <span class="name.char">Tim Murphies</span> vould be, see? und +I vill stand me by dot statements, alretty.”</p> + +<p>“Wull, Oi have not said thot Oi would make a +good spy, <span class="name.char">Dootchy</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tim</span>, “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, <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>, me bye.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I don'd vos know abouid dot, <span class="name.char">Tim</span>,” was +the reply. “I think dot I vill do some fighdin' +myselufs alretty, ven ve get der retgoads at, +yahs.”</p> + +<p>“Maybe so,” grinned <span class="name.char">Tim</span>. “We wull wait +an see how yez act whin we come face to face +wid the ridcoats.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you'll both be brave soldiers, no doubt,” +said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “But, you won't be any ahead of +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Ben</span> and myself. We intend to do some +fighting, too, when the time comes.”</p> + +<p>“Oi'm bettin' thot yez presint a bold face to +the inimy,” nodded <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, who liked the youths +immensely. “An' sure, it's meself is wishin' +thot we get a chance at the ridcoats before very +long.”</p> + +<p>“I hope so, <span class="name.char">Tim</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>Soon after supper, that evening, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> made +his preparations for going on the expedition. +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“I shall be careful,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “But I'm +going to find out when the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> intend to +make an attack, that is, if such a thing is possible.”</p> + +<p>“I hope that you may succeed, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” encouraged <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“I'll do my best,” and then saying good-bye +to his friends, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> left the works and set out +down the slope, heading in the direction of the +encampment of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>He walked at a moderate pace, for there was +no occasion for haste. He had the whole night +before him.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. The +enemy were still occupying their old quarters.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> did not of course dare venture into the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“I guess the best thing I can do is to remain +here till morning,” was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> climbed down out of the tree and lay +down under some bushes and was soon sound +asleep. That was one thing that made <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +encampment. By climbing the tree, he was enabled to get a good view of the camp, and could +see the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers at work cooking their +breakfast over the campfires.</p> + +<p>Away in the distance, toward the bay, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +could make out another encampment, and knew +that this was the main force, under <span class="name.char">General +Howe</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>One, two hours passed, and then <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> patience was rewarded. He saw a couple of British soldiers have the encampment and come +strolling in the direction of the clump of trees.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The two <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers came strolling along, +talking and laughing, and presently they entered the clump of trees and sat down under the +very tree that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was in. Here they made +themselves as comfortable as possible, and lighting their pipes, smoked and talked lazily.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> listened eagerly, hoping to hear something that would be in the nature of news, and +of value to <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, but the soldiers kept their conversation in personal channels, which was not of much interest to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“I wish they would talk about the army, and +what it intends to do,” was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> thought.</p> + +<p>But the redcoats did not do this. They talked +of matters of no importance or interest to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +and after staying an hour or so, they get up and +returned to the encampment.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>Noon came, and no other soldiers had visited +the clump of trees. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was not discouraged, +however. He felt that he would likely get a +chance to hear other soldiers talk that afternoon.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier standing within a few +paces of him, musket in hand, eyeing him suspiciously.</p> + +<p>“Hello,” greeted the redcoat.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“Hello. Good afternoon, sir.”</p> + + + +<p>The soldier stood there, keeping a keen eye on +the youth.</p> + +<p>“Who are you?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“My name is <span class="name.char">Dick Morris</span>.” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> gave the +first name that came to his mind.</p> + +<p>“Humph. What are you doing here?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing. Just sitting here.”</p> + +<p>“Why are you sitting here?” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> believed +the soldier was suspicious of him.</p> + +<p>“I'm resting,” replied the youth.</p> + +<p>“Resting, eh?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“What made you tired?”</p> + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>“Humph. Where are you bound for?”</p> + +<p>“Over on the shore of the bay.”</p> + +<p>“What are you going there for?”</p> + +<p>“To work for a man, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Who?”</p> + +<p>“An old fisherman.”</p> + +<p>“Humph. You seem to be interested in the +army, yonder, judging by the way you were +looking that way when I came up.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, sir,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. “When one +has never seen an army before, it does interest +one.”</p> + +<p>The redcoat eyed <span class="name.char">Dick</span> searchingly.</p> + +<p>“I'm almost inclined to believe that you are +not what you make out yourself to be,” he said, +after a few moments.</p> + +<p>“Why so, sir?” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> opened his eyes as if +surprised and puzzled and looked at the soldier +inquiringly.</p> + +<p>“Because–in these times of war, it is often +the case that anyone like yourself may turn out +to be a spy.”</p> + +<p>“A spy?” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, assuming a most +astonished expression.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and you may be a spy for all I know.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">General Percy</span> has to +say about the matter.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> heart sank. <span class="name.char">General Percy</span> was the +officer he had seen, a few weeks before, when he +had pretended to join the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Oh, I wouldn't do that, if I were you,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, calmly.</p> + +<p>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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“March along in front of me to the encampment, young fellow. We'll see what <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span> thinks about you.”</p> + +<p>But <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +managed to choke the soldier into a state of +insensibility in a very few minutes.</p> + +<p>And then, when confident that the redcoat +was unconscious, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Having accomplished this task, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> sat down +beside the tree and drew a long breath of relief +and satisfaction.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>At least an hour passed, and then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The two soldiers entered the edge of the timber and seated themselves under a tree close to +the one <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +wish to hear discussed. In a general way +they commented upon the bustle, stir and +preparation that indicated some important +move.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“He had the news from <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> was straining every nerve to hear distinctly.</p> + +<p>Just then a groan sounded, from amid the +clump of bushes in which <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“What does that mean, comrade?” remarked +one of the soldiers.</p> + +<p>“Somebody groaned,” was the reply. “Let's +take a look in that clump of bushes and see who +is there, and what ails him.”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“I suppose the rascally spy isn't still in this +clump of timer, eh?” remarked one of the soldiers, with a glance around.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Luckily he was not here to listen to what we +were saying,” remarked one, and he looked significantly at the other who agreed.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> was eager, now, to get away from there.</p> + +<p>He felt that he had important if not really +definite information and wished to get it to +<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier there.</p> + +<p>So <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>When night came, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> slipped away and +started in the direction of the patriot encampment on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>. He reached there +in safety, a couple of hours later, and at once +went to headquarters and made his report, <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> being there, conferring with +<span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> told them of the unwonted activities in the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> lines they were well pleased, +and said that if an attack were made they would +be able to hold their position on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, in +spite of the superior numbers of the enemy.</p> + +<p>Next day preparations were begun for the +reception of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, who might now come at any time. +The days dragged slowly by, however, and it +was not until the morning of the <span title="1776-08-27">27th of +August</span> that the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> advanced to attack. +Seated in their quarters on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, 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 <span class="name.street">Narrows road</span>, near the bay, where +<span class="name.char">General Stirling's</span> division was stationed.</p> + +<p>“To arms!” at once shouted <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. +“The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> are beginning the attack!”</p> + +<p>Instantly all was excitement. The soldiers +grabbed their muskets and took their places, +ready for battle, and down where <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> +force was there sounded the rattle of musketry, +as volleys were exchanged. It was indeed exciting, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, their eyes shining, could scarcely contain themselves. They +wanted to be at the front, helping fight the +redcoats.</p> + +<p>“Say, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, ask <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> to let us go +down there,” pleaded <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “I want to +help fight the redcoats!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, do ask him, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” urged <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I +can't stand staying here, doing nothing, when +there is fighting going on. Get him to let us +go down there.”</p> + +<p>“All right, I'll try,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I would like +it myself. But, I'm afraid he won't be willing +to let us go.”</p> + +<p>“Ask him, anyway,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“I will,” and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> and made his wish known.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> nodded, a disappointed look on his face.</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir,” he said, and turning, started +to rejoin his comrades.</p> + +<p>“It is possible that I may make use of you +boys as messengers during the battle, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” 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.</p> + +<p>It evidently pleased <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, for he turned a +beaming face toward the general and said: +“Thank you, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. If you have any +messages to send to the commanders of the +other forces, at the front, we will be glad to +take them.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. It is likely that I shall +want to send some messages. You boys hold +yourselves in readiness to take them.”</p> + +<p>“We will do so, sir.”</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, but were +pleased with the idea of being sent to the commanders with orders.</p> + +<p>“I hope <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> will have a lot of +messages to send,” said <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, his eyes +shining with excitement.</p> + +<p>“So do I,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.16"> + + + <h2 class="16" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XVI</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Battle of <span class="name.place">Long Island</span></h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>own</span> on the <span class="name.street">Narrows Road</span>, <span class="name.char">General +Stirling's</span> force was holding its own +against the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. The patriot soldiers were +steady and calm, and loaded and fired regularly +and with considerable effect, and had fortune +gone well with <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> division, the Continental soldiers would probably have won the battle. +But <span class="name.char">General Sullivan</span>, stationed on the hills +south of Bedford, was attacked fiercely in front +by a strong force of <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, and another force +under <span class="name.char">Generals Howe</span> and <span class="name.char">Cornwallis</span>, having +marched around to the north of this position, +by way of the <span class="name.street">Jamaica Road</span>, attacked <span class="name.char">Sullivan</span> +from the rear, and his force, thus caught between two fires, was driven back and forth +among the trees, with disastrous results.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, watching the battle from +the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, through his glass, saw that Sullivan was in difficulties and in danger of capture, +and he decided to send a message to <span class="name.char">Stirling</span>, +warning him of this fact, and ordering him to +retreat toward the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> as quickly as possible–for as soon as <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> force was overpowered, the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> would sweep on across the +fields and fall upon the rear of <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force +and capture it. So, having written a brief note, +<span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> summoned <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>“Do you think you can find <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>?” +the general asked.</p> + +<p>“I think so, sir,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“He is over on <span class="name.street">Narrows Road</span>. 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 +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> the slip of paper.</p> + +<p>“I will do so, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +firmly.</p> + +<p>“Very good. Now hurry. Get there as +quickly as possible.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened away, running swiftly, and as +he passed where <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> were stationed, +he called out: “I'm taking a message to <span class="name.char">General +Stirling</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Good for you,” cried <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + + + +<p>“Go it,” from <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> vaulted over the breastworks and then +ran down the slope at the top of his speed.</p> + +<p>“I'm a messenger from <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>,” +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.</p> + +<p>Soon he was in among the trees and out of +sight of the patriot soldiers on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>. He +knew the direction to go in order to reach <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, and he headed in that direction +and kept up his speed.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> heard the firing over to his left, and +knew this was where <span class="name.char">General Sullivan</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, +and he kept a sharp lookout in that direction, +for he did not want to get shot by any of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers.</p> + +<p>Presently he caught sight of the right wing +of <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> force, and saw the patriot soldiers +firing at the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> as rapidly as possible, and +then he saw the redcoats, who were attacking +the patriots from both the front and the rear.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> wished that he might be able to help the +patriot soldiers fight the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, but he had +business of his own to attend to, and so he kept +onward, running at the top of his speed.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, however, when he was perhaps +halfway to the point where <span class="name.char">General Stirling's</span> +army was fighting so bravely, he was given a +surprise, and a most unpleasant one–for he +found himself confronted by a force of <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +soldiers, which was making a flank movement, +with the intention, doubtless, of falling upon +<span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> right wing. Doubtless another force +was executing a similar movement on the opposite side, to attack <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> left wing, and +when this movement was finished, the soldiers +under <span class="name.char">Sullivan</span> would be surrounded.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>But could he do this? He glanced around +him, eagerly and anxiously. He was determined to get through the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> ranks and +deliver the message to <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. No, he must +reach <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>. <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> had +shown confidence in <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and the youth was +not going to give the general reason to think +his confidence had been misplaced.</p> + +<p>But, where could he hide? While pondering +this matter, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> would have to take the +chance of being seen by the approaching <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +soldiers.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>This being settled, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Crouching back as far from the opening as +possible, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> waited anxiously for the coming +of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers. Had they seen him as +he crawled through the opening? Would he be +hauled out of the hollow tree and made a prisoner? <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>. How +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> wished that this might be the case!</p> + +<p>THe moments that intervened before the redcoats reached the vicinity of the tree were anxious ones for <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. He sat there, crouching +back as far as possible from the opening, and +waited, and as he heard the footsteps and +voices of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers, his heart came up +into his throat.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a critical moment. It was a +situation to try the nerve of the bravest person.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was +not discovered.</p> + + + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> crawled +out of his hiding-place, and heaving a sigh of +relief, he again set out in the direction of the +point where <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force was giving such +valiant battle to the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>On <span class="name.char">Dick</span> ran, at top speed, and presently he +emerged upon the <span class="name.street">Narrows Road</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> quickly +caught sight of <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, who was seated +on his big bay charger, watching the progress +of the battle.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened up to the general, and saluting, said: “I have message for you, <span class="name.char">General +Stirling</span>, from <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Stirling</span> took the message and quickly read the few words written there.</p> + +<p>“Ah!” he exclaimed. “<span class="name.char">Sullivan</span> 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.”</p> + + + + + + + +<p>Then he turned to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and said: “Tel <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> I will begin retreating toward the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> at once.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and then +he moved away, in the direction from which +he had come, while <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span> gave the +order for his force to beat a retreat. They +obeyed, though reluctantly, for they did not +know that <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> force was practically in +the hands of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, 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 +<span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, while fighting valiantly, was +surrounded and made a prisoner.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, from quite a distance, saw the capture +of <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, and he remained where he +was for a little while, until he saw that the +main force under <span class="name.char">Stirling</span> succeeded in getting +past the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> and were coming toward the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, which they would undoubtedly succeed +in reaching, and then he turned and hastened +on up to the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, and made his way to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>“I delivered the message to <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, +sir,” the youth said, “and he told me to say to +you that he would begin a retreat at once.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>. “You did +well to deliver the message.”</p> + +<p>“I saw his force retreating, sir, from down +the slope a ways,” went on <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “and I saw +some of the redcoats make a prisoner of <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>.”</p> + +<p>“So you say, my boy?” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>. +“That is bad. Well, it cannot be helped. But, +I think the major portion of his force will succeed in reaching the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I think so, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. The soldiers are coming steadily, and have got past +the main part of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> force.”</p> + +<p>“Thanks for the information, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said the +general, and then the youth rejoined his comrades at the breastworks. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> had +many questions to ask, and he told them briefly +the story of his trip with the despatch.</p> + +<p>The soldiers of <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force reached and +entered the works on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> by the time +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> had finished his story, and the battle of +<span class="name.place">Long Island</span> was practically ended, the firing +ceasing very soon afterwards.</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army now advanced till in front +of <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, but it did not attempt to +storm the defenses. Doubtless <span class="name.char">General Howe</span> +remembered Bunker Hill, and felt that a repetition of that experience would be disastrous to +the king's cause.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> sent over two thousand +more soldiers, from New York, which made +the force ten thousand strong within the patriot works of <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, and he was +positive, as was <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> also, that the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> could be held, that if the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> made +an attack it would be disastrous for them.</p> + +<p>The action of <span class="name.char">General Howe</span> showed that he +thought so too, for instead of getting ready to +attack, he stretched his force around the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> realized at once that it +would not do to stay on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, under such circumstances, for if the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.city">Heights</span>. 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> looked up at the works +on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, they were amazed to see no +signs of life there–for so silently and cautiously had the patriots worked during the night that +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>This achievement of <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, +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 <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> was a commander who would cause the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> a great deal of +trouble. And after events proved that they +were right in their prophecies.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> must have told <span class="name.char">General +Washington</span> about <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> having carried a +message practically through the lines of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span>, to <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, during the battle +of <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, for the commander-in-chief, +happening to see <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force from capture.</p> + +<p>To say that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was well pleased at receiving words of praise from the lips of the commander-in-chief is stating it mildly. And when +he told <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> what <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> +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.</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> commander-in-chief began making +preparations to continue the war. His next +move, undoubtedly would be to capture New +York City, and <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> knew this +would be an easy matter, so he made preparations to retreat to <span class="name.city">Harlem Heights</span>, on the banks +of the Hudson at the north end of Manhattan +Island, where he would occupy a strategic position.</p> + + + +<p>On the fifteenth of September the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +made the move that was expected. Warships +from <span class="name.char">Admiral Howe's</span> 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, +<span class="name.char">General Howe</span> brought his army across from +Brooklyn in boats, and landed at Kipp's Bay, +near what is now the foot of 34th Street.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> came down from the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> with two brigades of patriot soldiers, +with the purpose of holding the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> in +check long enough for <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> to evacuate the lower part of the city with the four +thousand soldiers under him at that point. This +was accomplished, and when <span class="name.char">Putnam</span> and his +men were safe on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, the two brigades retired to the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> also. The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +then took possession of New York City, and so the two armies lay, the Continental on the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> and the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> in the city, confronting +each other, on Manhattan Island.</p> + +<p>It was an interesting situation, and especially +so to <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>, who +were now just beginning to feel that they were +soldiers in the patriot army.</p> + + + +<p>One evening, a few days after the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +took possession of New York and the patriots +took up their station on <span class="name.city">Harlem Heights</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, +and when they went to their quarters, they +were enthusiastic about it.</p> + +<p>“I'll tell you what, boys,” said <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, +“it was wonderful, the way <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> talked, wasn't it?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” agreed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “and we'll come up +to his expectations, too, or know the reason +why.”</p> + +<p>And in enthusiastic unison <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> exclaimed:</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes! That we will, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!”</p> + +<p>And when the time came, they kept their +word.</p> + +</div> + + + + + + + + + +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Dare Boys of 1776, by Stephen Angus Cox + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DARE BOYS OF 1776 *** + +***** This file should be named 9112-h.htm or 9112-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/1/1/9112/ + +Produced by Curtis Weyant + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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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 + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DARE BOYS OF 1776 *** + +***** This file should be named 9112.txt or 9112.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/1/1/9112/ + +Produced by Curtis Weyant + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..71fe883 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #9112 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/9112) diff --git a/old/9112-h.htm.2014-03-16 b/old/9112-h.htm.2014-03-16 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..eb8f466 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/9112-h.htm.2014-03-16 @@ -0,0 +1,5853 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?> +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <title>The Dare Boys of 1776 - by Stephen Angus Cox</title> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +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: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DARE BOYS OF 1776 *** + + + + +Produced by Curtis Weyant + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + <div class="titlepage" style="text-align: center"> + <h1 style="text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 2.25em;">The Dare Boys<br style="display: block" />of 1776</h1> + <p class="byline" style="font-variant: small-caps; font-size: .75em">by</p> + <p class="author" style="text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.75em">Stephen Angus Cox</p> + <p class="byline" style="font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0%">Illustrations by<br style="display: block;" /> + </p> + <p class="author" style="text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 0%">R. Mencl</p> + <div class="docimprint"> + <p class="pubPlace" style="margin-bottom: 0%">New York</p> + <p class="publisher" style="text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 0%">The Platt & Peck Co.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="verso" style="text-align: center"> + <p>Copyright 1910<br style="display: block" /> + <span style="font-variant: small-caps; font-size: .8em;">by</span><br style="display: block" /> + <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The A. L. Chatterton Co.</span> + </p> + </div> + + <div class="toc"> + <h2 style="text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.2em">Contents</h2> + + <ol style="list-style-type: upper-roman"> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> C<span style="font-variant: small-caps">lang of the</span> L<span style="font-variant: small-caps">iberty</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ell</span></li> + <li>W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">aylaid on the</span> R<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oad</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">en</span> F<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oster</span></span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">rings</span> I<span style="font-variant: small-caps">mportant</span> N<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ews</span></li> + <li>A N<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ight</span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ttack</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">are</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oys in</span> N<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ew</span> Y<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li>C<span style="font-variant: small-caps">hosen for</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">angerous</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ick</span>'s</span> F<span style="font-variant: small-caps">irst</span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">dventure</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">om</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">are</span></span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">cts</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">rothers</span> T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ogether</span></li> + <li>I<span style="font-variant: small-caps">n the</span> E<span style="font-variant: small-caps">nemy's</span> C<span style="font-variant: small-caps">amp</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">om</span></span> <span style="font-variant: small-caps">in</span> T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">rouble</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ick</span></span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oes</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">onderful</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">G<span style="font-variant: small-caps">eneral</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ashington</span></span> <span style="font-variant: small-caps">is</span> P<span style="font-variant: small-caps">leased</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> H<span style="font-variant: small-caps">aunted</span> H<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ouse</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ick</span></span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">gain</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oes</span> S<span style="font-variant: small-caps">py</span>-W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">attle of</span> <span class="name.place">L<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ong</span> I<span style="font-variant: small-caps">sland</span></span></li> + </ol> + + </div> + + + + + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.1"> + <h2 class="1" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em">Chapter I</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em">The Clang of the Liberty Bell</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">I</span>t</span> was the fourth day of July of the year +1776. There was great excitement in all +of the colonies of <span class="name.state">America</span> at that time, for on +this day the representatives of the people, gathered together in the city of <span class="name.city"><span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span></span>, were +to decide whether the Declaration of Independence, already drawn up, should be adopted +and signed. In <span class="name.city"><span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span></span>, 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Oh, I hope they will adopt the Declaration of +Independence, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I'm sure they +will, aren't you?”</p> + +<p>“I think they will, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. I hope so.”</p> + +<p>“Bah, they won't do nothin' uv the kind, <span class="name.char">Dick +Dare</span>!” cried a sneering voice at their side, and +turning, the Dare youths saw <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> and +<span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, the sons of two Tory neighbors, +standing there.</p> + +<p>“Uv course they won't,” added <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>. +“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.”</p> + +<p>“Well, they just will!” cried <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, who +was an excitable, impulsive youth. “They'll +ring it pretty soon, <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, and they aren't +afraid of your old king, not a bit of it!”</p> + +<p>“What's thet! Don't ye dare speak disrespectfully uv the king!” snarled <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span>, +making a threatening motion with his fist. “Ef +ye do, why et'll be the worse fur ye, that's all.”</p> + +<p>Instantly <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, who was the elder of the +brothers, a handsome, manly youth of eighteen +years, seized <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> by the wrist, and pushed him +back, at the same time saying quietly, yet +firmly:</p> + +<p>“That will do, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>. Don't go making any +threats. You and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> go about your business, +and don't interfere with <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and I.”</p> + +<p>“We'll go where we please,” snarled <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>, +who was a vicious youth of about <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> age, as +was <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> also. “An' we'll stay heer ef +we want to, too, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, an' ye can't he'p +yerself.”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +and I, or to bully us, you will wish you hadn't +stayed.”</p> + +<p>“Is thet so?” sneeringly. “Whut'll ye do, +<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, hey?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, whut'll ye do?” cried <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, pushing forward and facing <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> confronted him quickly, and met his +angry glare unflinchingly. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Lem's</span> chest, pushed him back.</p> + +<p>“Hold on, <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>,” he said. “Just you +stand back. One at a time talking with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> is +enough. You talk to me, if you want to talk to +anybody.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> was a hot-tempered youth also, +and suddenly his rage flared to the surface. He +didn't relish being pushed back by <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and +quick as a flash, he gave the patriot youth a +smart slap on the cheek.</p> + +<p>“That thet, an' l'arn to keep yer han's offen +people!” he snarled.</p> + + + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Tom +Dare</span> into action, and quick as a flash out shot +his fist. It caught <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> between the eyes +and knocked him down flat on his back.</p> + +<p>“There, see how you like that!” exclaimed +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eyes flashing. “I guess that next +time you'll think once or twice before you slap +me in the face!”</p> + +<p>With an angry exclamation, <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> +struck at <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, but that youth was on his +guard, and he warded the blow off, and striking +out himself, landed a blow on <span class="name.char">Zeke's</span> jaw, downing +him as neatly as had been the case with +Hicks.</p> + +<p>Instantly a crowd gathered, many eagerly +asking what the trouble was about. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> explained that the two youths who had +been floored were Tories, and the sympathies +of the crowd were at once with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +more especially when they learned that the Tory +boys had picked the quarrel with the patriots.</p> + +<p>“You did just right in knocking them down!” +was the cry, and so hostile were the looks, +actions and words of the crowd, that <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and +<span class="name.char">Lem</span> on scrambling to their feet, did not renew +the fight. They shook their fists at <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, however, and muttered threats, as they +moved away through the crowd declaring that +they would get even with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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:</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p>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.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.2"> + + + <h2 class="2" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter II</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">Waylaid on the Road</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>s</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Oh, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, I'm so glad!” cried <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I never +was so happy in my life.”</p> + +<p>“Nor I, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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!”</p> + + + +<p>“It will please him more than anything else in +the world, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes indeed.”</p> + +<p>Then lifting up his voice the patriot youth +cried out loudly, his voice ringing clear as the +notes of a bugle:</p> + +<p>“Down with the king! Long live Liberty! +Long live <span class="name.char">Washington</span>!”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Washington</span>!”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>After awhile, when the people had calmed +down to a considerable extent and were beginning to disperse to their homes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom +Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Part of the way the road led through a heavy +growth of timber, and as <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span>, <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> and two other +Tory <span title="sympathizers">sympathisers</span> of the neighborhood.</p> + +<p>“We told ye we'd git even with ye!” hissed +<span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span>, as they hurled themselves upon +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “Ye thought ye was mighty +smart, there in <span class="name.city">Phillydelphy</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> masters +of the situation.</p> + +<p>“Phew, that was warm work, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, wiping his perspiring face with his handkerchief.</p> + +<p>“Yes, so it was, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” replied his brother. +“But I believe that we made it warmer for <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> +and his gang than they did for us.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I think we did,” with a chuckle. “Say, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, they are better runners than fighters, +aren't they!”</p> + +<p>“I think they are, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. They did some lively +sprinting, just now, at any rate.”</p> + +<p>“I guess they won't be likely to attack us +again, soon.”</p> + + + +<p>“Hardly.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“They did it, father!” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, pantingly. “They adopted and signed the Declaration of Independence.”</p> + +<p>“Say you so, my son?” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> +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.”</p> + +<p>“It was wonderful, the interest and excitement shown by the people in <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span>, +father!” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “They were wild with delight.”</p> + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>The three then entered the house, <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> +having finished his work for the evening, and +<span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> greeted her sons affectionately.</p> + +<p>“The Declaration of Independence has been +adopted, wife,” said <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>, joyously. “The +die is cast. There will be war now, undoubtedly, +and it will result in the independence of the +people of <span class="name.state">America</span>. It cannot result otherwise, +for the people will fight to the death. In the +words of <span class="name.char">Patrick Henry</span>, it will be with them, +‘Give me liberty, or give me death!’”</p> + +<p>“I am glad, <span class="name.char">Henry</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Spoken like my own true-hearted wife!” said +<span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>. “I knew you would look at the +matter that way, dear.”</p> + +<p>At this moment there came a knock on the +back-door, and when <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> opened it, she +saw a neighbor, <span class="name.char">Abe Boggs</span>, the father of <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>, +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, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare's</span> heart sank +when she saw who was standing there.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Good evenin', <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>,” said Boggs, ducking his head. “Tell yer husban' to come out +here; we'd like to see 'im.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“W-what do you want, <span class="name.char">Mr. Boggs</span>?” she +asked, her voice trembling. “My husband is +here, but–but–we were just going to eat +supper, and—”</p> + + + +<p>“Supper can wait a few minutes, wife,” said +<span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>. “I'll see what neighbor Boggs wants. +Won't you come in, <span class="name.char">Abe</span>?”</p> + +<p>“No, we wanter see ye out here, Dare” replied the Tory. “Come out uv doors. We won't +keep ye but a minnet.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, husband, be careful!” whispered <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> had been out in the yard +perhaps five minutes. During this time <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Abe Boggs</span> and some more of the neighbors, +and how they had called <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> out, on the +plea of wishing to speak to him.</p> + +<p>“He's been out there quite a while,” <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Certainly, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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 +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> had had with <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> and his cronies +that afternoon in <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span> and on the road +home, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was led to fear that the Tories +had called his father out of doors with evil +intent.</p> + +<p>He opened the door and stepped quickly out, +and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“They're around in the front yard, likely, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, but his tone lacked positiveness. It was evident that he had fears that such +was not really the case.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> as well, had disappeared.</p> + +<p>“Oh, where can they be?” cried <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, +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!”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“He has gone with them, to see about something,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “You go back in the house, +mother, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and I will go over to <span class="name.char">Mr. +Boggs</span> and see what has become of father. +Likely he is there. You go in and stay with +Mary. We won't be gone long.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>; “but +hurry, for I shall be anxious till you get back +with your father.”</p> + +<p>She entered the house, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +hastened over to the Boggs home, which was +less than a quarter mile distant. <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> +was not there, and <span class="name.char">Mrs. Boggs</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> hastened +to the homes of several of the neighboring +Tories in succession, and made inquiries regarding <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>Greatly worried now, but hoping they would +find their father at home when they got there, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Abe Boggs</span> +and six of his Tory neighbors. The note read +as follows:</p> + +<p class="letter" style="margin-left: 2em;margin-top: .5em;margin-bottom: .25em">“To <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> and rebel sons, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>:</p> + +<p class="letter" style="margin-left: 2em;margin-top: .25em;margin-bottom: .5em">“We hev took <span class="name.char">Henry Dare</span> prisner. He<br style="display: block" /> +is a rebel, an we are goin ter turn him over<br style="display: block" /> +to Captain Wilson an his compny uv<br style="display: block" /> +<span class="name.nationality"><span class="name.nationality">British</span></span> sojers, who hev ben heer fur a<br style="display: block" /> +week past, an are goin to jine the main<br style="display: block" /> +army on <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> to-night. Ye kaint<br style="display: block" /> +do nothin to git him back, so ye needn try.<br style="display: block" /> +An ye two boys, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> an <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, had better be<br style="display: block" /> +keerful er we'll serve ye worsen whut we<br style="display: block" /> +hev <span title="your">yer</span> father. We don't aim ter hev<br style="display: block" /> +any rebels in our neighborhood. So, <span class="name.char">Dick</span><br style="display: block" /> +and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, hev a care!”</p> + +<p>“Oh, husband is a prisoner in the hands of the +<span class="name.nationality"><span class="name.nationality">British</span></span>!” wailed <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. “Oh, this is terrible, boys! What shall we do? Oh, what shall +we do!”</p> + +<p>“Don't be frightened, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +soothingly. “I don't think father is in any +danger. He is a prisoner, true, but the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +don't kill prisoners, and sooner or later father +will escape–or be rescued. That will be work +for <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>The poor woman was not greatly comforted, +however, and she shook her head, at the same +time saying, in a hopeless tone of voice:</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>“Yes, you shall see father again, mother,” declared <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and I will make that our object in life.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, that is what we will do,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> says, it +will give us a better chance to find and rescue +father.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, my sons, my sons! How can I spare +you, too?” murmured <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. “How can I +let you leave me, now that I have lost your dear +father!”</p> + +<p>“It will be only temporary, mother. You can +see, when you give the matter more thought, +that it is the best thing to do.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps so, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, darling,” acquiesced <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span>, “but it is hard!”</p> + +<p>Throwing their arms about their mother's +neck, the youths kissed her, and presently she +grew more calm.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.3"> + + + <h2 class="3" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter III</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> Brings Important News</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">“O</span>h</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, is it true that you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> are +going to enter the army and fight for +liberty?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, it is true, Elsie. Aren't you glad?”</p> + +<p>“Y-yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” replied <span class="name.char">Elsie Foster</span>, hesitatingly. “I'm glad you are to be a soldier, but I–well, you might get killed you know, and–and–”</p> + +<p>“Would you care, Elsie?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Elsie Foster</span> was the daughter of <span class="name.char">Robert +Foster</span>, the nearest neighbor of the Dares. <span class="name.char">Mr. +Foster</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>, and was outspoken in his denunciation of his Tory neighbors for the deed they had committed.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> as above. The truth was that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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., <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was Elsie's companion. Elsie was seventeen, and she had a +brother, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> were +going away to the war, it would break into this +arrangement.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I'm glad to know that, Elsie,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +earnestly.</p> + +<p>At this moment <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, whose father +had been captured by the Tories only the day +before, was in no mood for jollity. There was +an eager expression on <span class="name.char">Ben's</span> face, however, +and after greeting <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, he asked:</p> + +<p>“Are you really going to join the Continental +army, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“Well, say, I'm going to go with you,” declared <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“Oh, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>!” exclaimed Elsie. “What will +father say?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> face lighted up, for he liked <span class="name.char">Ben</span> very +much, and the idea of having him along was a +pleasing one.</p> + +<p>“That would be fine, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” he said. “But I +wouldn't want you to do anything contrary to +the wishes of your father.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, that will be all right,” <span class="name.char">Ben</span> assured him. +“He won't care, I am sure.”</p> + +<p>“Goodness, what will Mary do if you go +away?” said Elsie. <span class="name.char">Ben</span> seemed to think as +much of Mary Dare as <span class="name.char">Dick</span> did of Elsie, and he +flushed slightly at his sister's words, and then +retorted:</p> + +<p>“I guess she'll do about the same thing that +you will when <span class="name.char">Dick</span> goes–go up into the attic +and have a good cry.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>They talked awhile, and then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> attended to +the errand that had brought him there and went +home.</p> + +<p>“I guess we will have company when we go +to war, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>” he said to his brother.</p> + +<p>“Is that so?” with an interested ear. “Who?”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.”</p> + +<p>“You don't mean it, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes. He just told me he intends to accompany us.”</p> + +<p>“But–his father's a Tory!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, but he is a reasonable man, and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> +says that he will not object.”</p> + +<p>“Well, that will be fine. I'd like to have <span class="name.char">Ben</span> +along.”</p> + +<p>“So would I. And I guess he'll go.”</p> + + + +<p>“I hope he will. He's such a lively, jolly fellow that he is good company, and will help keep +us from getting homesick.”</p> + +<p>“I guess, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, that we will be kept too busy +to get homesick.”</p> + +<p>“You think there will be lots of fighting, +then? You feel certain that there will be war?”</p> + +<p>“War has really existed for more than a year, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, the most important of all these +being the battle of Bunker Hill, which took place +on the seventeenth day of June of last year.”</p> + +<p>“Our soldiers defeated the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> there, +didn't they, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“That's what I thought.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, and then <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>–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 +<span class="name.city">Boston</span> and took charge of the army on July +third–kept the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> penned up in <span class="name.city">Boston</span> till +about the middle of last March, when he fortified <span class="name.city">Dorchester Heights</span>, overlooking <span class="name.city">Boston</span>, +the work being performed in one night, and +next morning the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, seeing what had been +done and realizing that they would be at the +mercy of the patriot army if they remained in +<span class="name.city">Boston</span>, hurriedly boarded the ships of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> fleet, then in the harbor, and sailed to +Halifax, Nova Scotia.”</p> + +<p>“And <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> and his patriot +troops went down and took possession of +<span class="name.city">Boston</span>!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eyes shining.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. But <span class="name.char">General Howe</span>, the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +commander-in-chief, did not keep his troops +long in Halifax, but sailed to New York, where +he was soon joined by the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> fleet under +his brother, <span class="name.char">Admiral Howe</span>, and by <span class="name.char">General +Clinton</span>.”</p> + +<p>“And <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> and his patriot +army came to New York and took possession of +that city,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and he's there now, and that is where +we are going, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Hurrah, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>! Say, I'm glad of it. I want +to join the army, and fight the redcoats. I want +to fight for liberty and independence.”</p> + +<p>“So do I. And we will, too.”</p> + +<p>“When will we go, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“True. Well, we'll go in a few days, now, +likely.”</p> + +<p>“Don't be in too big a hurry to go, sons,” +said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> sadly, when they were discussing the matter, that evening at supper. “Think +how lonesome Mary and I will be when you are +gone.”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Mrs. Foster</span> and the girls will come over +often,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “They will keep you cheered +up.”</p> + +<p>“It will help,” was the reply. “But we will +be lonely, just the same.”</p> + +<p>“You might try to be cheerful, mother,” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and I won't want to think of you +as being lonely.”</p> + + + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>They had just finished eating supper, when +<span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> came in. There was an eager, +excited look on his face, and he said earnestly:</p> + +<p>“There's a plot on foot against <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +and I came right over to let you know about it.”</p> + +<p>“A plot!” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, her face +paling and her voice trembling. “By whom!”</p> + +<p>“The Tories.”</p> + +<p>“Ah!” breathed the woman, a look of anxiety +on her face. “This is terrible!”</p> + +<p>“Don't worry, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “We +know of it, now, and can prepare for them. It +will not be as if we were to be taken by surprise.”</p> + +<p>“No, don't be afraid, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. +“We'll make the Tories wish they had attended +to their own business.”</p> + +<p>“How did you learn about it, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>?” asked +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“What are their plans?” asked <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“They are going to come here to-night at +about midnight and break in, take you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +out and tie you to trees and whip you–at least, +that is their intention. They won't succeed, +though, you may be sure.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed they will not!” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “There +will be some sadder and wiser Tories before the +night is ended.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I am sore afraid, son!” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. +“There will be a dozen or more of the Tories, +and what can you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> do against so +many?”</p> + +<p>“I'll come over and help <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Say, you are all right, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, slapping his friend on the shoulder.</p> + +<p>“That is good of you, old fellow,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, seizing <span class="name.char">Ben's</span> hand and shaking it +heartily. “We thank you.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, indeed!” said Mary, who saw that <span class="name.char">Ben's</span> +eyes were on her, as if he wished to hear what +she thought about it. “It is indeed good of you, +<span class="name.char">Ben</span>, to volunteer to do that.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, that's all right,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, a pleased +look in his eyes. “I tell you we will make it +lively for those Tories when they come sneaking +around here.”</p> + +<p>“We'll do our best to give them a warm reception, at any rate,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“I'll be over in an hour or so,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, “and +I'll bring a musket and a pistol along. But how +about <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> and Mary.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps it would be best,” agreed <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Don't think that, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, then, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. If that is the case, +we will go over to <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster's</span>. 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster</span> +had warned us, and might cause him trouble.”</p> + +<p>“True, mother. That will be all right. You +and Mary can come home after we have driven +the Tories away.”</p> + +<p>“We'll go over to <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster's</span> as soon as it is +dark,” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>Shortly after dark, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, accompanied by his +mother and Mary, went over to the Foster +home, and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> returned with him.</p> + +<p>“So you're here, eh?” greeted <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “That's +fine. I guess when those cowardly Tories put in +an appearance, they will get something that +they are not looking for.”</p> + +<p>“That's what they will,” nodded <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “At +any rate, I hope so.”</p> + +<p>“So do I,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“I wish <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> would be in the party,” +said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, grinning. “I'd like to give them another thrashing.”</p> + +<p>“When did you thrash them, before?” queried +<span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“In <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span>, yesterday. Didn't <span class="name.char">Dick</span> tell +you about it?”</p> + +<p>“No, you tell me now,” eagerly.</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Tom</span> did so, detailing the encounter on +the streets of <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span>, and when he had +heard all, <span class="name.char">Ben</span> said:</p> + +<p>“Good! I'm glad you thrashed them.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.4"> + + + <h2 class="4" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter IV</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">A Night Attack</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">T</span>hey're</span> coming, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!” whispered <span class="name.char">Ben +Foster</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, I hear footsteps,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “But,” +after listening a few moments, “there is only +one person coming. Perhaps it isn't the Tories +after all.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Likely you are right.”</p> + +<p>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 +<span class="name.char">Mr. Foster</span> had heard them say they would do.</p> + +<p>Closer sounded the footsteps, and then they +ceased and there came a knock on the door.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>After a brief period, the knock on the door +was repeated. Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> spoke up.</p> + +<p>“Who is there?” he called out.</p> + +<p>“A friend,” was the reply, in a hoarse, +evidently disguised voice.</p> + +<p>“What is your name, friend?”</p> + +<p>“That doesn't matter. I have news, important news for you, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>”</p> + +<p>“You have no news for me that I don't know +already,” retorted the youth.</p> + +<p>“What do you mean?” There was a quick suspicion in the voice.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>Evidently the man realized it was useless to +carry the deception further, for he cried out, +sneeringly:</p> + +<p>“Oh, will you indeed, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>? 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!”</p> + +<p>“I give you fair warning,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +sternly; “if you attempt to injure myself and +brother, you will get badly hurt. Go about +you business and leave us alone.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“You are wasting breath,” in a voice of contempt. “We would be very foolish if we opened +the door, would we not?”</p> + +<p>“It doesn't matter; we'll break the door down +in a jiffy, anyway.”</p> + + + +<p>“If you do, you'll be very sorry. Remember, +I gave you fair warning.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p>A sneering laugh was the only reply. They +had no idea the boys would really shoot at them.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“They've found a log, and will better the door +down,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“We're ready, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, we'll fire when you give the word,” +from <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“All right, boys. Level your weapons, and be +ready, and when I say ‘Fire’, pull trigger.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes, we will!” came the reply.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Fire!” cried <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, his voice ringing out +loudly and clearly.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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!”</p> + + + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> now hastened to the Foster home +and reported the victory over the Tories, and +was congratulated by all there, even <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster</span>, +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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> and Mary accompanied <span class="name.char">Dick</span> home, +and the good woman thanked <span class="name.char">Ben</span> for coming +and helping her sons.</p> + +<p>“Oh, that's all right,” smiled <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “I was +glad to come. I wanted a chance at those +cowardly Tories.”</p> + +<p>“And we thrashed them soundly, too, +mother,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Do you think there is any danger that they +will return?” queried <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, somewhat +anxiously.</p> + +<p>“I don't think so, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“They've had all the fighting they want, for one +night, I am sure.”</p> + +<p>“I think so,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “But I'll +stay here, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, and if they come, we will +be able to drive them away again.”</p> + +<p>But the Tories did not return. They had, as +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> said, evidently seen all the fighting they +wanted, for one night.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> began getting +ready to go to New York, that day, to join the +patriot army under <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. They +would be ready in a day or two, as there was +not a great deal to do.</p> + +<p>Next day, however, <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> had news for +his friends. He came over, an eager look in his +eyes, and told the brothers that <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> had +just told him that he and <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> were going +over to <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and join the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army.</p> + +<p>“He says that they don't intend to let us get +ahead of them, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” finished <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “They +hope to fight against us in some of the battles.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I guess they will get the chance,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, grimly.</p> + +<p>“Yes, they'll get the worst of the fighting, +too,” declared <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“That they will!” coincided <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“There are two things that I hope to do, +when in the patriot army,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “One +is, to find where my father is imprisoned +and free him, and the other to meet <span class="name.char">Zeke +Boggs</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> in battle and defeat +them.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eyes shining. +“We must find father as soon as possible, and +rescue him from the hands of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. I +think we can do so, don't you?”</p> + +<p>“I surely think so, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you'll be certain to find out where he is, +and before very long, then you can rescue him,” +proposed <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, confidently.</p> + +<p>“And after that we can thrash <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> +with a good heart,” suggested <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“I don't think <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> will make very +good soldiers,” remarked <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“I think they'll run, the very first time they +get into a battle,” concluded <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.5"> + + + <h2 class="5" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter V</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Dare Boys in New York</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>n</span> orderly knocked at the door of the room +occupied by <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, in the +old Fraunces' Tavern, the building used as +patriot headquarters, and on being commanded +to enter, opened the door and said:</p> + +<p>“A young man wishes audience with you, +your excellency.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Who is the young man, orderly?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“He says his name is Richard Dare.”</p> + +<p>“I have never heard of him,” with a shake +of the head. “Did he state his business?”</p> + +<p>“No, your excellency. I asked him, but he +said he preferred seeing you and stating his +business direct.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Washington</span> was thoughtful for a few moments, and then said:</p> + +<p>“He is a young man, you say?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency; or rather, I should +perhaps have said youth. I doubt if he is more +than eighteen or nineteen years of age.”</p> + +<p>“H'm,” murmured the commander-in-chief; +“I am pretty busy, but will see him briefly. +Show him in.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency,” and the orderly withdrew.</p> + +<p>He was back again in a few moments, however, and ushered in a handsome, manly-looking +youth, at the same time announcing:</p> + +<p>“Richard Dare, your excellency.” Then he +withdrew, leaving the two alone.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“You are Richard Dare?” the commander-in-chief remarked.</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, your excellency,” saluting.</p> + +<p>“Very good, <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“Pardon me for taking up your time, sir,” +said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “but I wished to see you in person, +as I have come to make you an offer.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, indeed? What kind of an offer, my +young friend?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Well, well,” said <span class="name.char">Washington</span>, 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?”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“I shall be pleased to do so, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>,” 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.”</p> + +<p>“I think they will give a good account of +themselves, your excellency,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly +but modestly. “I am sure they will fight hard +for freedom.”</p> + +<p>“I have no doubt about it, my boy. Well, the +matter is settled, then. Here, take this order +and present it to <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan</span>, who will +find room for you in his regiment, now in process of formation.”</p> + +<p>The commander-in-chief hastily wrote the +order and handed it to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, who took it and +saluted.</p> + +<p>“Thanks, your excellency,” he said. “I will +do as you have commanded. My companions will +be delighted when I make my report to them.”</p> + +<p>Then, saluting again, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> left the presence +of the great man, and was quickly back with +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, who were quartered in a building +only about a block distant.</p> + +<p>They greeted him eagerly.</p> + +<p>“Did you see <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” +cried <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, I saw him,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“And what did he say?” queried <span class="name.char">Ben +Foster</span>. “Did he accept our offer of our +services?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I think he will be satisfied on that score,” +said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, a grim look on his face. “I think we +will be as good fighters as any of them, when +we get started, eh, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I think so, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” nodded <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eager +eyes sparkling.</p> + +<p>“Get ready and come with me, boys,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, beginning to gather up his belongings, +which were not many, as the youths had not +brought very much luggage with them.</p> + +<p>“Where to, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” queried <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“We are to report to <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan</span>, and +will be assigned to his regiment.”</p> + +<p>“Good!” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “Then we will be genuine +soldiers, eh, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, indeed.”</p> + +<p>“Say, that will be fine!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I'm +ready. Lead the way to <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan's</span> +quarters, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>A few minutes later the youths set out. They +found <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan</span> and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Now we are soldiers, sure enough!” murmured <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, his eyes shining. “Hurrah!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, patriot soldiers, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. There was an air of satisfaction on his face +also.</p> + +<p>“We will be ready to take part in the first +battle that takes place,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “Say, that'll +be fine. I am eager to be in a battle!”</p> + +<p>“And I,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I want to fight for +Independence and the freedom of the <span class="name.nationality">American</span> +people. And, too, I want to fight and rescue our +father, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. We won't forget that part +of our work!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.6"> + + + <h2 class="6" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter VI</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">Chosen for Dangerous Work</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Is there anyone here by the name of Dare?” +he asked. “<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, I believe it is.”</p> + +<p>“I am he,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, advancing. “What is +wanted?”</p> + +<p>“You are wanted at headquarters.”</p> + + + +<p>“Now?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, at once. The commander-in-chief +orders you to report.”</p> + +<p>“I will go right along with you.”</p> + +<p>“Very well. Such were his instructions.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> put on his hat and took his departure in +the orderly's company, after telling <span class="name.char">Ben</span> and +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> that he would probably be back soon.</p> + +<p>They arrived quickly at headquarters, and +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> was ushered into the private room occupied by the commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> saluted and said:</p> + +<p>“You sent for me, your excellency?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Dare. Be seated,” and he pointed to a +chair near his desk.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> took the seat and then looked at the +commander-in-chief inquiringly.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> did not say anything for +a few moments, but eyed <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“How old are you, Dare?”</p> + +<p>“Eighteen, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” 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?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>“It is spy-work!”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“You seem to be favorably impressed, rather +than otherwise, my boy. You think you will +like spy-work?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. I will do so. You know, +perhaps, that the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army is located on the +southwest shore of <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, near York Bay, +and the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> fleet lies just outside the Narrows and off York Bay. The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, and also I wish to find +out, if such a thing is possible, the intentions +of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“I may fail, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>“I do, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency. When shall I start?”</p> + + + +<p>“This evening. I will give you a letter of introduction to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, who is in command of teh patriot force on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, +and he will give you all the information and +assistance in his power.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir. At what hour shall I report +here?”</p> + +<p>“Be here at six, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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 +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, where you will locate <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I will report here at six, your excellency,” +said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and then saluting, he took his departure.</p> + +<p>When he returned to his quarters and told +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> that <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> had +selected him to go over onto <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and +do some spying, the youths were surprised, but +were delighted as well, for they +felt that it was an honor to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + + + +<p>“That will be fine,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “I believe you will make a good spy, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I hope so, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I wish I could go with you,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, looking wistfully at his brother.</p> + +<p>“It will be best that I go alone, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “One can do spy-work better than two.”</p> + +<p>“I vould lige dot sby vork,” said <span class="name.char">Fritz +Schmockenburg</span>, a fat, <span class="name.nationality">Dutch</span> soldier, gravely.</p> + +<p>“It's a foine spoy yez would be afther makin', +<span class="name.char">Fritz</span>,” chuckled <span class="name.char">Tim Murphy</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>“When are you going, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” queried <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“This evening at six.”</p> + +<p>The youths discussed the matter at considerable length, and were glad that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had been +selected for such important work, though they +were somewhat fearful for his safety. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and +<span class="name.char">Ben</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Shortly before six he bade <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> will give you all the information and help in his power,” <span class="name.char">General +Washington</span> said. “Go, now, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, my boy, and +may you be successful is my prayer. Good-bye, +and heaven bless you.”</p> + +<p>He shook <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> hand, and then with a good-bye and a salute, the youth took his departure.</p> + +<p>An orderly accompanied him to the dock and +summoned a boatman, and then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> got in and +was ferried across the East River. Alighting +on the <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> shore, he set out in the +direction of <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, reaching there +shortly after dark.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.7"> + + + <h2 class="7" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter VII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> First Adventure</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> was challenged, and on answering +that he was a friend, was told to advance +and give the countersign.</p> + +<p>He approached the sentinel, and when near +him, said:</p> + +<p>“I am a patriot, but do not know the countersign. I wish to see <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Who are you and why do you wish to see the +general?” the sentinel asked.</p> + +<p>“My name is Dare, and I am a messenger +from <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. I have a letter of +introduction to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“All right. I'll summon the officer of the +guard and he'll conduct you to the general.”</p> + +<p>He did so, and the officer asked <span class="name.char">Dick</span> a few +questions, seemed satisfied, and conducted him +to the quarters occupied by <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> saluted on entering the presence of the +general, and drawing the letter from his pocket, +handed it to <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>, who took it an read the +contents, after which he gave <span class="name.char">Dick</span> a keen, +searching and somewhat wondering glance.</p> + +<p>“You are Richard Dare?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Time will cure that,” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes–if you live,” grimly. “This is very +dangerous business you are entering upon, my boy.”</p> + +<p>“So <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> said, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, I +will do what I can to assist you.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>The general then gave <span class="name.char">Dick</span> all the information that he thought would be of value to +him, and the youth listened attentively.</p> + + + +<p>“Now,” said <span class="name.char">Putnam</span> when he had finished, +“do you think you can find the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> without +any trouble?”</p> + +<p>“I am sure I can find the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, sir,” was the +reply; “but I don't know about the trouble part.”</p> + +<p>The grim general chuckled. He seemed to +like the dry humor of the lad.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I hope he hasn't made a mistake in this +instance, sir,” modestly.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> will not be so likely to +suspect you of being a spy.”</p> + +<p>“That is what <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> said, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I will do my best, General. Well, I must be +going.”</p> + + + +<p>The general shook hands with <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and +wished him good luck.</p> + +<p>“Don't let the redcoats get you,” he said.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> laughed.</p> + +<p>“They won't get me, if I can help it,” he said. +“Good-bye, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> did not start just then, however, for the +very good reason that while he had been engaged in conversation with <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“You must not think of starting out to-night,” said <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Doubtless that will be best,” agreed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, or accomplish anything if he did find it.</p> + + + +<p>So he remained on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> that night, +only to find it still raining the next morning.</p> + +<p>“You would not want to start out in the daytime, anyhow,” said <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>; “so it +does not matter. You will stay till evening, +and then if it has ceased raining, you can start +on your expedition.”</p> + +<p>It was still raining hard, when evening came, +however, and <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> said it would be +foolish to make the start in the storm. So <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +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.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I hope not, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>After dark that evening, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> took his departure, and as soon as he was past the sentinels, he struck out southward. The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army was at that time encamped near the +Flatlands, about two miles from the bay and +about two miles south of Flatbush.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>It were better to make haste slowly. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +realized this, and he decided to take his time +and exercise his every care. Caution was a necessary adjunct of a spy.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> might +be located here, and he did not want to run into +their midst, if such were the case.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“I guess there are no redcoats in these +woods,” he murmured after listening a while. +“The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> haven't advanced this far yet, +likely. I'll go ahead, but will be exceedingly +careful.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>Somehow <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> heart thrilled with pleasure, +even though he were on a perilous undertaking. +He was working for <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“‘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.”</p> + +<p>Suddenly <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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!</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> ears.</p> + +<p>“Now I've done it!” he murmured, in some +dismay. “That will rouse them sure.”</p> + +<p>He was right, for instantly there came the +challenge, loud and clear:</p> + + + +<p>“Halt! Who comes there?”</p> + +<p>There could be no doubt regarding the matter, +now; the men <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had heard talking were +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers doing picket duty.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“Who is there? Answer, or I will fire!”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>But the redcoats were evidently not satisfied +to let the matter go thus. “Let's investigate, +comrade,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“That's what we will, comrade.”</p> + +<p>“And I feel confident there is somebody near +here. What else would make the noise that we +heard?”</p> + +<p>“I don't know, comrade. I think it likely that +somebody is about.”</p> + +<p>“I am positive, sure of it as can be.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“True. Come, comrade. We'll quickly have +the fellow, if he's here.”</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“A spy!” he heard one of the redcoats cry. +“There's somebody there, sure!”</p> + +<p>“Halt!” cried the other soldier, loudly. +“Stop, or I'll fire!”</p> + +<p>But <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers heard him, evidently, for +one cried, excitedly:</p> + +<p>“There he goes! I hear him running!”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” cried the other, “but I'll put a stop to +his running, or know the reason why. Here +goes to wing the rebel.”</p> + +<p>The next instant the loud crack of a musket +rang upon the still night air. At the same instant <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> fell sprawling upon his face on +the ground, and lay still.</p> + + + +<p></p> + + + +</div> + + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.8"> + + + <h2 class="8" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter VIII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> Acts</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">O</span>n</span> the afternoon of the second day after +the departure of <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> from patriot +headquarters in New York, <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> appeared there, and to the orderly at the door +said:</p> + +<p>“I wish to see <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. Show me to his presence, please.”</p> + +<p>The orderly looked at the eager, bright face +of the boy with more of interest.</p> + +<p>“Who are you?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“My name is <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>!” in surprise. “Why, there was +a young fellow here a couple of days ago whose +name was Dare–<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, I believe it was.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes,” quietly; “he is my brother.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, your brother! Are you a member of the +patriot army, also?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. I'm in <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan's</span> regiment.”</p> + +<p>The orderly stared.</p> + +<p>“Well!” he murmured; “the Dares seem to be +pretty well represented in the Continental +Army.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. Our father was captured by Tories, +and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> and +Tories, and if possible rescue our father.”</p> + +<p>“Well, that is the right spirit, certainly.”</p> + +<p>“Will you show me to the presence of the +commander-in-chief, sir?” questioned <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +eagerly. “I am very desirous of seeing him,” he +added, earnestly.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> would see the youth.</p> + +<p>The next moment he ushered <span class="name.char">Tom</span> into the +presence of the commander-in-chief, announcing:</p> + +<p>“Master <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.”</p> + +<p>The general looked up from some papers he +was examining, and gave <span class="name.char">Tom</span> a keen, searching +glance.</p> + +<p>“You are Master <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency,” saluting.</p> + +<p>“Brother to <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Very good. What can I do for you, my +boy?” The great man's air and tone were +kindly, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, encouraged, said:</p> + +<p>“I have come to ask a favor, sir.”</p> + +<p>“What is the favor? Be brief, as my time is +of value, my boy.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir. I have come to ask that you +let me go over onto <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, the same as +you have done with <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> looked at the boy in +surprise.</p> + +<p>“Why do you want to do that?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“I want to be with <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, sir, or near him, all +the time, if possible. I promised my mother +that I would stay at <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> side and fight side +by side with him, and if I stay here, when he +is over on <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, I won't be keeping my +word, sir. Something might happen to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +He might get into trouble with the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>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:</p> + +<p>“I don't know whether to grant your request +or not, my boy. I have sent <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> any good, +if I were to let you go, my boy?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Very good. Then I will grant your request. +Go, my boy; but be careful. I will give you a +note to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, +and he will tell you which way to go to find +your brother.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, sir. You are very kind, and I +will try to do nothing to cause you to regret +that you let me go.”</p> + +<p>“That is right.” The commander-in-chief +wrote a brief note, addressed it to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> and handed it to <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + + + +<p>“Good-bye, your excellency,” and saluting, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> took his departure.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.city">Brooklyn +Heights</span>.</p> + +<p>When he presented himself before <span class="name.char">General +Putnam</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Another one,” he said, with something like a +grim smile. “The Dares certainly seem to be in +evidence to-night.”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick</span> was here, then, sir?” eagerly.</p> + +<p>“Yes, he was here.”</p> + +<p>“How long has he been gone?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, about an hour, I should judge. He had to remain +here until this evening on account of +the storm.”</p> + +<p>“Please direct me how to go in order to overtake him, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I will do so as nearly as possible, my boy.” +Then the general gave <span class="name.char">Tom</span> all the directions +possible, and the boy said:</p> + + + +<p>“Thank you, sir. I will try to join my brother +to-night.”</p> + +<p>“You had better keep your eyes open, Master +Dare,” cautioned <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. “You are +going where redcoats are thicker than mosquitoes, and that is saying a good deal.”</p> + +<p>“I'll look out for them, sir,” with a smile. +“Good-bye, and thank you, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“That's all right. You are welcome. Good-bye and good luck.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> had undoubtedly gone.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps by hurrying I may be able to overtake <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” was his thought.</p> + +<p>He walked swiftly, at times running, and +came to the wooded hills much quicker than +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Instantly <span class="name.char">Tom</span> was greatly excited. The +thought came to him at once that a redcoat had +fired that shot and that it had been fired at +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and with wildly-beating heart he ran forward, at the same time drawing a pistol from +his belt. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> was excited, but not at all +frightened. His only fear was that perhaps +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he heard voices, and paused, listening intently.</p> + +<p>“I wonder if I got the rebel?” he heard one +say.</p> + +<p>“Likely you did,” replied another voice. “I +don't hear the sound of running feet any more.”</p> + +<p>“Served the rascal right if I put a bullet +through him,” said the first voice.</p> + +<p>“Yes. That is what ought to happen to all +rebels.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> heard these words, and his heart sank, +and then a feeling of anger blazed up in his +heart. What if <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was killed, as these soldiers surmised. It was terrible to contemplate, +and acting on the spur of the moment, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +leveled his pistol, pointing in the direction +from which the voices sounded, and pulled the +trigger.</p> + +<p>Crack! went the pistol, and a howl of pain, +rage and surprise commingled went up on the +night air.</p> + +<p>“Oh—ow!—ouch! I'm shot!” cried one +of the voices. “There are other rebels at hand, +comrade! Perhaps we're surrounded!”</p> + +<p>This gave <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and learn whether he were injured.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> waited till he could no longer hear any +sounds of the fleeing redcoats, and then he called +out:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick</span>! Oh, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.9"> + + + <h2 class="9" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter IX</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Brothers Together</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>lmost</span> at once came the reply:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom</span>! Oh, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, is that you?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. I'll be right with you.”</p> + +<p>He hastened in the direction from which +<span class="name.char">Dick's</span> voice sounded, and a few minutes later +was at his side.</p> + +<p>“What in the world brought you here, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>?” +queried <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I was never so surprised in +my life as when I heard your voice.”</p> + +<p>“I'll tell you why I come, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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 <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> to come over here, +and he gave it.”</p> + + + +<p>“He was willing for you to come, then, was +he?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“We don't need to both actually do the spy-work, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“True. Well, now that you are here, you may +as well stay with me. We'll go on down in the +neighborhood of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. That will suit me.”</p> + +<p>“Come, then.”</p> + +<p>“You were not hit by the bullet from the redcoat's musket, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” somewhat anxiously.</p> + +<p>“No, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> laughed.</p> + +<p>“I hit one of the rascals, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” he chuckled. +“I'll warrant you he did not think it was a +dream.”</p> + +<p>“Likely no,” with an answering chuckle. +“Well, let's move.”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, they went in among +the trees and stopped.</p> + +<p>“Wait here a few minutes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“I'm going to climb a tree and see if I can see +the campfires of the enemy.”</p> + +<p>“All right.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span title="camp-fires">campfires</span>, seemingly at no very great +distance.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>?”</p> + +<p>This was a poser. It certainly seemed like a +hopeless task, but <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> was not a youth to +be easily discouraged. He had come here to spy +on the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> and learn their plans, and he +would do so, if such a thing were possible.</p> + +<p>He climbed down and told his brother that he +had seen the campfires of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>“Good,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “But, what are you going +to do next, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>? How are you going to get +into their encampment?”</p> + +<p>“I decided on my course, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” he said, “before I started out.”</p> + +<p>“What are you going to do?” eagerly.</p> + +<p>“I'm going to enter the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment +boldly and tell them that I want to join the +army.”</p> + +<p>“Goodness! That will be dangerous, brother!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, but one can't do spy-work without encountering danger.”</p> + +<p>“I know that. Do you think that you can +succeed, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“I'm going to try.”</p> + +<p>“Will they take you into the army–a boy like +you?”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> did.”</p> + +<p>“But the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army may be different. They may +think that they don't need help badly enough +for them to accept boys as recruits.”</p> + +<p>“Well, even if that is the case, I will succeed +in entering the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“That's so. That part will be all right.”</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“When are you going to approach the encampment? Now?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I don't see any use of waiting.”</p> + +<p>“What shall I do?”</p> + +<p>“You had better stay right here or in this +vicinity.”</p> + +<p>“All right. When do you think you will be +back?”</p> + + + +<p>“I don't know. Possibly to-morrow night.”</p> + +<p>“I'm to wait till you come?”</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“But, I'll get hungry before to-morrow +night.”</p> + +<p>“Go to a farmhouse in the morning and get +some food. There must be farmhouses near.”</p> + +<p>“That's so. I can do that.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I may as well be going. Good-bye, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Good-bye, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>; and–be careful, brother! +If anything should happen to you, it would +break mother's heart.”</p> + +<p>“I'll be careful, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“I'll not let them get me, brother.”</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> picket or sentinel.</p> + +<p>He walked swiftly onward, and about twenty +minutes later was hailed:</p> + + + +<p>“Halt! Who comes there?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“A friend.”</p> + +<p>“Advance, friend, and give the countersign,” +was the command.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Halt!” ordered the sentinel. “Give the +countersign before you come any further.”</p> + +<p>“I don't know the countersign,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +quietly. “But I am a friend, and I wish to see +the commander in charge of this army.”</p> + +<p>“Humph. What do you want to see him +for?”</p> + +<p>“I want to offer my services to fight for the +king.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you do, eh?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“You are a loyal king's man, then, are you?”</p> + +<p>“Would I be anxious to join the king's army +if I were not?” questioned <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.</p> + +<p>“What is your name?” the soldier asked.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had decided that it would be best to give +a fictitious name, so he gave the first one that +came into his mind:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>,” he said.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, eh? Well, <span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>“This isn't the full army, then?” queried +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>The sentinel summoned the officer of the +guard, explained matters to him, and then the +officer conducted <span class="name.char">Dick</span> into the encampment, +and to a tent near its center. This was occupied +by <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>:</p> + +<p>“The general will see you.”</p> + +<p>Then he ushered the youth into the tent, at +the same time announcing:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>.”</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> general looked up, eyed <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +sharply for a few moments, and then said:</p> + +<p>“Well, <span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, so you wish to join the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> army and fight for the king, eh?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had met the searching gaze of the +officer unflinchingly, and now he answered +promptly and firmly:</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; such is my wish.”</p> + +<p>“Humph. How old are you?”</p> + +<p>“Eighteen, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>Then he scribbled a brief note, handed it to +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and said: “Give that to the colonel. He +will take care of you.” Lifting his voice, he +called out: “Orderly!”</p> + +<p>An orderly entered at once, and saluted.</p> + +<p>“Conduct this young man to Colonel Harker. +That is all. Good-night, young man.”</p> + +<p>“Good-night, sir,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Ah, a new recruit,” said the colonel, when +he had read the note. “Very well, <span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, +you are a member of Company H. That is it, +yonder. Take your place there.” He pointed to +the company in question, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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?”</p> + +<p>“I'm all right, I guess,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> replied to these, +smiling.</p> + +<p>The soldiers smoked and talked, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> felt that he had been fortunate in getting within the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> camp, playing the part +of a <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.10"> + + + <h2 class="10" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter X</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">In the Enemy's Camp</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> lines, had become, in +fact, a member of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army.</p> + +<p>So far so good. Now to secure information +that would be of value to <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> +and a benefit to the great Cause of Liberty.</p> + +<p>“What's your name?” asked one of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> replied</p> + +<p>“Where do you live?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, about ten miles from here,” replied the youth</p> + +<p>“Parents living.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “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?”</p> + +<p>“Hard telling, young man. That's for the +generals to say. What their plans may be is +more than I can say.”</p> + +<p>“I have heard it rumored in our part of the +country that he <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I hope it will be soon,” declared <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, with a +view to keeping up the pretense of being imbued +with an intense desire to get at the rebels.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I'm not worrying about it, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Do you think you will fight when the time +comes?” half-sneered another, rather evil-featured fellow, leering at <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I'd be willing to wager that you'll do more running than +fighting.”</p> + +<p>“You might lose your money if you wagered +it that way,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly, gazing steadily +at the speaker.</p> + +<p>“I might, but I don't think I would,” with a +harsh laugh. “I don't think much of the +bravery of the <span class="name.nationality">Americans</span>, whether rebels or +king's men. They are not the kind that make +good soldiers.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose you think that you are,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, calmly.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“You seem to be great at blowing your own +horn, at any rate,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. And +several of the other soldiers sitting near snickered, +which seemed to anger the other very much.</p> + +<p>“Do you mean to insult me?” he cried, glancing +fiercely at <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Oh, no,” coolly. “I was simply stating a +fact, that is all.”</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Don't let my youth hinder you,” retorted +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I will say this, that I think you will find +the people of <span class="name.state">America</span> as brave as those of your +country or any other, and I think, too, that they +will make as brave and effective soldiers.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“You might find that you had your hands +full if you tried it,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> a look of hatred as +he did so.</p> + +<p>A number of the soldiers grinned, and two or +three chuckled aloud, and unless Coggins was +deaf, he must have heard them.</p> + +<p>“Would you really have fought him?” queried +a soldier, looking at <span class="name.char">Dick</span> keenly, when Coggins +was gone.</p> + +<p>“If he attacked me, I should have protected myself,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“But you couldn't have done much against +him. You're only a boy.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Well, you might have held your own with +Coggins, but I doubt it a little.”</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I noticed that, too,” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“That's right, of course,” approvingly. “But +don't get into trouble with him if you can avoid +it without discredit to yourself.”</p> + +<p>“I won't, sir, and thank you for your friendly +words.”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>Soon the soldiers stretching themselves on blankets and going to sleep. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +was given a blanket, and he also lay down, +being quite tired by this time, and was soon +asleep.</p> + +<p>The fact that he was in the encampment of +the enemy did not have any effect on <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> +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 <span class="foreign" style="font-style: italic">sang froid</span> as if he were really an adherent +of the king and sincere in his desire to fight for +him.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> accompanying them, of +course. On the way they passed another division of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was informed by a companion that it was the main +body.</p> + +<p>When they neared the beach, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> caught +sight of several old hulks of vessels at anchor +near the shore, and he inquired what they +were.</p> + +<p>“Old hulks of dismantled ships,” was the reply. “We use them for prisons for those of the +rebel army that we capture.”</p> + +<p>“Are there any rebels in there now?” queried +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, making his tone as careless as possible, +though having his father in mind, his heart was +throbbing with eagerness.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.11"> + + + <h2 class="11" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XI</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Tom</span> in Trouble</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="name.char"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> Dare</span> eyed the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Phew, that outnumbers our army considerably!” thought <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “Well, no matter, when it +comes to battle, I'll wager that we will give +the redcoats all they can do.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span> +very soon, exactly the point on which <span class="name.char">General +Washington</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>About half-past one o'clock in the afternoon, +however, he was given a shock: He saw half +a dozen <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers approaching the encampment from the north, and in their midst +was–his brother <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!</p> + +<p>“They've captured <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!” he exclaimed +mentally, in dismay. “Goodness, that is bad! +I wonder how it happened?”</p> + +<p>This was a simple matter. The half dozen +redcoats had been up in the hills nearby the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, where <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> had had the adventure the night before, when in passing the +clump of trees, some one of them happened to +catch a glimpse of <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>As may well be supposed, when <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> in the enemy's hands, a prisoner.</p> + +<p>“I'll have to begin by rescuing <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, I guess,” +was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> thought.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had drawn near as the soldiers entered +the camp, and had managed to catch <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Whom have you there?” queried <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span>, as the party came to a halt in front of him.</p> + +<p>“We found this youngster over yonder in that +bit of woods, <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>,” 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.”</p> + +<p>“I wasn't frightened, any such thing!” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>Something like a grim smile appeared for an +instant on the general's face, as he looked at the +bright face of the boy.</p> + + + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, sir.” <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, eh? Well, Master <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, +where do you live?”</p> + +<p>The boy hesitated an instant, and then said: +“I live over in New Jersey.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, in New Jersey? Well, what are you +doing over here on <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>?”</p> + +<p>“I wanted to see the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army, sir, and so +I came over here.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, indeed? Why did you wish to see the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> army?”</p> + +<p>“Just out of curiosity, sir. I have never before seen an army, and I wanted to see one.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Percy</span> eyed the boy searchingly for a +few moments, and then said:</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> did not just like. It had a +threatening sound. However, he kept a bold +face, and said as calmly as possible:</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> still did not fancy the general's tone and +air, but he answered:</p> + +<p>“True, sir. So I would.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> started and turned slightly pale.</p> + +<p>“Surely you are not going to make me a +prisoner there, sir!” he exclaimed in dismay.</p> + +<p>“That is just what I am going to do, Master +<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>!” 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.</p> + +<p>Poor <span class="name.char">Tom</span>! 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.</p> + +<p>“Take him past the other encampments and +let him see the whole army,” called <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“I'd like to kick him!”</p> + +<p>“Who, the general?” queried one of the soldiers.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, boldly.</p> + +<p>“You'd better not let him hear you say anything like that, sonny!”</p> + + + +<p>“Say, comrades,” remarked another, maliciously, “let's go back and tell the general what +he said.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I guess you're right about that, comrade.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I guess you're about right,” agreed the first +speaker. “I certainly would hate to have to +change places with you, my boy.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> decided that the prison-ship must be a +terrible place, and he was destined to soon find +that such was really the case.</p> + +<p>They passed the main encampment of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span>, as they went to the beach, and the +patriot youth thought that the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> would be +hard to defeat, with such a strong army.</p> + +<p>“There must be fifteen or twenty thousand +soldiers there” was his estimate.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +to the deck. Here they found a <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier +on guard.</p> + +<p>“What have you got there, comrades?” this +soldier asked, looking at <span class="name.char">Tom</span> in surprise.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“All right; down with him. But I wouldn't +think the rebels would send out such a young +one to do spy-work.”</p> + +<p>“Well, the general thinks he's a spy, and that +settles it.”</p> + +<p>“It certainly does so far as I am concerned. +Down with him.”</p> + +<p>The hatch was opened, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> in complete darkness.</p> + +<p>As he realized his situation, a shudder went +over the youth's form.</p> + +<p>“I don't like this!” he murmured.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.12"> + + + <h2 class="12" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Dick</span> Does Wonderful Work</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> Dare had been afraid that <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span> might connect him with <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. With +them both in the old prison-hulk, escape would +have been difficult, in fact well-nigh impossible, +but with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The afternoon dragged slowly along. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +could hardly wait for nightfall, for he was eager +to get to work. He thought the afternoon never +would end.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I guess it will be all right,” was the reply. +“Go ahead, but don't stay too long.”</p> + +<p>“I won't, sir. Thank you.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>“Where away, comrade?” queried the sentinel +at the east side of the encampment.</p> + +<p>“Oh, out for a little walk for exercise,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, carelessly.</p> + +<p>“All right<span title=",">.</span> The Countersign is ‘The King Rules’.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I'll not forget.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p>He hastened onward, but paused frequently +and listened intently. He did not want to meet any +force of <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers then for it would have +been awkward work explaining his presence.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Now the next thing is to get aboard the +hulk,” was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> thought.</p> + + + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had +rightly guessed that the sentinel was at the +other side, doubtless keeping a lookout shoreward.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> climbed on up, and over +the rail, and a moment later stood on the deck.</p> + +<p>So far all was well. He had escaped from the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, had reached the prison-hulk, and was on board. Now to overpower +the sentinel and rescue the prisoners.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> sentinel.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was not the kind +of youth to be dismayed by difficulties. +Their presence only made him the more determined.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, the redcoat's back was +partially toward him, and the soldier was gazing in almost the opposite direction from that +in which <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was approaching.</p> + +<p>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, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> compressed his windpipe, gripping it with +all his might.</p> + +<p>Although but eighteen years of age, <span class="name.char">Dick +Dare</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had seized the redcoat, the fellow +was lying unconsciously on the deck–choked into +insensibility.</p> + +<p>Feeling confident the sentinel would remain +unconscious some time, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Hello, down there!” he called. “Are you +there, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick</span>! Oh, is it really you?” came the reply, +in the excited voice of <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, it is I,” was the reply. “How many are +there with you, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>? Is father there?”</p> + +<p>“No, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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!”</p> + +<p>“Climb up the ladder,” instructed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“Surely you are not bound.”</p> + +<p>“Our hands are tied. That's what I meant +by telling you to come down and free us, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I'll be with you in moment, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened down the ladder, and was soon +standing beside <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, who had scrambled to his +feet. He quickly cut the rope binding his +brother's wrists, and then asked where the +other prisoners were.</p> + +<p>“Here,” replied a hoarse voice. “We are +right at hand, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Joseph Boswick</span>,” he +continued, “one of the spies sent down here by +<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> to secure information regarding the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“I can easily believe it, <span class="name.char">Mr. Boswick</span>, 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> guards are +insensible, and locked in a stateroom.”</p> + +<p>“You are a wonder, Dare!” said <span class="name.char">Boswick</span>, +admiration in his tone. “Well, cut our bonds +quickly and we'll try to get out of here.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Some redcoats have come off to the ship, +from the shore!” whispered <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, to <span class="name.char">Boswick</span>. +“We must get away from here in a hurry, for +your escape will be discovered very quickly!”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.13"> + + + <h2 class="13" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XIII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> is Pleased</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">W</span>e</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, and it is old and leaky, anyway. We'll +go ashore and then head for <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“They've discovered your escape,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“Get ashore, men, as quickly as possible.”</p> + +<p>The rescued patriots leaped ashore as fast +as they could, and then with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> in the lead, +they set out northward.</p> + + + +<p>“By keeping over pretty close to the water, I +think we shall be able to keep clear of the redcoats,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Likely,” agreed <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “We mustn't let them +capture us now.”</p> + +<p>“I'll never go back to that terrible prison-pen alive!” declared <span class="name.char">Boswick</span>. “I would much +rather die fighting.”</p> + +<p>“We'll get to the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> and then over to +New York in safety,” assured <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>The excited voices of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army and an hour or so later arrived at the +patriot encampment on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>They went direct to patriot headquarters, and +were quickly ushered into the presence of the +commander-in-chief. When he saw <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and also <span class="name.char">Boswick</span> and the other spies and +the patriot soldiers that had been prisoners, his +face lighted up with pleasure.</p> + +<p>“You surely have succeeded well, Dare!” +he exclaimed. “You have rescued the +patriot prisoners from the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> prison-ship, +and I hope you have as well secured some important information.”</p> + +<p>“I have secured some information, your excellency,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “And I am pleased because I was able to free the patriots from the +prison-ship.”</p> + +<p>“You have done well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>–wonderfully +well. I congratulate you, my boy.” Then he +shook hands with <span class="name.char">Boswick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>The soldiers obeyed, all going save <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, who +remained at the command of <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. When the others had gone, he turned inquiringly at <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“What did you learn, my boy?” he queried. +“Have you secured any information of value?”</p> + +<p>“I haven't secured a great deal of information, your excellency,” was the reply. “I +learned the numerical strength of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army, for one thing.”</p> + +<p>“That is important. What is the number?”</p> + +<p>“Twenty-five thousand.”</p> + +<p>A sober, thoughtful look settled over the face +of the commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I learned also, that an attack on <span class="name.city">Brooklyn +Heights</span>, while a probability at some future +time, is not contemplated at an early date.”</p> + + + +<p>“That is important also, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. Well, did you +learn anything else?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing else, sir. But, if you desire it, I +will go back over onto <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and will +keep watch on the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“We will wait a few days, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and then I +may send you again. I congratulate you on the +success of your first attempt at spying. You +did well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, exceedingly well, and I shall +doubtless make use of you frequently in the +future, if you care to undertake the work.”</p> + +<p>“I shall be glad to do so, your excellency. +My only wish is to do all in my power to aid the +people of <span class="name.state">America</span> to secure their independence, +and if I can be of value by doing spy-work, then +I shall take pleasure in doing it.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>Then he dismissed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, who saluted and +withdrew, going to his quarters.</p> + +<p>He found <span class="name.char">Tom</span> there, engaged in telling the +story of his and <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> adventures over on +<span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> and the other soldiers +were listening eagerly, their eyes shining. They +greeted <span class="name.char">Dick</span> joyously.</p> + +<p>“Say, I wish I had been with you two fellows, +old man,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “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.” +<span class="name.char">Ben</span> pretended to be vexed with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +but it was only pretense.</p> + +<p>“You boys will get all the adventure you +want, one of these days, I think,” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“There is going to be a battle over on Long +Island sooner or later, and then you will get +all the fighting you want.”</p> + +<p>“Hurroo!” cried <span class="name.char">Tim Murphy</span>, “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.”</p> + +<p>“Yah, ve vill fighd lige eferyting,” declared +<span class="name.char">Fritz Schmockenburg</span>. “Ve are nod avraid uf +der retgoads, und dot is so.”</p> + +<p>“How soon will the battle take place, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” +queried <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> shook his head.</p> + +<p>“As to that I cannot say, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” he replied. +“But it will come soon enough, without doubt, +for the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> have twenty-five thousand soldiers, while we have not more than eighteen +thousand.”</p> + +<p>“That is pretty big odds,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, with a +shake of the head.</p> + +<p>“So it is,” agreed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “But the patriots +will give a good account of themselves when +the time comes, I feel certain.”</p> + +<p>“Yah, ve vill gif ein goot accound mit mysellufs,” said <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>, the <span class="name.nationality">Dutch</span> soldier.</p> + +<p>“Just listen to thot, wull yez?” remarked +<span class="name.char">Tim</span>, scathingly. “Shure an' there is agotism +fur yez!”</p> + +<p>“Well, I hope all of us will always give a +good account of ourselves,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. +“And I believe we will.”</p> + +<p>“We'll try to, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, earnestly.</p> + +<p>A few days later <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> again +summoned <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and told him to go over on +<span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and see if he could learn anything +regarding the intentions of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>“You will have to be very careful, this time, +however, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” he cautioned; “for you are +known to many of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, and if they +should see you, they would capture you, and +that would be bad.”</p> + +<p>“True, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I will be very careful. I will not let them capture me, if I can +help myself.” Then, after receiving his instructions, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> saluted and withdrew.</p> + +<p>After supper he set out, and crossing the +East River, made his way in the direction of +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, which was about five +miles distant, to the southward. He did not +need to go to <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span> to see <span class="name.char">General +Putnam</span>, for the reason that he now knew more +about the location of the enemy than <span class="name.char">Putnam</span> +did.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. By going slowly he could avoid this +danger.</p> + +<p>Two hours from the time he crossed the East +River, he was in the vicinity of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army a few days before and +then deserted. Doubtless the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> were +aware of the fact, also, that the same youth +had set the prisoners free from the prison-ship.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> remained near the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>He slept soundly till morning, and then got +up and took a survey of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, if it took +him a week.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>When the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers began moving +around again, after dinner, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +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.</p> + +<p>When they left and returned to the encampment <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>After the redcoats returned to the encampment, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers were no +others than <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> +enemies, the Tory youths from over in New +Jersey!</p> + +<p>“Well, this is a surprise!” thought <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“But I remember now, that <span class="name.char">Ben</span> said <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> told +him he and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> were going to join the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army and be <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers, that they were +not going to let <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, and myself get ahead +of them. I wonder what they would say if they +knew I was so near them?”</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span>, dressed in the uniform of +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers, entered the clump of timber +and seated themselves on the moss under the +tree next to that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was in. They had no +suspicion that there was anyone other than +themselves present, and talked freely of their +plans.</p> + +<p>“How do ye like army life, anyhow, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>?” +asked <span class="name.char">Lem</span>, as they lolled on the grass.</p> + +<p>“Oh, pretty well, <span class="name.char">Lem</span>,” was the reply. “How +do ye like et?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, only so-so, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>. They're too strict ter +suit me. I don't like ter hev ter come an' go +just ez sumbuddy tells me, do you?”</p> + +<p>“No, I don't. But when er feller enters the +army, that's jest whut he hez ter do.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, thet's so. Well, I guess I'll git used +ter et.”</p> + +<p>“I'll be glad when we git inter a bettle with +the rebels, <span class="name.char">Lem</span>, won't you?”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> an' +<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> an' <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.”</p> + +<p>“So do I. I'd like ter giv' 'em a thrashin' in +a battle.”</p> + + + +<p>“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 <span class="name.city">Brooklyn +Heights</span> the <span title="1776-08-24">twenty-fourth</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I heard 'im say thet.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> made mental note of this date. He had +learned something of value, and from the lips +of his enemies, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span>. How angry they +would be if they knew they had done <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> +a kindness! “Thank you, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span>,” he murmured. “You are very kind, and have done me +quite a favor.”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, but what he had +learned was sufficient. He had learned when +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 +<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> what he had learned.</p> + +<p>The commander-in-chief complimented <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +on his success in securing the information, and +next morning he sent three thousand troops +over to reinforce <span class="name.char">General Putnam's</span> force on +<span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>. To the delight of <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan's</span> regiment was among +those sent, and the youths would thus be able +to take part in the battle.</p> + +<p>When the <span title="1776-08-24">24th</span> arrived, however, the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +did not make the expected attack, and about +mid-day <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> came over to the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> and conferred with <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +was asked his opinion regarding the non-appearance of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>“I don't understand it, sir,” he replied. “I +heard the two Tory youths say that an attack +would be made on the <span title="1776-08-24">twenty-fourth</span>. Perhaps +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> have learned that you were expecting them, and have postponed the attack on that +account.”</p> + +<p>“That is possible,” agreed <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. “Well, the only thing to do, now, is to +keep constantly on the lookout and be ready all +the time to repulse an attack.”</p> + + + +<p>“That is the proper course, your excellency,” +said <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> to make an +attack.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.14"> + + + <h2 class="14" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XIV</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Haunted House</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">L</span>ife</span> in the patriot camp often grew irksome +to the volunteers of <span class="name.char">Washington's</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> outposts, which +little affairs only served to increase their eagerness to “have it out” with the invaders.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>One evening toward dusk <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>A little youngster scarce four years old, was +playing under the tree. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> pocket +was greedily accepted by Jackie. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The youngster was tired out now, and +wanted “home and mother,” so <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>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 +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> loud and hurried +rappings on the door, there was no response.</p> + +<p>A flash of lightning however, showed <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +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.</p> + +<p>It did not take <span class="name.char">Tom</span> long to determine that +he and his little charge were alone in a deserted +mansion.</p> + +<p>“Is this your home, Jackie?” inquired <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>The little fellow whom <span class="name.char">Tom</span> had placed upon +the floor was thoroughly terrified, and could +only grasp his answer.</p> + +<p>“It is the haunted house, let me go home.”</p> + + + +<p>“Nonsense, Jackie, don't be afraid, but +where is your home?”</p> + +<p>Meantime <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Let's see if we can find a window,” suggested <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, but Jackie clung closer to his rescuer and began to cry wildly.</p> + +<p>“There is a ghost, it's coming,” shrieked the +little fellow.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Tom's</span> side to shut out the dreaded sight.</p> + +<p>“Come, Jackie, let's get out of here,” encouraged <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and having observed a window +in the room to the left, he once more took up +his charge and made for it.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> stopped short +an instant, but not so Jackie, who struggled +from his protector's embrace calling out, +“There's papa!”</p> + +<p>In a brief interval Jackie was in his parent's +arms, and as they lived next door to the deserted mansion, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> was soon being thanked +time and again for the rescue of the little runaway.</p> + +<p>“And is the house really haunted?” asked +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and then without waiting for a reply +he answered his own question “but of course +I know it is not.”</p> + + + +<p>“No,” was the laughing response, “but it +has been unoccupied except by cats, and in +some way has gotten that name.”</p> + +<p>“And then the eyes we saw–?”</p> + +<p>“Quite likely a stray cat, but still it would +not be wondered at if your nerves got on edge. +You are a brave boy, <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, and I know I +shall hear of brave deeds of yours in the +future.”</p> + +<p>The storm had moderated, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>That evening about the camp-fire <span class="name.char">Tom</span> recounted his adventures to his friends, and a trip +was planned for the next day to explore the +secrets of the old house.</p> + +<p>The following morning, after drill and the +camp duties had been performed, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> set out for the scene of the previous +day's excitement.</p> + +<p>“I don't believe half of these ‘haunted house’ +stories,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, “ever since–,” and here he +stopped.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“When was that?” questioned <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“Why, about a year ago,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“Who was it?” questioned <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, eagerly, +while <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, remembering his temporary terror +on that night, grew suspiciously red in the face.</p> + +<p>“None other than a marauding cat,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +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.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.15"> + + + <h2 class="15" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XV</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Dick</span> Again Does Spy-Work</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>s</span> the days and weeks dragged slowly past +and the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> did not make an attack +on the patriot force on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> +had done good work for him on two former +occasions, the commander-in-chief decided to +try him again. He had been on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, +conferring with <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, on the afternoon of August 20th, and presently he summoned an orderly and told him to tell <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> +to come to headquarters.</p> + + + +<p>The orderly saluted and went in search of the +youth, whom he found in company with his +brother <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> and two or three +other soldiers, talking listlessly and wondering +when the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> would make an attack.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, you are wanted at headquarters,” said the orderly. “The commander-in-chief sent me to inform you.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> leaped up with alacrity.</p> + +<p>“I'll go at once,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Maybe he is wanting you to do some more +spy-work, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” suggested <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“I hope so. I would like to get away from +camp and circulate around awhile.”</p> + +<p>“So would I,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and get captured again,” grinned <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. +“You are not cut out for spy-work, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. You +are too impulsive.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I don't know about that,” demurred +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I'd like to try spying, on my own hook, +once, like <span class="name.char">Dick</span> does.”</p> + +<p>“I don't think either of us would be as successful as <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” remarked <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“That is phwat Oi think,” said <span class="name.char">Tim Murphy</span>, +the Irish soldier. “Av inywan, now, could come +innywhere near bein' as good at spyin' as <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +phwy <span class="name.char">Fritz</span> here,” he continued with a grin, +“would be the mon, Oi'm thinkin'.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Fritz Schmockenburg</span>, the <span class="name.nationality">Dutch</span> soldier, +grunted.</p> + +<p>“I bet me dot I vould mage ein better sby as +vot your vould, <span class="name.char">Tim Murphies</span>,” he said placidly.</p> + +<p>And then ensued a good-natured dispute between the two, who, although they <span title="quarreled">quarrelled</span> +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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had gone to headquarters, and on reaching there, he was given a cordial greeting by +<span class="name.char">Generals Washington</span> and <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>“You sent for me, your excellency?” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, after saluting.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” was the reply. “I think that I +shall again call you into requisition. How +wold you like to again venture out toward the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> lines in search of information?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> face lighted up eagerly.</p> + +<p>“I would like it first rate, sir,” he said.</p> + +<p>“I thought so, and that is the reason I sent +for you. Well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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?”</p> + +<p>“I shall be glad to make the attempt to secure +the information you wish, <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>,” was the prompt and earnest reply.</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency. I will leave as soon +as it is dark, and will do my best +to secure some information of value.”</p> + +<p>“I hope that you may succeed, my boy.”</p> + +<p>“I hope so, sir.”</p> + +<p>After a little further conversation <span class="name.char">Dick</span> took +his departure, and rejoined his comrades, who +looked at him inquiringly.</p> + +<p>“Spy-work again, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” queried <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“That's what we guessed. When do you +start?”</p> + +<p>“This evening.”</p> + +<p>“I wish I could go with you!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“I think it will be better for me to go alone,” +said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I can do better work alone than if +somebody is with me. The general selected me +because I have a likely place to hide.”</p> + +<p>“How would it do to take <span class="name.char">Dootchy</span> wid yez, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” grinned <span class="name.char">Tim</span>. “He thinks he would be a +foine spy.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> laughed. “I don't know how <span class="name.char">Fritz</span> +would make out in that field of endeavor,” he +said.</p> + +<p>“He is so big he couldn't get within a mile of +the redcoats without their seeing him,” commented <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, that's the only trouble with <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>,” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “He is too big to be a success as a spy.”</p> + +<p>“I didn't said dot I vould be a goot sby, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” +responded <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>. “I said dot I vould be as goot +a sby as vot <span class="name.char">Tim Murphies</span> vould be, see? und +I vill stand me by dot statements, alretty.”</p> + +<p>“Wull, Oi have not said thot Oi would make a +good spy, <span class="name.char">Dootchy</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tim</span>, “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, <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>, me bye.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I don'd vos know abouid dot, <span class="name.char">Tim</span>,” was +the reply. “I think dot I vill do some fighdin' +myselufs alretty, ven ve get der retgoads at, +yahs.”</p> + +<p>“Maybe so,” grinned <span class="name.char">Tim</span>. “We wull wait +an see how yez act whin we come face to face +wid the ridcoats.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you'll both be brave soldiers, no doubt,” +said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “But, you won't be any ahead of +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Ben</span> and myself. We intend to do some +fighting, too, when the time comes.”</p> + +<p>“Oi'm bettin' thot yez presint a bold face to +the inimy,” nodded <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, who liked the youths +immensely. “An' sure, it's meself is wishin' +thot we get a chance at the ridcoats before very +long.”</p> + +<p>“I hope so, <span class="name.char">Tim</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>Soon after supper, that evening, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> made +his preparations for going on the expedition. +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“I shall be careful,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “But I'm +going to find out when the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> intend to +make an attack, that is, if such a thing is possible.”</p> + +<p>“I hope that you may succeed, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” encouraged <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“I'll do my best,” and then saying good-bye +to his friends, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> left the works and set out +down the slope, heading in the direction of the +encampment of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>He walked at a moderate pace, for there was +no occasion for haste. He had the whole night +before him.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. The +enemy were still occupying their old quarters.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> did not of course dare venture into the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“I guess the best thing I can do is to remain +here till morning,” was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> climbed down out of the tree and lay +down under some bushes and was soon sound +asleep. That was one thing that made <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +encampment. By climbing the tree, he was enabled to get a good view of the camp, and could +see the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers at work cooking their +breakfast over the campfires.</p> + +<p>Away in the distance, toward the bay, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +could make out another encampment, and knew +that this was the main force, under <span class="name.char">General +Howe</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>One, two hours passed, and then <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> patience was rewarded. He saw a couple of British soldiers have the encampment and come +strolling in the direction of the clump of trees.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The two <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers came strolling along, +talking and laughing, and presently they entered the clump of trees and sat down under the +very tree that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was in. Here they made +themselves as comfortable as possible, and lighting their pipes, smoked and talked lazily.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> listened eagerly, hoping to hear something that would be in the nature of news, and +of value to <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, but the soldiers kept their conversation in personal channels, which was not of much interest to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“I wish they would talk about the army, and +what it intends to do,” was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> thought.</p> + +<p>But the redcoats did not do this. They talked +of matters of no importance or interest to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +and after staying an hour or so, they get up and +returned to the encampment.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>Noon came, and no other soldiers had visited +the clump of trees. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was not discouraged, +however. He felt that he would likely get a +chance to hear other soldiers talk that afternoon.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier standing within a few +paces of him, musket in hand, eyeing him suspiciously.</p> + +<p>“Hello,” greeted the redcoat.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“Hello. Good afternoon, sir.”</p> + + + +<p>The soldier stood there, keeping a keen eye on +the youth.</p> + +<p>“Who are you?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“My name is <span class="name.char">Dick Morris</span>.” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> gave the +first name that came to his mind.</p> + +<p>“Humph. What are you doing here?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing. Just sitting here.”</p> + +<p>“Why are you sitting here?” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> believed +the soldier was suspicious of him.</p> + +<p>“I'm resting,” replied the youth.</p> + +<p>“Resting, eh?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“What made you tired?”</p> + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>“Humph. Where are you bound for?”</p> + +<p>“Over on the shore of the bay.”</p> + +<p>“What are you going there for?”</p> + +<p>“To work for a man, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Who?”</p> + +<p>“An old fisherman.”</p> + +<p>“Humph. You seem to be interested in the +army, yonder, judging by the way you were +looking that way when I came up.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, sir,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. “When one +has never seen an army before, it does interest +one.”</p> + +<p>The redcoat eyed <span class="name.char">Dick</span> searchingly.</p> + +<p>“I'm almost inclined to believe that you are +not what you make out yourself to be,” he said, +after a few moments.</p> + +<p>“Why so, sir?” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> opened his eyes as if +surprised and puzzled and looked at the soldier +inquiringly.</p> + +<p>“Because–in these times of war, it is often +the case that anyone like yourself may turn out +to be a spy.”</p> + +<p>“A spy?” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, assuming a most +astonished expression.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and you may be a spy for all I know.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">General Percy</span> has to +say about the matter.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> heart sank. <span class="name.char">General Percy</span> was the +officer he had seen, a few weeks before, when he +had pretended to join the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Oh, I wouldn't do that, if I were you,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, calmly.</p> + +<p>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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“March along in front of me to the encampment, young fellow. We'll see what <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span> thinks about you.”</p> + +<p>But <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +managed to choke the soldier into a state of +insensibility in a very few minutes.</p> + +<p>And then, when confident that the redcoat +was unconscious, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Having accomplished this task, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> sat down +beside the tree and drew a long breath of relief +and satisfaction.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>At least an hour passed, and then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The two soldiers entered the edge of the timber and seated themselves under a tree close to +the one <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +wish to hear discussed. In a general way +they commented upon the bustle, stir and +preparation that indicated some important +move.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“He had the news from <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> was straining every nerve to hear distinctly.</p> + +<p>Just then a groan sounded, from amid the +clump of bushes in which <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“What does that mean, comrade?” remarked +one of the soldiers.</p> + +<p>“Somebody groaned,” was the reply. “Let's +take a look in that clump of bushes and see who +is there, and what ails him.”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“I suppose the rascally spy isn't still in this +clump of timer, eh?” remarked one of the soldiers, with a glance around.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Luckily he was not here to listen to what we +were saying,” remarked one, and he looked significantly at the other who agreed.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> was eager, now, to get away from there.</p> + +<p>He felt that he had important if not really +definite information and wished to get it to +<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier there.</p> + +<p>So <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>When night came, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> slipped away and +started in the direction of the patriot encampment on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>. He reached there +in safety, a couple of hours later, and at once +went to headquarters and made his report, <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> being there, conferring with +<span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> told them of the unwonted activities in the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> lines they were well pleased, +and said that if an attack were made they would +be able to hold their position on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, in +spite of the superior numbers of the enemy.</p> + +<p>Next day preparations were begun for the +reception of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, who might now come at any time. +The days dragged slowly by, however, and it +was not until the morning of the <span title="1776-08-27">27th of +August</span> that the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> advanced to attack. +Seated in their quarters on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, 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 <span class="name.street">Narrows road</span>, near the bay, where +<span class="name.char">General Stirling's</span> division was stationed.</p> + +<p>“To arms!” at once shouted <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. +“The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> are beginning the attack!”</p> + +<p>Instantly all was excitement. The soldiers +grabbed their muskets and took their places, +ready for battle, and down where <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> +force was there sounded the rattle of musketry, +as volleys were exchanged. It was indeed exciting, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, their eyes shining, could scarcely contain themselves. They +wanted to be at the front, helping fight the +redcoats.</p> + +<p>“Say, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, ask <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> to let us go +down there,” pleaded <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “I want to +help fight the redcoats!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, do ask him, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” urged <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I +can't stand staying here, doing nothing, when +there is fighting going on. Get him to let us +go down there.”</p> + +<p>“All right, I'll try,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I would like +it myself. But, I'm afraid he won't be willing +to let us go.”</p> + +<p>“Ask him, anyway,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“I will,” and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> and made his wish known.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> nodded, a disappointed look on his face.</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir,” he said, and turning, started +to rejoin his comrades.</p> + +<p>“It is possible that I may make use of you +boys as messengers during the battle, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” 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.</p> + +<p>It evidently pleased <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, for he turned a +beaming face toward the general and said: +“Thank you, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. If you have any +messages to send to the commanders of the +other forces, at the front, we will be glad to +take them.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. It is likely that I shall +want to send some messages. You boys hold +yourselves in readiness to take them.”</p> + +<p>“We will do so, sir.”</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, but were +pleased with the idea of being sent to the commanders with orders.</p> + +<p>“I hope <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> will have a lot of +messages to send,” said <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, his eyes +shining with excitement.</p> + +<p>“So do I,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.16"> + + + <h2 class="16" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XVI</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Battle of <span class="name.place">Long Island</span></h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>own</span> on the <span class="name.street">Narrows Road</span>, <span class="name.char">General +Stirling's</span> force was holding its own +against the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. The patriot soldiers were +steady and calm, and loaded and fired regularly +and with considerable effect, and had fortune +gone well with <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> division, the Continental soldiers would probably have won the battle. +But <span class="name.char">General Sullivan</span>, stationed on the hills +south of Bedford, was attacked fiercely in front +by a strong force of <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, and another force +under <span class="name.char">Generals Howe</span> and <span class="name.char">Cornwallis</span>, having +marched around to the north of this position, +by way of the <span class="name.street">Jamaica Road</span>, attacked <span class="name.char">Sullivan</span> +from the rear, and his force, thus caught between two fires, was driven back and forth +among the trees, with disastrous results.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, watching the battle from +the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, through his glass, saw that Sullivan was in difficulties and in danger of capture, +and he decided to send a message to <span class="name.char">Stirling</span>, +warning him of this fact, and ordering him to +retreat toward the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> as quickly as possible–for as soon as <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> force was overpowered, the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> would sweep on across the +fields and fall upon the rear of <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force +and capture it. So, having written a brief note, +<span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> summoned <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>“Do you think you can find <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>?” +the general asked.</p> + +<p>“I think so, sir,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“He is over on <span class="name.street">Narrows Road</span>. 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 +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> the slip of paper.</p> + +<p>“I will do so, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +firmly.</p> + +<p>“Very good. Now hurry. Get there as +quickly as possible.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened away, running swiftly, and as +he passed where <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> were stationed, +he called out: “I'm taking a message to <span class="name.char">General +Stirling</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Good for you,” cried <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + + + +<p>“Go it,” from <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> vaulted over the breastworks and then +ran down the slope at the top of his speed.</p> + +<p>“I'm a messenger from <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>,” +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.</p> + +<p>Soon he was in among the trees and out of +sight of the patriot soldiers on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>. He +knew the direction to go in order to reach <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, and he headed in that direction +and kept up his speed.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> heard the firing over to his left, and +knew this was where <span class="name.char">General Sullivan</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, +and he kept a sharp lookout in that direction, +for he did not want to get shot by any of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers.</p> + +<p>Presently he caught sight of the right wing +of <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> force, and saw the patriot soldiers +firing at the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> as rapidly as possible, and +then he saw the redcoats, who were attacking +the patriots from both the front and the rear.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> wished that he might be able to help the +patriot soldiers fight the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, but he had +business of his own to attend to, and so he kept +onward, running at the top of his speed.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, however, when he was perhaps +halfway to the point where <span class="name.char">General Stirling's</span> +army was fighting so bravely, he was given a +surprise, and a most unpleasant one–for he +found himself confronted by a force of <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +soldiers, which was making a flank movement, +with the intention, doubtless, of falling upon +<span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> right wing. Doubtless another force +was executing a similar movement on the opposite side, to attack <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> left wing, and +when this movement was finished, the soldiers +under <span class="name.char">Sullivan</span> would be surrounded.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>But could he do this? He glanced around +him, eagerly and anxiously. He was determined to get through the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> ranks and +deliver the message to <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. No, he must +reach <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>. <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> had +shown confidence in <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and the youth was +not going to give the general reason to think +his confidence had been misplaced.</p> + +<p>But, where could he hide? While pondering +this matter, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> would have to take the +chance of being seen by the approaching <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +soldiers.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>This being settled, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Crouching back as far from the opening as +possible, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> waited anxiously for the coming +of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers. Had they seen him as +he crawled through the opening? Would he be +hauled out of the hollow tree and made a prisoner? <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>. How +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> wished that this might be the case!</p> + +<p>THe moments that intervened before the redcoats reached the vicinity of the tree were anxious ones for <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. He sat there, crouching +back as far as possible from the opening, and +waited, and as he heard the footsteps and +voices of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers, his heart came up +into his throat.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a critical moment. It was a +situation to try the nerve of the bravest person.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was +not discovered.</p> + + + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> crawled +out of his hiding-place, and heaving a sigh of +relief, he again set out in the direction of the +point where <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force was giving such +valiant battle to the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>On <span class="name.char">Dick</span> ran, at top speed, and presently he +emerged upon the <span class="name.street">Narrows Road</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> quickly +caught sight of <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, who was seated +on his big bay charger, watching the progress +of the battle.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened up to the general, and saluting, said: “I have message for you, <span class="name.char">General +Stirling</span>, from <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Stirling</span> took the message and quickly read the few words written there.</p> + +<p>“Ah!” he exclaimed. “<span class="name.char">Sullivan</span> 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.”</p> + + + + + + + +<p>Then he turned to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and said: “Tel <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> I will begin retreating toward the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> at once.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and then +he moved away, in the direction from which +he had come, while <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span> gave the +order for his force to beat a retreat. They +obeyed, though reluctantly, for they did not +know that <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> force was practically in +the hands of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, 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 +<span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, while fighting valiantly, was +surrounded and made a prisoner.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, from quite a distance, saw the capture +of <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, and he remained where he +was for a little while, until he saw that the +main force under <span class="name.char">Stirling</span> succeeded in getting +past the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> and were coming toward the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, which they would undoubtedly succeed +in reaching, and then he turned and hastened +on up to the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, and made his way to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>“I delivered the message to <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, +sir,” the youth said, “and he told me to say to +you that he would begin a retreat at once.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>. “You did +well to deliver the message.”</p> + +<p>“I saw his force retreating, sir, from down +the slope a ways,” went on <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “and I saw +some of the redcoats make a prisoner of <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>.”</p> + +<p>“So you say, my boy?” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>. +“That is bad. Well, it cannot be helped. But, +I think the major portion of his force will succeed in reaching the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I think so, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. The soldiers are coming steadily, and have got past +the main part of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> force.”</p> + +<p>“Thanks for the information, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said the +general, and then the youth rejoined his comrades at the breastworks. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> had +many questions to ask, and he told them briefly +the story of his trip with the despatch.</p> + +<p>The soldiers of <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force reached and +entered the works on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> by the time +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> had finished his story, and the battle of +<span class="name.place">Long Island</span> was practically ended, the firing +ceasing very soon afterwards.</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army now advanced till in front +of <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, but it did not attempt to +storm the defenses. Doubtless <span class="name.char">General Howe</span> +remembered Bunker Hill, and felt that a repetition of that experience would be disastrous to +the king's cause.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> sent over two thousand +more soldiers, from New York, which made +the force ten thousand strong within the patriot works of <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, and he was +positive, as was <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> also, that the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> could be held, that if the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> made +an attack it would be disastrous for them.</p> + +<p>The action of <span class="name.char">General Howe</span> showed that he +thought so too, for instead of getting ready to +attack, he stretched his force around the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> realized at once that it +would not do to stay on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, under such circumstances, for if the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.city">Heights</span>. 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> looked up at the works +on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, they were amazed to see no +signs of life there–for so silently and cautiously had the patriots worked during the night that +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>This achievement of <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, +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 <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> was a commander who would cause the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> a great deal of +trouble. And after events proved that they +were right in their prophecies.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> must have told <span class="name.char">General +Washington</span> about <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> having carried a +message practically through the lines of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span>, to <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, during the battle +of <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, for the commander-in-chief, +happening to see <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force from capture.</p> + +<p>To say that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was well pleased at receiving words of praise from the lips of the commander-in-chief is stating it mildly. And when +he told <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> what <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> +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.</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> commander-in-chief began making +preparations to continue the war. His next +move, undoubtedly would be to capture New +York City, and <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> knew this +would be an easy matter, so he made preparations to retreat to <span class="name.city">Harlem Heights</span>, on the banks +of the Hudson at the north end of Manhattan +Island, where he would occupy a strategic position.</p> + + + +<p>On the fifteenth of September the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +made the move that was expected. Warships +from <span class="name.char">Admiral Howe's</span> 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, +<span class="name.char">General Howe</span> brought his army across from +Brooklyn in boats, and landed at Kipp's Bay, +near what is now the foot of 34th Street.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> came down from the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> with two brigades of patriot soldiers, +with the purpose of holding the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> in +check long enough for <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> to evacuate the lower part of the city with the four +thousand soldiers under him at that point. This +was accomplished, and when <span class="name.char">Putnam</span> and his +men were safe on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, the two brigades retired to the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> also. The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +then took possession of New York City, and so the two armies lay, the Continental on the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> and the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> in the city, confronting +each other, on Manhattan Island.</p> + +<p>It was an interesting situation, and especially +so to <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>, who +were now just beginning to feel that they were +soldiers in the patriot army.</p> + + + +<p>One evening, a few days after the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +took possession of New York and the patriots +took up their station on <span class="name.city">Harlem Heights</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, +and when they went to their quarters, they +were enthusiastic about it.</p> + +<p>“I'll tell you what, boys,” said <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, +“it was wonderful, the way <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> talked, wasn't it?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” agreed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “and we'll come up +to his expectations, too, or know the reason +why.”</p> + +<p>And in enthusiastic unison <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> exclaimed:</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes! That we will, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!”</p> + +<p>And when the time came, they kept their +word.</p> + +</div> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Dare Boys of 1776, by Stephen Angus Cox + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DARE BOYS OF 1776 *** + +***** This file should be named 9112-h.htm or 9112-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/1/1/9112/ + +Produced by Curtis Weyant + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Dare Boys of 1776 + +Author: Stephen Angus Cox + +Release Date: October, 2005 [EBook #9112] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on August 15, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DARE BOYS OF 1776 *** + + + + +Produced by Curtis A. 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 + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DARE BOYS OF 1776 *** + +This file should be named drbys10.txt or drbys10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, drbys11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, drbys10a.txt + +Produced by Curtis A. 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Weyant + + + + + +</pre> + + + <div class="titlepage" style="text-align: center"> + <h1 style="text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 2.25em;">The Dare Boys<br style="display: block" />of 1776</h1> + <p class="byline" style="font-variant: small-caps; font-size: .75em">by</p> + <p class="author" style="text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.75em">Stephen Angus Cox</p> + <p class="byline" style="font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0%">Illustrations by<br style="display: block;" /> + </p> + <p class="author" style="text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 0%">R. Mencl</p> + <div class="docimprint"> + <p class="pubPlace" style="margin-bottom: 0%">New York</p> + <p class="publisher" style="text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 0%">The Platt & Peck Co.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="verso" style="text-align: center"> + <p>Copyright 1910<br style="display: block" /> + <span style="font-variant: small-caps; font-size: .8em;">by</span><br style="display: block" /> + <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The A. L. Chatterton Co.</span> + </p> + </div> + + <div class="toc"> + <h2 style="text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.2em">Contents</h2> + + <ol style="list-style-type: upper-roman"> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> C<span style="font-variant: small-caps">lang of the</span> L<span style="font-variant: small-caps">iberty</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ell</span></li> + <li>W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">aylaid on the</span> R<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oad</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">en</span> F<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oster</span></span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">rings</span> I<span style="font-variant: small-caps">mportant</span> N<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ews</span></li> + <li>A N<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ight</span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ttack</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">are</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oys in</span> N<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ew</span> Y<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li>C<span style="font-variant: small-caps">hosen for</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">angerous</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ick</span>'s</span> F<span style="font-variant: small-caps">irst</span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">dventure</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">om</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">are</span></span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">cts</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">rothers</span> T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ogether</span></li> + <li>I<span style="font-variant: small-caps">n the</span> E<span style="font-variant: small-caps">nemy's</span> C<span style="font-variant: small-caps">amp</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">om</span></span> <span style="font-variant: small-caps">in</span> T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">rouble</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ick</span></span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oes</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">onderful</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">G<span style="font-variant: small-caps">eneral</span> W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ashington</span></span> <span style="font-variant: small-caps">is</span> P<span style="font-variant: small-caps">leased</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> H<span style="font-variant: small-caps">aunted</span> H<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ouse</span></li> + <li><span class="name.char">D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ick</span></span> A<span style="font-variant: small-caps">gain</span> D<span style="font-variant: small-caps">oes</span> S<span style="font-variant: small-caps">py</span>-W<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ork</span></li> + <li>T<span style="font-variant: small-caps">he</span> B<span style="font-variant: small-caps">attle of</span> <span class="name.place">L<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ong</span> I<span style="font-variant: small-caps">sland</span></span></li> + </ol> + + </div> + + + + + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.1"> + <h2 class="1" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em">Chapter I</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em">The Clang of the Liberty Bell</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">I</span>t</span> was the fourth day of July of the year +1776. There was great excitement in all +of the colonies of <span class="name.state">America</span> at that time, for on +this day the representatives of the people, gathered together in the city of <span class="name.city"><span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span></span>, were +to decide whether the Declaration of Independence, already drawn up, should be adopted +and signed. In <span class="name.city"><span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span></span>, 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Oh, I hope they will adopt the Declaration of +Independence, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I'm sure they +will, aren't you?”</p> + +<p>“I think they will, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. I hope so.”</p> + +<p>“Bah, they won't do nothin' uv the kind, <span class="name.char">Dick +Dare</span>!” cried a sneering voice at their side, and +turning, the Dare youths saw <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> and +<span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, the sons of two Tory neighbors, +standing there.</p> + +<p>“Uv course they won't,” added <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>. +“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.”</p> + +<p>“Well, they just will!” cried <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, who +was an excitable, impulsive youth. “They'll +ring it pretty soon, <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, and they aren't +afraid of your old king, not a bit of it!”</p> + +<p>“What's thet! Don't ye dare speak disrespectfully uv the king!” snarled <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span>, +making a threatening motion with his fist. “Ef +ye do, why et'll be the worse fur ye, that's all.”</p> + +<p>Instantly <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, who was the elder of the +brothers, a handsome, manly youth of eighteen +years, seized <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> by the wrist, and pushed him +back, at the same time saying quietly, yet +firmly:</p> + +<p>“That will do, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>. Don't go making any +threats. You and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> go about your business, +and don't interfere with <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and I.”</p> + +<p>“We'll go where we please,” snarled <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>, +who was a vicious youth of about <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> age, as +was <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> also. “An' we'll stay heer ef +we want to, too, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, an' ye can't he'p +yerself.”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +and I, or to bully us, you will wish you hadn't +stayed.”</p> + +<p>“Is thet so?” sneeringly. “Whut'll ye do, +<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, hey?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, whut'll ye do?” cried <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, pushing forward and facing <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> confronted him quickly, and met his +angry glare unflinchingly. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Lem's</span> chest, pushed him back.</p> + +<p>“Hold on, <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>,” he said. “Just you +stand back. One at a time talking with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> is +enough. You talk to me, if you want to talk to +anybody.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> was a hot-tempered youth also, +and suddenly his rage flared to the surface. He +didn't relish being pushed back by <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and +quick as a flash, he gave the patriot youth a +smart slap on the cheek.</p> + +<p>“That thet, an' l'arn to keep yer han's offen +people!” he snarled.</p> + + + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Tom +Dare</span> into action, and quick as a flash out shot +his fist. It caught <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> between the eyes +and knocked him down flat on his back.</p> + +<p>“There, see how you like that!” exclaimed +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eyes flashing. “I guess that next +time you'll think once or twice before you slap +me in the face!”</p> + +<p>With an angry exclamation, <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> +struck at <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, but that youth was on his +guard, and he warded the blow off, and striking +out himself, landed a blow on <span class="name.char">Zeke's</span> jaw, downing +him as neatly as had been the case with +Hicks.</p> + +<p>Instantly a crowd gathered, many eagerly +asking what the trouble was about. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> explained that the two youths who had +been floored were Tories, and the sympathies +of the crowd were at once with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +more especially when they learned that the Tory +boys had picked the quarrel with the patriots.</p> + +<p>“You did just right in knocking them down!” +was the cry, and so hostile were the looks, +actions and words of the crowd, that <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and +<span class="name.char">Lem</span> on scrambling to their feet, did not renew +the fight. They shook their fists at <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, however, and muttered threats, as they +moved away through the crowd declaring that +they would get even with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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:</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p>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.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.2"> + + + <h2 class="2" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter II</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">Waylaid on the Road</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>s</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Oh, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, I'm so glad!” cried <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I never +was so happy in my life.”</p> + +<p>“Nor I, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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!”</p> + + + +<p>“It will please him more than anything else in +the world, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes indeed.”</p> + +<p>Then lifting up his voice the patriot youth +cried out loudly, his voice ringing clear as the +notes of a bugle:</p> + +<p>“Down with the king! Long live Liberty! +Long live <span class="name.char">Washington</span>!”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Washington</span>!”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>After awhile, when the people had calmed +down to a considerable extent and were beginning to disperse to their homes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom +Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Part of the way the road led through a heavy +growth of timber, and as <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span>, <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> and two other +Tory <span title="sympathizers">sympathisers</span> of the neighborhood.</p> + +<p>“We told ye we'd git even with ye!” hissed +<span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span>, as they hurled themselves upon +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “Ye thought ye was mighty +smart, there in <span class="name.city">Phillydelphy</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> masters +of the situation.</p> + +<p>“Phew, that was warm work, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, wiping his perspiring face with his handkerchief.</p> + +<p>“Yes, so it was, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” replied his brother. +“But I believe that we made it warmer for <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> +and his gang than they did for us.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I think we did,” with a chuckle. “Say, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, they are better runners than fighters, +aren't they!”</p> + +<p>“I think they are, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. They did some lively +sprinting, just now, at any rate.”</p> + +<p>“I guess they won't be likely to attack us +again, soon.”</p> + + + +<p>“Hardly.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“They did it, father!” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, pantingly. “They adopted and signed the Declaration of Independence.”</p> + +<p>“Say you so, my son?” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> +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.”</p> + +<p>“It was wonderful, the interest and excitement shown by the people in <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span>, +father!” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “They were wild with delight.”</p> + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>The three then entered the house, <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> +having finished his work for the evening, and +<span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> greeted her sons affectionately.</p> + +<p>“The Declaration of Independence has been +adopted, wife,” said <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>, joyously. “The +die is cast. There will be war now, undoubtedly, +and it will result in the independence of the +people of <span class="name.state">America</span>. It cannot result otherwise, +for the people will fight to the death. In the +words of <span class="name.char">Patrick Henry</span>, it will be with them, +‘Give me liberty, or give me death!’”</p> + +<p>“I am glad, <span class="name.char">Henry</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Spoken like my own true-hearted wife!” said +<span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>. “I knew you would look at the +matter that way, dear.”</p> + +<p>At this moment there came a knock on the +back-door, and when <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> opened it, she +saw a neighbor, <span class="name.char">Abe Boggs</span>, the father of <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>, +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, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare's</span> heart sank +when she saw who was standing there.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Good evenin', <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>,” said Boggs, ducking his head. “Tell yer husban' to come out +here; we'd like to see 'im.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“W-what do you want, <span class="name.char">Mr. Boggs</span>?” she +asked, her voice trembling. “My husband is +here, but–but–we were just going to eat +supper, and—”</p> + + + +<p>“Supper can wait a few minutes, wife,” said +<span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>. “I'll see what neighbor Boggs wants. +Won't you come in, <span class="name.char">Abe</span>?”</p> + +<p>“No, we wanter see ye out here, Dare” replied the Tory. “Come out uv doors. We won't +keep ye but a minnet.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, husband, be careful!” whispered <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> had been out in the yard +perhaps five minutes. During this time <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Abe Boggs</span> and some more of the neighbors, +and how they had called <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> out, on the +plea of wishing to speak to him.</p> + +<p>“He's been out there quite a while,” <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Certainly, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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 +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> had had with <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> and his cronies +that afternoon in <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span> and on the road +home, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was led to fear that the Tories +had called his father out of doors with evil +intent.</p> + +<p>He opened the door and stepped quickly out, +and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“They're around in the front yard, likely, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, but his tone lacked positiveness. It was evident that he had fears that such +was not really the case.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> as well, had disappeared.</p> + +<p>“Oh, where can they be?” cried <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, +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!”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“He has gone with them, to see about something,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “You go back in the house, +mother, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and I will go over to <span class="name.char">Mr. +Boggs</span> and see what has become of father. +Likely he is there. You go in and stay with +Mary. We won't be gone long.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>; “but +hurry, for I shall be anxious till you get back +with your father.”</p> + +<p>She entered the house, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +hastened over to the Boggs home, which was +less than a quarter mile distant. <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span> +was not there, and <span class="name.char">Mrs. Boggs</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> hastened +to the homes of several of the neighboring +Tories in succession, and made inquiries regarding <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>Greatly worried now, but hoping they would +find their father at home when they got there, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Abe Boggs</span> +and six of his Tory neighbors. The note read +as follows:</p> + +<p class="letter" style="margin-left: 2em;margin-top: .5em;margin-bottom: .25em">“To <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> and rebel sons, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>:</p> + +<p class="letter" style="margin-left: 2em;margin-top: .25em;margin-bottom: .5em">“We hev took <span class="name.char">Henry Dare</span> prisner. He<br style="display: block" /> +is a rebel, an we are goin ter turn him over<br style="display: block" /> +to Captain Wilson an his compny uv<br style="display: block" /> +<span class="name.nationality"><span class="name.nationality">British</span></span> sojers, who hev ben heer fur a<br style="display: block" /> +week past, an are goin to jine the main<br style="display: block" /> +army on <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> to-night. Ye kaint<br style="display: block" /> +do nothin to git him back, so ye needn try.<br style="display: block" /> +An ye two boys, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> an <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, had better be<br style="display: block" /> +keerful er we'll serve ye worsen whut we<br style="display: block" /> +hev <span title="your">yer</span> father. We don't aim ter hev<br style="display: block" /> +any rebels in our neighborhood. So, <span class="name.char">Dick</span><br style="display: block" /> +and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, hev a care!”</p> + +<p>“Oh, husband is a prisoner in the hands of the +<span class="name.nationality"><span class="name.nationality">British</span></span>!” wailed <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. “Oh, this is terrible, boys! What shall we do? Oh, what shall +we do!”</p> + +<p>“Don't be frightened, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +soothingly. “I don't think father is in any +danger. He is a prisoner, true, but the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +don't kill prisoners, and sooner or later father +will escape–or be rescued. That will be work +for <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>The poor woman was not greatly comforted, +however, and she shook her head, at the same +time saying, in a hopeless tone of voice:</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>“Yes, you shall see father again, mother,” declared <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and I will make that our object in life.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, that is what we will do,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> says, it +will give us a better chance to find and rescue +father.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, my sons, my sons! How can I spare +you, too?” murmured <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. “How can I +let you leave me, now that I have lost your dear +father!”</p> + +<p>“It will be only temporary, mother. You can +see, when you give the matter more thought, +that it is the best thing to do.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps so, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, darling,” acquiesced <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span>, “but it is hard!”</p> + +<p>Throwing their arms about their mother's +neck, the youths kissed her, and presently she +grew more calm.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.3"> + + + <h2 class="3" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter III</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> Brings Important News</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">“O</span>h</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, is it true that you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> are +going to enter the army and fight for +liberty?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, it is true, Elsie. Aren't you glad?”</p> + +<p>“Y-yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” replied <span class="name.char">Elsie Foster</span>, hesitatingly. “I'm glad you are to be a soldier, but I–well, you might get killed you know, and–and–”</p> + +<p>“Would you care, Elsie?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Elsie Foster</span> was the daughter of <span class="name.char">Robert +Foster</span>, the nearest neighbor of the Dares. <span class="name.char">Mr. +Foster</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>, and was outspoken in his denunciation of his Tory neighbors for the deed they had committed.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> as above. The truth was that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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., <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was Elsie's companion. Elsie was seventeen, and she had a +brother, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> were +going away to the war, it would break into this +arrangement.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I'm glad to know that, Elsie,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +earnestly.</p> + +<p>At this moment <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, whose father +had been captured by the Tories only the day +before, was in no mood for jollity. There was +an eager expression on <span class="name.char">Ben's</span> face, however, +and after greeting <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, he asked:</p> + +<p>“Are you really going to join the Continental +army, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“Well, say, I'm going to go with you,” declared <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“Oh, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>!” exclaimed Elsie. “What will +father say?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> face lighted up, for he liked <span class="name.char">Ben</span> very +much, and the idea of having him along was a +pleasing one.</p> + +<p>“That would be fine, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” he said. “But I +wouldn't want you to do anything contrary to +the wishes of your father.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, that will be all right,” <span class="name.char">Ben</span> assured him. +“He won't care, I am sure.”</p> + +<p>“Goodness, what will Mary do if you go +away?” said Elsie. <span class="name.char">Ben</span> seemed to think as +much of Mary Dare as <span class="name.char">Dick</span> did of Elsie, and he +flushed slightly at his sister's words, and then +retorted:</p> + +<p>“I guess she'll do about the same thing that +you will when <span class="name.char">Dick</span> goes–go up into the attic +and have a good cry.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>They talked awhile, and then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> attended to +the errand that had brought him there and went +home.</p> + +<p>“I guess we will have company when we go +to war, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>” he said to his brother.</p> + +<p>“Is that so?” with an interested ear. “Who?”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.”</p> + +<p>“You don't mean it, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes. He just told me he intends to accompany us.”</p> + +<p>“But–his father's a Tory!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, but he is a reasonable man, and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> +says that he will not object.”</p> + +<p>“Well, that will be fine. I'd like to have <span class="name.char">Ben</span> +along.”</p> + +<p>“So would I. And I guess he'll go.”</p> + + + +<p>“I hope he will. He's such a lively, jolly fellow that he is good company, and will help keep +us from getting homesick.”</p> + +<p>“I guess, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, that we will be kept too busy +to get homesick.”</p> + +<p>“You think there will be lots of fighting, +then? You feel certain that there will be war?”</p> + +<p>“War has really existed for more than a year, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, the most important of all these +being the battle of Bunker Hill, which took place +on the seventeenth day of June of last year.”</p> + +<p>“Our soldiers defeated the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> there, +didn't they, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“That's what I thought.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, and then <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>–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 +<span class="name.city">Boston</span> and took charge of the army on July +third–kept the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> penned up in <span class="name.city">Boston</span> till +about the middle of last March, when he fortified <span class="name.city">Dorchester Heights</span>, overlooking <span class="name.city">Boston</span>, +the work being performed in one night, and +next morning the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, seeing what had been +done and realizing that they would be at the +mercy of the patriot army if they remained in +<span class="name.city">Boston</span>, hurriedly boarded the ships of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> fleet, then in the harbor, and sailed to +Halifax, Nova Scotia.”</p> + +<p>“And <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> and his patriot +troops went down and took possession of +<span class="name.city">Boston</span>!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eyes shining.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. But <span class="name.char">General Howe</span>, the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +commander-in-chief, did not keep his troops +long in Halifax, but sailed to New York, where +he was soon joined by the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> fleet under +his brother, <span class="name.char">Admiral Howe</span>, and by <span class="name.char">General +Clinton</span>.”</p> + +<p>“And <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> and his patriot +army came to New York and took possession of +that city,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and he's there now, and that is where +we are going, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Hurrah, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>! Say, I'm glad of it. I want +to join the army, and fight the redcoats. I want +to fight for liberty and independence.”</p> + +<p>“So do I. And we will, too.”</p> + +<p>“When will we go, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“True. Well, we'll go in a few days, now, +likely.”</p> + +<p>“Don't be in too big a hurry to go, sons,” +said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> sadly, when they were discussing the matter, that evening at supper. “Think +how lonesome Mary and I will be when you are +gone.”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Mrs. Foster</span> and the girls will come over +often,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “They will keep you cheered +up.”</p> + +<p>“It will help,” was the reply. “But we will +be lonely, just the same.”</p> + +<p>“You might try to be cheerful, mother,” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and I won't want to think of you +as being lonely.”</p> + + + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>They had just finished eating supper, when +<span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> came in. There was an eager, +excited look on his face, and he said earnestly:</p> + +<p>“There's a plot on foot against <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +and I came right over to let you know about it.”</p> + +<p>“A plot!” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, her face +paling and her voice trembling. “By whom!”</p> + +<p>“The Tories.”</p> + +<p>“Ah!” breathed the woman, a look of anxiety +on her face. “This is terrible!”</p> + +<p>“Don't worry, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “We +know of it, now, and can prepare for them. It +will not be as if we were to be taken by surprise.”</p> + +<p>“No, don't be afraid, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. +“We'll make the Tories wish they had attended +to their own business.”</p> + +<p>“How did you learn about it, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>?” asked +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“What are their plans?” asked <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“They are going to come here to-night at +about midnight and break in, take you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +out and tie you to trees and whip you–at least, +that is their intention. They won't succeed, +though, you may be sure.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed they will not!” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “There +will be some sadder and wiser Tories before the +night is ended.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I am sore afraid, son!” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>. +“There will be a dozen or more of the Tories, +and what can you and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> do against so +many?”</p> + +<p>“I'll come over and help <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Say, you are all right, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, slapping his friend on the shoulder.</p> + +<p>“That is good of you, old fellow,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, seizing <span class="name.char">Ben's</span> hand and shaking it +heartily. “We thank you.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, indeed!” said Mary, who saw that <span class="name.char">Ben's</span> +eyes were on her, as if he wished to hear what +she thought about it. “It is indeed good of you, +<span class="name.char">Ben</span>, to volunteer to do that.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, that's all right,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, a pleased +look in his eyes. “I tell you we will make it +lively for those Tories when they come sneaking +around here.”</p> + +<p>“We'll do our best to give them a warm reception, at any rate,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“I'll be over in an hour or so,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, “and +I'll bring a musket and a pistol along. But how +about <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> and Mary.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps it would be best,” agreed <span class="name.char">Mrs. +Dare</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Don't think that, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, then, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. If that is the case, +we will go over to <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster's</span>. 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 <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster</span> +had warned us, and might cause him trouble.”</p> + +<p>“True, mother. That will be all right. You +and Mary can come home after we have driven +the Tories away.”</p> + +<p>“We'll go over to <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster's</span> as soon as it is +dark,” said <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>Shortly after dark, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, accompanied by his +mother and Mary, went over to the Foster +home, and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> returned with him.</p> + +<p>“So you're here, eh?” greeted <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “That's +fine. I guess when those cowardly Tories put in +an appearance, they will get something that +they are not looking for.”</p> + +<p>“That's what they will,” nodded <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “At +any rate, I hope so.”</p> + +<p>“So do I,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“I wish <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> would be in the party,” +said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, grinning. “I'd like to give them another thrashing.”</p> + +<p>“When did you thrash them, before?” queried +<span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“In <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span>, yesterday. Didn't <span class="name.char">Dick</span> tell +you about it?”</p> + +<p>“No, you tell me now,” eagerly.</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Tom</span> did so, detailing the encounter on +the streets of <span class="name.city">Philadelphia</span>, and when he had +heard all, <span class="name.char">Ben</span> said:</p> + +<p>“Good! I'm glad you thrashed them.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.4"> + + + <h2 class="4" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter IV</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">A Night Attack</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">T</span>hey're</span> coming, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!” whispered <span class="name.char">Ben +Foster</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, I hear footsteps,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “But,” +after listening a few moments, “there is only +one person coming. Perhaps it isn't the Tories +after all.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Likely you are right.”</p> + +<p>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 +<span class="name.char">Mr. Foster</span> had heard them say they would do.</p> + +<p>Closer sounded the footsteps, and then they +ceased and there came a knock on the door.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>After a brief period, the knock on the door +was repeated. Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> spoke up.</p> + +<p>“Who is there?” he called out.</p> + +<p>“A friend,” was the reply, in a hoarse, +evidently disguised voice.</p> + +<p>“What is your name, friend?”</p> + +<p>“That doesn't matter. I have news, important news for you, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>”</p> + +<p>“You have no news for me that I don't know +already,” retorted the youth.</p> + +<p>“What do you mean?” There was a quick suspicion in the voice.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>Evidently the man realized it was useless to +carry the deception further, for he cried out, +sneeringly:</p> + +<p>“Oh, will you indeed, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>? 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!”</p> + +<p>“I give you fair warning,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +sternly; “if you attempt to injure myself and +brother, you will get badly hurt. Go about +you business and leave us alone.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“You are wasting breath,” in a voice of contempt. “We would be very foolish if we opened +the door, would we not?”</p> + +<p>“It doesn't matter; we'll break the door down +in a jiffy, anyway.”</p> + + + +<p>“If you do, you'll be very sorry. Remember, +I gave you fair warning.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p>A sneering laugh was the only reply. They +had no idea the boys would really shoot at them.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“They've found a log, and will better the door +down,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“We're ready, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, we'll fire when you give the word,” +from <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“All right, boys. Level your weapons, and be +ready, and when I say ‘Fire’, pull trigger.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes, we will!” came the reply.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Fire!” cried <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, his voice ringing out +loudly and clearly.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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!”</p> + + + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> now hastened to the Foster home +and reported the victory over the Tories, and +was congratulated by all there, even <span class="name.char">Mr. Foster</span>, +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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span> and Mary accompanied <span class="name.char">Dick</span> home, +and the good woman thanked <span class="name.char">Ben</span> for coming +and helping her sons.</p> + +<p>“Oh, that's all right,” smiled <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “I was +glad to come. I wanted a chance at those +cowardly Tories.”</p> + +<p>“And we thrashed them soundly, too, +mother,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Do you think there is any danger that they +will return?” queried <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, somewhat +anxiously.</p> + +<p>“I don't think so, mother,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“They've had all the fighting they want, for one +night, I am sure.”</p> + +<p>“I think so,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “But I'll +stay here, <span class="name.char">Mrs. Dare</span>, and if they come, we will +be able to drive them away again.”</p> + +<p>But the Tories did not return. They had, as +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> said, evidently seen all the fighting they +wanted, for one night.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> began getting +ready to go to New York, that day, to join the +patriot army under <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. They +would be ready in a day or two, as there was +not a great deal to do.</p> + +<p>Next day, however, <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> had news for +his friends. He came over, an eager look in his +eyes, and told the brothers that <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> had +just told him that he and <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> were going +over to <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and join the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army.</p> + +<p>“He says that they don't intend to let us get +ahead of them, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” finished <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “They +hope to fight against us in some of the battles.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I guess they will get the chance,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, grimly.</p> + +<p>“Yes, they'll get the worst of the fighting, +too,” declared <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“That they will!” coincided <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“There are two things that I hope to do, +when in the patriot army,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “One +is, to find where my father is imprisoned +and free him, and the other to meet <span class="name.char">Zeke +Boggs</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span> in battle and defeat +them.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eyes shining. +“We must find father as soon as possible, and +rescue him from the hands of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. I +think we can do so, don't you?”</p> + +<p>“I surely think so, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you'll be certain to find out where he is, +and before very long, then you can rescue him,” +proposed <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, confidently.</p> + +<p>“And after that we can thrash <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> +with a good heart,” suggested <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“I don't think <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> will make very +good soldiers,” remarked <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“I think they'll run, the very first time they +get into a battle,” concluded <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.5"> + + + <h2 class="5" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter V</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Dare Boys in New York</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>n</span> orderly knocked at the door of the room +occupied by <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, in the +old Fraunces' Tavern, the building used as +patriot headquarters, and on being commanded +to enter, opened the door and said:</p> + +<p>“A young man wishes audience with you, +your excellency.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Who is the young man, orderly?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“He says his name is Richard Dare.”</p> + +<p>“I have never heard of him,” with a shake +of the head. “Did he state his business?”</p> + +<p>“No, your excellency. I asked him, but he +said he preferred seeing you and stating his +business direct.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Washington</span> was thoughtful for a few moments, and then said:</p> + +<p>“He is a young man, you say?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency; or rather, I should +perhaps have said youth. I doubt if he is more +than eighteen or nineteen years of age.”</p> + +<p>“H'm,” murmured the commander-in-chief; +“I am pretty busy, but will see him briefly. +Show him in.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency,” and the orderly withdrew.</p> + +<p>He was back again in a few moments, however, and ushered in a handsome, manly-looking +youth, at the same time announcing:</p> + +<p>“Richard Dare, your excellency.” Then he +withdrew, leaving the two alone.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“You are Richard Dare?” the commander-in-chief remarked.</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, your excellency,” saluting.</p> + +<p>“Very good, <span class="name.char">Mr. Dare</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“Pardon me for taking up your time, sir,” +said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “but I wished to see you in person, +as I have come to make you an offer.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, indeed? What kind of an offer, my +young friend?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Well, well,” said <span class="name.char">Washington</span>, 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?”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“I shall be pleased to do so, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>,” 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.”</p> + +<p>“I think they will give a good account of +themselves, your excellency,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly +but modestly. “I am sure they will fight hard +for freedom.”</p> + +<p>“I have no doubt about it, my boy. Well, the +matter is settled, then. Here, take this order +and present it to <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan</span>, who will +find room for you in his regiment, now in process of formation.”</p> + +<p>The commander-in-chief hastily wrote the +order and handed it to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, who took it and +saluted.</p> + +<p>“Thanks, your excellency,” he said. “I will +do as you have commanded. My companions will +be delighted when I make my report to them.”</p> + +<p>Then, saluting again, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> left the presence +of the great man, and was quickly back with +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, who were quartered in a building +only about a block distant.</p> + +<p>They greeted him eagerly.</p> + +<p>“Did you see <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” +cried <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, I saw him,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“And what did he say?” queried <span class="name.char">Ben +Foster</span>. “Did he accept our offer of our +services?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I think he will be satisfied on that score,” +said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, a grim look on his face. “I think we +will be as good fighters as any of them, when +we get started, eh, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I think so, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” nodded <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, his eager +eyes sparkling.</p> + +<p>“Get ready and come with me, boys,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, beginning to gather up his belongings, +which were not many, as the youths had not +brought very much luggage with them.</p> + +<p>“Where to, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” queried <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“We are to report to <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan</span>, and +will be assigned to his regiment.”</p> + +<p>“Good!” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “Then we will be genuine +soldiers, eh, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, indeed.”</p> + +<p>“Say, that will be fine!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I'm +ready. Lead the way to <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan's</span> +quarters, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>A few minutes later the youths set out. They +found <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan</span> and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Now we are soldiers, sure enough!” murmured <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, his eyes shining. “Hurrah!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, patriot soldiers, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. There was an air of satisfaction on his face +also.</p> + +<p>“We will be ready to take part in the first +battle that takes place,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. “Say, that'll +be fine. I am eager to be in a battle!”</p> + +<p>“And I,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I want to fight for +Independence and the freedom of the <span class="name.nationality">American</span> +people. And, too, I want to fight and rescue our +father, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. We won't forget that part +of our work!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.6"> + + + <h2 class="6" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter VI</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">Chosen for Dangerous Work</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Is there anyone here by the name of Dare?” +he asked. “<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, I believe it is.”</p> + +<p>“I am he,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, advancing. “What is +wanted?”</p> + +<p>“You are wanted at headquarters.”</p> + + + +<p>“Now?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, at once. The commander-in-chief +orders you to report.”</p> + +<p>“I will go right along with you.”</p> + +<p>“Very well. Such were his instructions.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> put on his hat and took his departure in +the orderly's company, after telling <span class="name.char">Ben</span> and +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> that he would probably be back soon.</p> + +<p>They arrived quickly at headquarters, and +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> was ushered into the private room occupied by the commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> saluted and said:</p> + +<p>“You sent for me, your excellency?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Dare. Be seated,” and he pointed to a +chair near his desk.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> took the seat and then looked at the +commander-in-chief inquiringly.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> did not say anything for +a few moments, but eyed <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“How old are you, Dare?”</p> + +<p>“Eighteen, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” 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?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>“It is spy-work!”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“You seem to be favorably impressed, rather +than otherwise, my boy. You think you will +like spy-work?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. I will do so. You know, +perhaps, that the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army is located on the +southwest shore of <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, near York Bay, +and the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> fleet lies just outside the Narrows and off York Bay. The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, and also I wish to find +out, if such a thing is possible, the intentions +of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“I may fail, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>“I do, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency. When shall I start?”</p> + + + +<p>“This evening. I will give you a letter of introduction to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, who is in command of teh patriot force on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, +and he will give you all the information and +assistance in his power.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir. At what hour shall I report +here?”</p> + +<p>“Be here at six, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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 +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, where you will locate <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I will report here at six, your excellency,” +said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and then saluting, he took his departure.</p> + +<p>When he returned to his quarters and told +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> that <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> had +selected him to go over onto <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and +do some spying, the youths were surprised, but +were delighted as well, for they +felt that it was an honor to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + + + +<p>“That will be fine,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “I believe you will make a good spy, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I hope so, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I wish I could go with you,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, looking wistfully at his brother.</p> + +<p>“It will be best that I go alone, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “One can do spy-work better than two.”</p> + +<p>“I vould lige dot sby vork,” said <span class="name.char">Fritz +Schmockenburg</span>, a fat, <span class="name.nationality">Dutch</span> soldier, gravely.</p> + +<p>“It's a foine spoy yez would be afther makin', +<span class="name.char">Fritz</span>,” chuckled <span class="name.char">Tim Murphy</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>“When are you going, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” queried <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“This evening at six.”</p> + +<p>The youths discussed the matter at considerable length, and were glad that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had been +selected for such important work, though they +were somewhat fearful for his safety. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and +<span class="name.char">Ben</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Shortly before six he bade <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> will give you all the information and help in his power,” <span class="name.char">General +Washington</span> said. “Go, now, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, my boy, and +may you be successful is my prayer. Good-bye, +and heaven bless you.”</p> + +<p>He shook <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> hand, and then with a good-bye and a salute, the youth took his departure.</p> + +<p>An orderly accompanied him to the dock and +summoned a boatman, and then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> got in and +was ferried across the East River. Alighting +on the <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> shore, he set out in the +direction of <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, reaching there +shortly after dark.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.7"> + + + <h2 class="7" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter VII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> First Adventure</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> was challenged, and on answering +that he was a friend, was told to advance +and give the countersign.</p> + +<p>He approached the sentinel, and when near +him, said:</p> + +<p>“I am a patriot, but do not know the countersign. I wish to see <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Who are you and why do you wish to see the +general?” the sentinel asked.</p> + +<p>“My name is Dare, and I am a messenger +from <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. I have a letter of +introduction to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“All right. I'll summon the officer of the +guard and he'll conduct you to the general.”</p> + +<p>He did so, and the officer asked <span class="name.char">Dick</span> a few +questions, seemed satisfied, and conducted him +to the quarters occupied by <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> saluted on entering the presence of the +general, and drawing the letter from his pocket, +handed it to <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>, who took it an read the +contents, after which he gave <span class="name.char">Dick</span> a keen, +searching and somewhat wondering glance.</p> + +<p>“You are Richard Dare?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Time will cure that,” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes–if you live,” grimly. “This is very +dangerous business you are entering upon, my boy.”</p> + +<p>“So <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> said, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, I +will do what I can to assist you.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>The general then gave <span class="name.char">Dick</span> all the information that he thought would be of value to +him, and the youth listened attentively.</p> + + + +<p>“Now,” said <span class="name.char">Putnam</span> when he had finished, +“do you think you can find the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> without +any trouble?”</p> + +<p>“I am sure I can find the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, sir,” was the +reply; “but I don't know about the trouble part.”</p> + +<p>The grim general chuckled. He seemed to +like the dry humor of the lad.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I hope he hasn't made a mistake in this +instance, sir,” modestly.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> will not be so likely to +suspect you of being a spy.”</p> + +<p>“That is what <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> said, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I will do my best, General. Well, I must be +going.”</p> + + + +<p>The general shook hands with <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and +wished him good luck.</p> + +<p>“Don't let the redcoats get you,” he said.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> laughed.</p> + +<p>“They won't get me, if I can help it,” he said. +“Good-bye, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> did not start just then, however, for the +very good reason that while he had been engaged in conversation with <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“You must not think of starting out to-night,” said <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“Doubtless that will be best,” agreed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, or accomplish anything if he did find it.</p> + + + +<p>So he remained on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> that night, +only to find it still raining the next morning.</p> + +<p>“You would not want to start out in the daytime, anyhow,” said <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>; “so it +does not matter. You will stay till evening, +and then if it has ceased raining, you can start +on your expedition.”</p> + +<p>It was still raining hard, when evening came, +however, and <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> said it would be +foolish to make the start in the storm. So <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +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.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I hope not, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>After dark that evening, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> took his departure, and as soon as he was past the sentinels, he struck out southward. The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army was at that time encamped near the +Flatlands, about two miles from the bay and +about two miles south of Flatbush.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>It were better to make haste slowly. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +realized this, and he decided to take his time +and exercise his every care. Caution was a necessary adjunct of a spy.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> might +be located here, and he did not want to run into +their midst, if such were the case.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“I guess there are no redcoats in these +woods,” he murmured after listening a while. +“The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> haven't advanced this far yet, +likely. I'll go ahead, but will be exceedingly +careful.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>Somehow <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> heart thrilled with pleasure, +even though he were on a perilous undertaking. +He was working for <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“‘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.”</p> + +<p>Suddenly <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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!</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> ears.</p> + +<p>“Now I've done it!” he murmured, in some +dismay. “That will rouse them sure.”</p> + +<p>He was right, for instantly there came the +challenge, loud and clear:</p> + + + +<p>“Halt! Who comes there?”</p> + +<p>There could be no doubt regarding the matter, +now; the men <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had heard talking were +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers doing picket duty.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“Who is there? Answer, or I will fire!”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>But the redcoats were evidently not satisfied +to let the matter go thus. “Let's investigate, +comrade,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“That's what we will, comrade.”</p> + +<p>“And I feel confident there is somebody near +here. What else would make the noise that we +heard?”</p> + +<p>“I don't know, comrade. I think it likely that +somebody is about.”</p> + +<p>“I am positive, sure of it as can be.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“True. Come, comrade. We'll quickly have +the fellow, if he's here.”</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“A spy!” he heard one of the redcoats cry. +“There's somebody there, sure!”</p> + +<p>“Halt!” cried the other soldier, loudly. +“Stop, or I'll fire!”</p> + +<p>But <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers heard him, evidently, for +one cried, excitedly:</p> + +<p>“There he goes! I hear him running!”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” cried the other, “but I'll put a stop to +his running, or know the reason why. Here +goes to wing the rebel.”</p> + +<p>The next instant the loud crack of a musket +rang upon the still night air. At the same instant <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> fell sprawling upon his face on +the ground, and lay still.</p> + + + +<p></p> + + + +</div> + + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.8"> + + + <h2 class="8" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter VIII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> Acts</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">O</span>n</span> the afternoon of the second day after +the departure of <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> from patriot +headquarters in New York, <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> appeared there, and to the orderly at the door +said:</p> + +<p>“I wish to see <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. Show me to his presence, please.”</p> + +<p>The orderly looked at the eager, bright face +of the boy with more of interest.</p> + +<p>“Who are you?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“My name is <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>!” in surprise. “Why, there was +a young fellow here a couple of days ago whose +name was Dare–<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, I believe it was.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes,” quietly; “he is my brother.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, your brother! Are you a member of the +patriot army, also?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. I'm in <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan's</span> regiment.”</p> + +<p>The orderly stared.</p> + +<p>“Well!” he murmured; “the Dares seem to be +pretty well represented in the Continental +Army.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. Our father was captured by Tories, +and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> and +Tories, and if possible rescue our father.”</p> + +<p>“Well, that is the right spirit, certainly.”</p> + +<p>“Will you show me to the presence of the +commander-in-chief, sir?” questioned <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +eagerly. “I am very desirous of seeing him,” he +added, earnestly.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> would see the youth.</p> + +<p>The next moment he ushered <span class="name.char">Tom</span> into the +presence of the commander-in-chief, announcing:</p> + +<p>“Master <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.”</p> + +<p>The general looked up from some papers he +was examining, and gave <span class="name.char">Tom</span> a keen, searching +glance.</p> + +<p>“You are Master <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency,” saluting.</p> + +<p>“Brother to <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Very good. What can I do for you, my +boy?” The great man's air and tone were +kindly, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, encouraged, said:</p> + +<p>“I have come to ask a favor, sir.”</p> + +<p>“What is the favor? Be brief, as my time is +of value, my boy.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir. I have come to ask that you +let me go over onto <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, the same as +you have done with <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> looked at the boy in +surprise.</p> + +<p>“Why do you want to do that?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“I want to be with <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, sir, or near him, all +the time, if possible. I promised my mother +that I would stay at <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> side and fight side +by side with him, and if I stay here, when he +is over on <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, I won't be keeping my +word, sir. Something might happen to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +He might get into trouble with the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>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:</p> + +<p>“I don't know whether to grant your request +or not, my boy. I have sent <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> any good, +if I were to let you go, my boy?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Very good. Then I will grant your request. +Go, my boy; but be careful. I will give you a +note to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, +and he will tell you which way to go to find +your brother.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, sir. You are very kind, and I +will try to do nothing to cause you to regret +that you let me go.”</p> + +<p>“That is right.” The commander-in-chief +wrote a brief note, addressed it to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> and handed it to <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + + + +<p>“Good-bye, your excellency,” and saluting, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> took his departure.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.city">Brooklyn +Heights</span>.</p> + +<p>When he presented himself before <span class="name.char">General +Putnam</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Another one,” he said, with something like a +grim smile. “The Dares certainly seem to be in +evidence to-night.”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick</span> was here, then, sir?” eagerly.</p> + +<p>“Yes, he was here.”</p> + +<p>“How long has he been gone?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, about an hour, I should judge. He had to remain +here until this evening on account of +the storm.”</p> + +<p>“Please direct me how to go in order to overtake him, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I will do so as nearly as possible, my boy.” +Then the general gave <span class="name.char">Tom</span> all the directions +possible, and the boy said:</p> + + + +<p>“Thank you, sir. I will try to join my brother +to-night.”</p> + +<p>“You had better keep your eyes open, Master +Dare,” cautioned <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. “You are +going where redcoats are thicker than mosquitoes, and that is saying a good deal.”</p> + +<p>“I'll look out for them, sir,” with a smile. +“Good-bye, and thank you, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p>“That's all right. You are welcome. Good-bye and good luck.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> had undoubtedly gone.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps by hurrying I may be able to overtake <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” was his thought.</p> + +<p>He walked swiftly, at times running, and +came to the wooded hills much quicker than +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Instantly <span class="name.char">Tom</span> was greatly excited. The +thought came to him at once that a redcoat had +fired that shot and that it had been fired at +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and with wildly-beating heart he ran forward, at the same time drawing a pistol from +his belt. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> was excited, but not at all +frightened. His only fear was that perhaps +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he heard voices, and paused, listening intently.</p> + +<p>“I wonder if I got the rebel?” he heard one +say.</p> + +<p>“Likely you did,” replied another voice. “I +don't hear the sound of running feet any more.”</p> + +<p>“Served the rascal right if I put a bullet +through him,” said the first voice.</p> + +<p>“Yes. That is what ought to happen to all +rebels.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> heard these words, and his heart sank, +and then a feeling of anger blazed up in his +heart. What if <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was killed, as these soldiers surmised. It was terrible to contemplate, +and acting on the spur of the moment, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +leveled his pistol, pointing in the direction +from which the voices sounded, and pulled the +trigger.</p> + +<p>Crack! went the pistol, and a howl of pain, +rage and surprise commingled went up on the +night air.</p> + +<p>“Oh—ow!—ouch! I'm shot!” cried one +of the voices. “There are other rebels at hand, +comrade! Perhaps we're surrounded!”</p> + +<p>This gave <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and learn whether he were injured.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> waited till he could no longer hear any +sounds of the fleeing redcoats, and then he called +out:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick</span>! Oh, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.9"> + + + <h2 class="9" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter IX</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Brothers Together</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>lmost</span> at once came the reply:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom</span>! Oh, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, is that you?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. I'll be right with you.”</p> + +<p>He hastened in the direction from which +<span class="name.char">Dick's</span> voice sounded, and a few minutes later +was at his side.</p> + +<p>“What in the world brought you here, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>?” +queried <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I was never so surprised in +my life as when I heard your voice.”</p> + +<p>“I'll tell you why I come, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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 <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> to come over here, +and he gave it.”</p> + + + +<p>“He was willing for you to come, then, was +he?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“We don't need to both actually do the spy-work, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“True. Well, now that you are here, you may +as well stay with me. We'll go on down in the +neighborhood of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. That will suit me.”</p> + +<p>“Come, then.”</p> + +<p>“You were not hit by the bullet from the redcoat's musket, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” somewhat anxiously.</p> + +<p>“No, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> laughed.</p> + +<p>“I hit one of the rascals, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” he chuckled. +“I'll warrant you he did not think it was a +dream.”</p> + +<p>“Likely no,” with an answering chuckle. +“Well, let's move.”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, they went in among +the trees and stopped.</p> + +<p>“Wait here a few minutes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“I'm going to climb a tree and see if I can see +the campfires of the enemy.”</p> + +<p>“All right.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span title="camp-fires">campfires</span>, seemingly at no very great +distance.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>?”</p> + +<p>This was a poser. It certainly seemed like a +hopeless task, but <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> was not a youth to +be easily discouraged. He had come here to spy +on the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> and learn their plans, and he +would do so, if such a thing were possible.</p> + +<p>He climbed down and told his brother that he +had seen the campfires of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>“Good,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “But, what are you going +to do next, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>? How are you going to get +into their encampment?”</p> + +<p>“I decided on my course, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” he said, “before I started out.”</p> + +<p>“What are you going to do?” eagerly.</p> + +<p>“I'm going to enter the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment +boldly and tell them that I want to join the +army.”</p> + +<p>“Goodness! That will be dangerous, brother!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, but one can't do spy-work without encountering danger.”</p> + +<p>“I know that. Do you think that you can +succeed, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?”</p> + +<p>“I'm going to try.”</p> + +<p>“Will they take you into the army–a boy like +you?”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> did.”</p> + +<p>“But the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army may be different. They may +think that they don't need help badly enough +for them to accept boys as recruits.”</p> + +<p>“Well, even if that is the case, I will succeed +in entering the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“That's so. That part will be all right.”</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“When are you going to approach the encampment? Now?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I don't see any use of waiting.”</p> + +<p>“What shall I do?”</p> + +<p>“You had better stay right here or in this +vicinity.”</p> + +<p>“All right. When do you think you will be +back?”</p> + + + +<p>“I don't know. Possibly to-morrow night.”</p> + +<p>“I'm to wait till you come?”</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“But, I'll get hungry before to-morrow +night.”</p> + +<p>“Go to a farmhouse in the morning and get +some food. There must be farmhouses near.”</p> + +<p>“That's so. I can do that.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I may as well be going. Good-bye, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Good-bye, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>; and–be careful, brother! +If anything should happen to you, it would +break mother's heart.”</p> + +<p>“I'll be careful, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“I'll not let them get me, brother.”</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> picket or sentinel.</p> + +<p>He walked swiftly onward, and about twenty +minutes later was hailed:</p> + + + +<p>“Halt! Who comes there?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“A friend.”</p> + +<p>“Advance, friend, and give the countersign,” +was the command.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Halt!” ordered the sentinel. “Give the +countersign before you come any further.”</p> + +<p>“I don't know the countersign,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +quietly. “But I am a friend, and I wish to see +the commander in charge of this army.”</p> + +<p>“Humph. What do you want to see him +for?”</p> + +<p>“I want to offer my services to fight for the +king.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you do, eh?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“You are a loyal king's man, then, are you?”</p> + +<p>“Would I be anxious to join the king's army +if I were not?” questioned <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.</p> + +<p>“What is your name?” the soldier asked.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had decided that it would be best to give +a fictitious name, so he gave the first one that +came into his mind:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>,” he said.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, eh? Well, <span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>“This isn't the full army, then?” queried +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>The sentinel summoned the officer of the +guard, explained matters to him, and then the +officer conducted <span class="name.char">Dick</span> into the encampment, +and to a tent near its center. This was occupied +by <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>:</p> + +<p>“The general will see you.”</p> + +<p>Then he ushered the youth into the tent, at +the same time announcing:</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>.”</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> general looked up, eyed <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +sharply for a few moments, and then said:</p> + +<p>“Well, <span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, so you wish to join the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> army and fight for the king, eh?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had met the searching gaze of the +officer unflinchingly, and now he answered +promptly and firmly:</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; such is my wish.”</p> + +<p>“Humph. How old are you?”</p> + +<p>“Eighteen, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>Then he scribbled a brief note, handed it to +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> and said: “Give that to the colonel. He +will take care of you.” Lifting his voice, he +called out: “Orderly!”</p> + +<p>An orderly entered at once, and saluted.</p> + +<p>“Conduct this young man to Colonel Harker. +That is all. Good-night, young man.”</p> + +<p>“Good-night, sir,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“Ah, a new recruit,” said the colonel, when +he had read the note. “Very well, <span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>, +you are a member of Company H. That is it, +yonder. Take your place there.” He pointed to +the company in question, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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?”</p> + +<p>“I'm all right, I guess,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> replied to these, +smiling.</p> + +<p>The soldiers smoked and talked, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> felt that he had been fortunate in getting within the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> camp, playing the part +of a <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.10"> + + + <h2 class="10" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter X</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">In the Enemy's Camp</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> lines, had become, in +fact, a member of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army.</p> + +<p>So far so good. Now to secure information +that would be of value to <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> +and a benefit to the great Cause of Liberty.</p> + +<p>“What's your name?” asked one of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Harry Fuller</span>,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> replied</p> + +<p>“Where do you live?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, about ten miles from here,” replied the youth</p> + +<p>“Parents living.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “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?”</p> + +<p>“Hard telling, young man. That's for the +generals to say. What their plans may be is +more than I can say.”</p> + +<p>“I have heard it rumored in our part of the +country that he <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I hope it will be soon,” declared <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, with a +view to keeping up the pretense of being imbued +with an intense desire to get at the rebels.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I'm not worrying about it, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Do you think you will fight when the time +comes?” half-sneered another, rather evil-featured fellow, leering at <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I'd be willing to wager that you'll do more running than +fighting.”</p> + +<p>“You might lose your money if you wagered +it that way,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly, gazing steadily +at the speaker.</p> + +<p>“I might, but I don't think I would,” with a +harsh laugh. “I don't think much of the +bravery of the <span class="name.nationality">Americans</span>, whether rebels or +king's men. They are not the kind that make +good soldiers.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose you think that you are,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, calmly.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“You seem to be great at blowing your own +horn, at any rate,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. And +several of the other soldiers sitting near snickered, +which seemed to anger the other very much.</p> + +<p>“Do you mean to insult me?” he cried, glancing +fiercely at <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Oh, no,” coolly. “I was simply stating a +fact, that is all.”</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Don't let my youth hinder you,” retorted +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I will say this, that I think you will find +the people of <span class="name.state">America</span> as brave as those of your +country or any other, and I think, too, that they +will make as brave and effective soldiers.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“You might find that you had your hands +full if you tried it,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> a look of hatred as +he did so.</p> + +<p>A number of the soldiers grinned, and two or +three chuckled aloud, and unless Coggins was +deaf, he must have heard them.</p> + +<p>“Would you really have fought him?” queried +a soldier, looking at <span class="name.char">Dick</span> keenly, when Coggins +was gone.</p> + +<p>“If he attacked me, I should have protected myself,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“But you couldn't have done much against +him. You're only a boy.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Well, you might have held your own with +Coggins, but I doubt it a little.”</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I noticed that, too,” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “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.”</p> + +<p>“That's right, of course,” approvingly. “But +don't get into trouble with him if you can avoid +it without discredit to yourself.”</p> + +<p>“I won't, sir, and thank you for your friendly +words.”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>Soon the soldiers stretching themselves on blankets and going to sleep. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +was given a blanket, and he also lay down, +being quite tired by this time, and was soon +asleep.</p> + +<p>The fact that he was in the encampment of +the enemy did not have any effect on <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> +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 <span class="foreign" style="font-style: italic">sang froid</span> as if he were really an adherent +of the king and sincere in his desire to fight for +him.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> accompanying them, of +course. On the way they passed another division of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was informed by a companion that it was the main +body.</p> + +<p>When they neared the beach, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> caught +sight of several old hulks of vessels at anchor +near the shore, and he inquired what they +were.</p> + +<p>“Old hulks of dismantled ships,” was the reply. “We use them for prisons for those of the +rebel army that we capture.”</p> + +<p>“Are there any rebels in there now?” queried +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, making his tone as careless as possible, +though having his father in mind, his heart was +throbbing with eagerness.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.11"> + + + <h2 class="11" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XI</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Tom</span> in Trouble</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="name.char"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> Dare</span> eyed the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Phew, that outnumbers our army considerably!” thought <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “Well, no matter, when it +comes to battle, I'll wager that we will give +the redcoats all they can do.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span> +very soon, exactly the point on which <span class="name.char">General +Washington</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>About half-past one o'clock in the afternoon, +however, he was given a shock: He saw half +a dozen <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers approaching the encampment from the north, and in their midst +was–his brother <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!</p> + +<p>“They've captured <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!” he exclaimed +mentally, in dismay. “Goodness, that is bad! +I wonder how it happened?”</p> + +<p>This was a simple matter. The half dozen +redcoats had been up in the hills nearby the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, where <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> had had the adventure the night before, when in passing the +clump of trees, some one of them happened to +catch a glimpse of <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>As may well be supposed, when <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> in the enemy's hands, a prisoner.</p> + +<p>“I'll have to begin by rescuing <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, I guess,” +was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> thought.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had drawn near as the soldiers entered +the camp, and had managed to catch <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Whom have you there?” queried <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span>, as the party came to a halt in front of him.</p> + +<p>“We found this youngster over yonder in that +bit of woods, <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>,” 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.”</p> + +<p>“I wasn't frightened, any such thing!” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p>Something like a grim smile appeared for an +instant on the general's face, as he looked at the +bright face of the boy.</p> + + + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, sir.” <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, eh? Well, Master <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, +where do you live?”</p> + +<p>The boy hesitated an instant, and then said: +“I live over in New Jersey.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, in New Jersey? Well, what are you +doing over here on <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>?”</p> + +<p>“I wanted to see the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army, sir, and so +I came over here.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, indeed? Why did you wish to see the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> army?”</p> + +<p>“Just out of curiosity, sir. I have never before seen an army, and I wanted to see one.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Percy</span> eyed the boy searchingly for a +few moments, and then said:</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> did not just like. It had a +threatening sound. However, he kept a bold +face, and said as calmly as possible:</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> still did not fancy the general's tone and +air, but he answered:</p> + +<p>“True, sir. So I would.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> started and turned slightly pale.</p> + +<p>“Surely you are not going to make me a +prisoner there, sir!” he exclaimed in dismay.</p> + +<p>“That is just what I am going to do, Master +<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>!” 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.</p> + +<p>Poor <span class="name.char">Tom</span>! 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.</p> + +<p>“Take him past the other encampments and +let him see the whole army,” called <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“I'd like to kick him!”</p> + +<p>“Who, the general?” queried one of the soldiers.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, boldly.</p> + +<p>“You'd better not let him hear you say anything like that, sonny!”</p> + + + +<p>“Say, comrades,” remarked another, maliciously, “let's go back and tell the general what +he said.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I guess you're right about that, comrade.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I guess you're about right,” agreed the first +speaker. “I certainly would hate to have to +change places with you, my boy.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> decided that the prison-ship must be a +terrible place, and he was destined to soon find +that such was really the case.</p> + +<p>They passed the main encampment of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span>, as they went to the beach, and the +patriot youth thought that the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> would be +hard to defeat, with such a strong army.</p> + +<p>“There must be fifteen or twenty thousand +soldiers there” was his estimate.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +to the deck. Here they found a <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier +on guard.</p> + +<p>“What have you got there, comrades?” this +soldier asked, looking at <span class="name.char">Tom</span> in surprise.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“All right; down with him. But I wouldn't +think the rebels would send out such a young +one to do spy-work.”</p> + +<p>“Well, the general thinks he's a spy, and that +settles it.”</p> + +<p>“It certainly does so far as I am concerned. +Down with him.”</p> + +<p>The hatch was opened, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> in complete darkness.</p> + +<p>As he realized his situation, a shudder went +over the youth's form.</p> + +<p>“I don't like this!” he murmured.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.12"> + + + <h2 class="12" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Dick</span> Does Wonderful Work</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>ick</span> Dare had been afraid that <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span> might connect him with <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, 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.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. With +them both in the old prison-hulk, escape would +have been difficult, in fact well-nigh impossible, +but with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The afternoon dragged slowly along. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +could hardly wait for nightfall, for he was eager +to get to work. He thought the afternoon never +would end.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I guess it will be all right,” was the reply. +“Go ahead, but don't stay too long.”</p> + +<p>“I won't, sir. Thank you.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>“Where away, comrade?” queried the sentinel +at the east side of the encampment.</p> + +<p>“Oh, out for a little walk for exercise,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, carelessly.</p> + +<p>“All right<span title=",">.</span> The Countersign is ‘The King Rules’.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I'll not forget.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“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!”</p> + +<p>He hastened onward, but paused frequently +and listened intently. He did not want to meet any +force of <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers then for it would have +been awkward work explaining his presence.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Now the next thing is to get aboard the +hulk,” was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> thought.</p> + + + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had +rightly guessed that the sentinel was at the +other side, doubtless keeping a lookout shoreward.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> climbed on up, and over +the rail, and a moment later stood on the deck.</p> + +<p>So far all was well. He had escaped from the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, had reached the prison-hulk, and was on board. Now to overpower +the sentinel and rescue the prisoners.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> sentinel.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was not the kind +of youth to be dismayed by difficulties. +Their presence only made him the more determined.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, the redcoat's back was +partially toward him, and the soldier was gazing in almost the opposite direction from that +in which <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was approaching.</p> + +<p>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, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> compressed his windpipe, gripping it with +all his might.</p> + +<p>Although but eighteen years of age, <span class="name.char">Dick +Dare</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> had seized the redcoat, the fellow +was lying unconsciously on the deck–choked into +insensibility.</p> + +<p>Feeling confident the sentinel would remain +unconscious some time, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Hello, down there!” he called. “Are you +there, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>!”</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick</span>! Oh, is it really you?” came the reply, +in the excited voice of <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, it is I,” was the reply. “How many are +there with you, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>? Is father there?”</p> + +<p>“No, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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!”</p> + +<p>“Climb up the ladder,” instructed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“Surely you are not bound.”</p> + +<p>“Our hands are tied. That's what I meant +by telling you to come down and free us, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.”</p> + +<p>“I'll be with you in moment, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened down the ladder, and was soon +standing beside <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, who had scrambled to his +feet. He quickly cut the rope binding his +brother's wrists, and then asked where the +other prisoners were.</p> + +<p>“Here,” replied a hoarse voice. “We are +right at hand, <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Joseph Boswick</span>,” he +continued, “one of the spies sent down here by +<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> to secure information regarding the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“I can easily believe it, <span class="name.char">Mr. Boswick</span>, 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> guards are +insensible, and locked in a stateroom.”</p> + +<p>“You are a wonder, Dare!” said <span class="name.char">Boswick</span>, +admiration in his tone. “Well, cut our bonds +quickly and we'll try to get out of here.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“Some redcoats have come off to the ship, +from the shore!” whispered <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, to <span class="name.char">Boswick</span>. +“We must get away from here in a hurry, for +your escape will be discovered very quickly!”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.13"> + + + <h2 class="13" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XIII</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> is Pleased</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">W</span>e</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, and it is old and leaky, anyway. We'll +go ashore and then head for <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>“They've discovered your escape,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“Get ashore, men, as quickly as possible.”</p> + +<p>The rescued patriots leaped ashore as fast +as they could, and then with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> in the lead, +they set out northward.</p> + + + +<p>“By keeping over pretty close to the water, I +think we shall be able to keep clear of the redcoats,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“Likely,” agreed <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “We mustn't let them +capture us now.”</p> + +<p>“I'll never go back to that terrible prison-pen alive!” declared <span class="name.char">Boswick</span>. “I would much +rather die fighting.”</p> + +<p>“We'll get to the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> and then over to +New York in safety,” assured <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>The excited voices of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army and an hour or so later arrived at the +patriot encampment on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>They went direct to patriot headquarters, and +were quickly ushered into the presence of the +commander-in-chief. When he saw <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and also <span class="name.char">Boswick</span> and the other spies and +the patriot soldiers that had been prisoners, his +face lighted up with pleasure.</p> + +<p>“You surely have succeeded well, Dare!” +he exclaimed. “You have rescued the +patriot prisoners from the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> prison-ship, +and I hope you have as well secured some important information.”</p> + +<p>“I have secured some information, your excellency,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “And I am pleased because I was able to free the patriots from the +prison-ship.”</p> + +<p>“You have done well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>–wonderfully +well. I congratulate you, my boy.” Then he +shook hands with <span class="name.char">Boswick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>The soldiers obeyed, all going save <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, who +remained at the command of <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. When the others had gone, he turned inquiringly at <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“What did you learn, my boy?” he queried. +“Have you secured any information of value?”</p> + +<p>“I haven't secured a great deal of information, your excellency,” was the reply. “I +learned the numerical strength of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army, for one thing.”</p> + +<p>“That is important. What is the number?”</p> + +<p>“Twenty-five thousand.”</p> + +<p>A sober, thoughtful look settled over the face +of the commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“I learned also, that an attack on <span class="name.city">Brooklyn +Heights</span>, while a probability at some future +time, is not contemplated at an early date.”</p> + + + +<p>“That is important also, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. Well, did you +learn anything else?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing else, sir. But, if you desire it, I +will go back over onto <span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and will +keep watch on the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“We will wait a few days, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and then I +may send you again. I congratulate you on the +success of your first attempt at spying. You +did well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, exceedingly well, and I shall +doubtless make use of you frequently in the +future, if you care to undertake the work.”</p> + +<p>“I shall be glad to do so, your excellency. +My only wish is to do all in my power to aid the +people of <span class="name.state">America</span> to secure their independence, +and if I can be of value by doing spy-work, then +I shall take pleasure in doing it.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>Then he dismissed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, who saluted and +withdrew, going to his quarters.</p> + +<p>He found <span class="name.char">Tom</span> there, engaged in telling the +story of his and <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> adventures over on +<span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> and the other soldiers +were listening eagerly, their eyes shining. They +greeted <span class="name.char">Dick</span> joyously.</p> + +<p>“Say, I wish I had been with you two fellows, +old man,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “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.” +<span class="name.char">Ben</span> pretended to be vexed with <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, +but it was only pretense.</p> + +<p>“You boys will get all the adventure you +want, one of these days, I think,” smiled <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“There is going to be a battle over on Long +Island sooner or later, and then you will get +all the fighting you want.”</p> + +<p>“Hurroo!” cried <span class="name.char">Tim Murphy</span>, “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.”</p> + +<p>“Yah, ve vill fighd lige eferyting,” declared +<span class="name.char">Fritz Schmockenburg</span>. “Ve are nod avraid uf +der retgoads, und dot is so.”</p> + +<p>“How soon will the battle take place, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” +queried <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> shook his head.</p> + +<p>“As to that I cannot say, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” he replied. +“But it will come soon enough, without doubt, +for the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> have twenty-five thousand soldiers, while we have not more than eighteen +thousand.”</p> + +<p>“That is pretty big odds,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, with a +shake of the head.</p> + +<p>“So it is,” agreed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “But the patriots +will give a good account of themselves when +the time comes, I feel certain.”</p> + +<p>“Yah, ve vill gif ein goot accound mit mysellufs,” said <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>, the <span class="name.nationality">Dutch</span> soldier.</p> + +<p>“Just listen to thot, wull yez?” remarked +<span class="name.char">Tim</span>, scathingly. “Shure an' there is agotism +fur yez!”</p> + +<p>“Well, I hope all of us will always give a +good account of ourselves,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. +“And I believe we will.”</p> + +<p>“We'll try to, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, earnestly.</p> + +<p>A few days later <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> again +summoned <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and told him to go over on +<span class="name.place">Long Island</span> and see if he could learn anything +regarding the intentions of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>“You will have to be very careful, this time, +however, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” he cautioned; “for you are +known to many of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, and if they +should see you, they would capture you, and +that would be bad.”</p> + +<p>“True, sir,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I will be very careful. I will not let them capture me, if I can +help myself.” Then, after receiving his instructions, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> saluted and withdrew.</p> + +<p>After supper he set out, and crossing the +East River, made his way in the direction of +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> encampment, which was about five +miles distant, to the southward. He did not +need to go to <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span> to see <span class="name.char">General +Putnam</span>, for the reason that he now knew more +about the location of the enemy than <span class="name.char">Putnam</span> +did.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. By going slowly he could avoid this +danger.</p> + +<p>Two hours from the time he crossed the East +River, he was in the vicinity of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army a few days before and +then deserted. Doubtless the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> were +aware of the fact, also, that the same youth +had set the prisoners free from the prison-ship.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> remained near the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>He slept soundly till morning, and then got +up and took a survey of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, if it took +him a week.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>When the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers began moving +around again, after dinner, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +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.</p> + +<p>When they left and returned to the encampment <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>After the redcoats returned to the encampment, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers were no +others than <span class="name.char">Zeke Boggs</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem Hicks</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> +enemies, the Tory youths from over in New +Jersey!</p> + +<p>“Well, this is a surprise!” thought <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. +“But I remember now, that <span class="name.char">Ben</span> said <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> told +him he and <span class="name.char">Lem</span> were going to join the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +army and be <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers, that they were +not going to let <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, and myself get ahead +of them. I wonder what they would say if they +knew I was so near them?”</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span>, dressed in the uniform of +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers, entered the clump of timber +and seated themselves on the moss under the +tree next to that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was in. They had no +suspicion that there was anyone other than +themselves present, and talked freely of their +plans.</p> + +<p>“How do ye like army life, anyhow, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>?” +asked <span class="name.char">Lem</span>, as they lolled on the grass.</p> + +<p>“Oh, pretty well, <span class="name.char">Lem</span>,” was the reply. “How +do ye like et?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, only so-so, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span>. They're too strict ter +suit me. I don't like ter hev ter come an' go +just ez sumbuddy tells me, do you?”</p> + +<p>“No, I don't. But when er feller enters the +army, that's jest whut he hez ter do.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, thet's so. Well, I guess I'll git used +ter et.”</p> + +<p>“I'll be glad when we git inter a bettle with +the rebels, <span class="name.char">Lem</span>, won't you?”</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> an' +<span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> an' <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.”</p> + +<p>“So do I. I'd like ter giv' 'em a thrashin' in +a battle.”</p> + + + +<p>“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 <span class="name.city">Brooklyn +Heights</span> the <span title="1776-08-24">twenty-fourth</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I heard 'im say thet.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> made mental note of this date. He had +learned something of value, and from the lips +of his enemies, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span>. How angry they +would be if they knew they had done <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> +a kindness! “Thank you, <span class="name.char">Zeke</span> and <span class="name.char">Lem</span>,” he murmured. “You are very kind, and have done me +quite a favor.”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, but what he had +learned was sufficient. He had learned when +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 +<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> what he had learned.</p> + +<p>The commander-in-chief complimented <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +on his success in securing the information, and +next morning he sent three thousand troops +over to reinforce <span class="name.char">General Putnam's</span> force on +<span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>. To the delight of <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, <span class="name.char">Colonel Morgan's</span> regiment was among +those sent, and the youths would thus be able +to take part in the battle.</p> + +<p>When the <span title="1776-08-24">24th</span> arrived, however, the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +did not make the expected attack, and about +mid-day <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> came over to the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> and conferred with <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +was asked his opinion regarding the non-appearance of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>“I don't understand it, sir,” he replied. “I +heard the two Tory youths say that an attack +would be made on the <span title="1776-08-24">twenty-fourth</span>. Perhaps +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> have learned that you were expecting them, and have postponed the attack on that +account.”</p> + +<p>“That is possible,” agreed <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>. “Well, the only thing to do, now, is to +keep constantly on the lookout and be ready all +the time to repulse an attack.”</p> + + + +<p>“That is the proper course, your excellency,” +said <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> to make an +attack.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.14"> + + + <h2 class="14" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XIV</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Haunted House</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">L</span>ife</span> in the patriot camp often grew irksome +to the volunteers of <span class="name.char">Washington's</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> outposts, which +little affairs only served to increase their eagerness to “have it out” with the invaders.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>One evening toward dusk <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>A little youngster scarce four years old, was +playing under the tree. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> pocket +was greedily accepted by Jackie. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The youngster was tired out now, and +wanted “home and mother,” so <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>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 +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Tom's</span> loud and hurried +rappings on the door, there was no response.</p> + +<p>A flash of lightning however, showed <span class="name.char">Tom</span> +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.</p> + +<p>It did not take <span class="name.char">Tom</span> long to determine that +he and his little charge were alone in a deserted +mansion.</p> + +<p>“Is this your home, Jackie?” inquired <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>The little fellow whom <span class="name.char">Tom</span> had placed upon +the floor was thoroughly terrified, and could +only grasp his answer.</p> + +<p>“It is the haunted house, let me go home.”</p> + + + +<p>“Nonsense, Jackie, don't be afraid, but +where is your home?”</p> + +<p>Meantime <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Let's see if we can find a window,” suggested <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, but Jackie clung closer to his rescuer and began to cry wildly.</p> + +<p>“There is a ghost, it's coming,” shrieked the +little fellow.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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 +<span class="name.char">Tom's</span> side to shut out the dreaded sight.</p> + +<p>“Come, Jackie, let's get out of here,” encouraged <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and having observed a window +in the room to the left, he once more took up +his charge and made for it.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> stopped short +an instant, but not so Jackie, who struggled +from his protector's embrace calling out, +“There's papa!”</p> + +<p>In a brief interval Jackie was in his parent's +arms, and as they lived next door to the deserted mansion, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> was soon being thanked +time and again for the rescue of the little runaway.</p> + +<p>“And is the house really haunted?” asked +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and then without waiting for a reply +he answered his own question “but of course +I know it is not.”</p> + + + +<p>“No,” was the laughing response, “but it +has been unoccupied except by cats, and in +some way has gotten that name.”</p> + +<p>“And then the eyes we saw–?”</p> + +<p>“Quite likely a stray cat, but still it would +not be wondered at if your nerves got on edge. +You are a brave boy, <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, and I know I +shall hear of brave deeds of yours in the +future.”</p> + +<p>The storm had moderated, and <span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>That evening about the camp-fire <span class="name.char">Tom</span> recounted his adventures to his friends, and a trip +was planned for the next day to explore the +secrets of the old house.</p> + +<p>The following morning, after drill and the +camp duties had been performed, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> set out for the scene of the previous +day's excitement.</p> + +<p>“I don't believe half of these ‘haunted house’ +stories,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, “ever since–,” and here he +stopped.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“When was that?” questioned <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“Why, about a year ago,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>“Who was it?” questioned <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, eagerly, +while <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, remembering his temporary terror +on that night, grew suspiciously red in the face.</p> + +<p>“None other than a marauding cat,” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +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.”</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.15"> + + + <h2 class="15" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XV</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="name.char">Dick</span> Again Does Spy-Work</h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">A</span>s</span> the days and weeks dragged slowly past +and the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> did not make an attack +on the patriot force on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> +had done good work for him on two former +occasions, the commander-in-chief decided to +try him again. He had been on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, +conferring with <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, on the afternoon of August 20th, and presently he summoned an orderly and told him to tell <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> +to come to headquarters.</p> + + + +<p>The orderly saluted and went in search of the +youth, whom he found in company with his +brother <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, and <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span> and two or three +other soldiers, talking listlessly and wondering +when the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> would make an attack.</p> + +<p>“<span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>, you are wanted at headquarters,” said the orderly. “The commander-in-chief sent me to inform you.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> leaped up with alacrity.</p> + +<p>“I'll go at once,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Maybe he is wanting you to do some more +spy-work, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” suggested <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“I hope so. I would like to get away from +camp and circulate around awhile.”</p> + +<p>“So would I,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and get captured again,” grinned <span class="name.char">Ben</span>. +“You are not cut out for spy-work, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. You +are too impulsive.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I don't know about that,” demurred +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I'd like to try spying, on my own hook, +once, like <span class="name.char">Dick</span> does.”</p> + +<p>“I don't think either of us would be as successful as <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” remarked <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“That is phwat Oi think,” said <span class="name.char">Tim Murphy</span>, +the Irish soldier. “Av inywan, now, could come +innywhere near bein' as good at spyin' as <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +phwy <span class="name.char">Fritz</span> here,” he continued with a grin, +“would be the mon, Oi'm thinkin'.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Fritz Schmockenburg</span>, the <span class="name.nationality">Dutch</span> soldier, +grunted.</p> + +<p>“I bet me dot I vould mage ein better sby as +vot your vould, <span class="name.char">Tim Murphies</span>,” he said placidly.</p> + +<p>And then ensued a good-natured dispute between the two, who, although they <span title="quarreled">quarrelled</span> +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 <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> had gone to headquarters, and on reaching there, he was given a cordial greeting by +<span class="name.char">Generals Washington</span> and <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>“You sent for me, your excellency?” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, after saluting.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” was the reply. “I think that I +shall again call you into requisition. How +wold you like to again venture out toward the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> lines in search of information?”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> face lighted up eagerly.</p> + +<p>“I would like it first rate, sir,” he said.</p> + +<p>“I thought so, and that is the reason I sent +for you. Well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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?”</p> + +<p>“I shall be glad to make the attempt to secure +the information you wish, <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>,” was the prompt and earnest reply.</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. 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.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your excellency. I will leave as soon +as it is dark, and will do my best +to secure some information of value.”</p> + +<p>“I hope that you may succeed, my boy.”</p> + +<p>“I hope so, sir.”</p> + +<p>After a little further conversation <span class="name.char">Dick</span> took +his departure, and rejoined his comrades, who +looked at him inquiringly.</p> + +<p>“Spy-work again, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” queried <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Ben</span>,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“That's what we guessed. When do you +start?”</p> + +<p>“This evening.”</p> + +<p>“I wish I could go with you!” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“I think it will be better for me to go alone,” +said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I can do better work alone than if +somebody is with me. The general selected me +because I have a likely place to hide.”</p> + +<p>“How would it do to take <span class="name.char">Dootchy</span> wid yez, +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>?” grinned <span class="name.char">Tim</span>. “He thinks he would be a +foine spy.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> laughed. “I don't know how <span class="name.char">Fritz</span> +would make out in that field of endeavor,” he +said.</p> + +<p>“He is so big he couldn't get within a mile of +the redcoats without their seeing him,” commented <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, that's the only trouble with <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>,” said +<span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “He is too big to be a success as a spy.”</p> + +<p>“I didn't said dot I vould be a goot sby, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” +responded <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>. “I said dot I vould be as goot +a sby as vot <span class="name.char">Tim Murphies</span> vould be, see? und +I vill stand me by dot statements, alretty.”</p> + +<p>“Wull, Oi have not said thot Oi would make a +good spy, <span class="name.char">Dootchy</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Tim</span>, “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, <span class="name.char">Fritz</span>, me bye.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I don'd vos know abouid dot, <span class="name.char">Tim</span>,” was +the reply. “I think dot I vill do some fighdin' +myselufs alretty, ven ve get der retgoads at, +yahs.”</p> + +<p>“Maybe so,” grinned <span class="name.char">Tim</span>. “We wull wait +an see how yez act whin we come face to face +wid the ridcoats.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you'll both be brave soldiers, no doubt,” +said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “But, you won't be any ahead of +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Ben</span> and myself. We intend to do some +fighting, too, when the time comes.”</p> + +<p>“Oi'm bettin' thot yez presint a bold face to +the inimy,” nodded <span class="name.char">Tom</span>, who liked the youths +immensely. “An' sure, it's meself is wishin' +thot we get a chance at the ridcoats before very +long.”</p> + +<p>“I hope so, <span class="name.char">Tim</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>Soon after supper, that evening, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> made +his preparations for going on the expedition. +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“I shall be careful,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “But I'm +going to find out when the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> intend to +make an attack, that is, if such a thing is possible.”</p> + +<p>“I hope that you may succeed, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” encouraged <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + +<p>“I'll do my best,” and then saying good-bye +to his friends, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> left the works and set out +down the slope, heading in the direction of the +encampment of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>He walked at a moderate pace, for there was +no occasion for haste. He had the whole night +before him.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. The +enemy were still occupying their old quarters.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> did not of course dare venture into the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“I guess the best thing I can do is to remain +here till morning,” was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> climbed down out of the tree and lay +down under some bushes and was soon sound +asleep. That was one thing that made <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +encampment. By climbing the tree, he was enabled to get a good view of the camp, and could +see the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers at work cooking their +breakfast over the campfires.</p> + +<p>Away in the distance, toward the bay, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +could make out another encampment, and knew +that this was the main force, under <span class="name.char">General +Howe</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>One, two hours passed, and then <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> patience was rewarded. He saw a couple of British soldiers have the encampment and come +strolling in the direction of the clump of trees.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The two <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers came strolling along, +talking and laughing, and presently they entered the clump of trees and sat down under the +very tree that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was in. Here they made +themselves as comfortable as possible, and lighting their pipes, smoked and talked lazily.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> listened eagerly, hoping to hear something that would be in the nature of news, and +of value to <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, but the soldiers kept their conversation in personal channels, which was not of much interest to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>.</p> + +<p>“I wish they would talk about the army, and +what it intends to do,” was <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> thought.</p> + +<p>But the redcoats did not do this. They talked +of matters of no importance or interest to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +and after staying an hour or so, they get up and +returned to the encampment.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.”</p> + +<p>Noon came, and no other soldiers had visited +the clump of trees. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was not discouraged, +however. He felt that he would likely get a +chance to hear other soldiers talk that afternoon.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier standing within a few +paces of him, musket in hand, eyeing him suspiciously.</p> + +<p>“Hello,” greeted the redcoat.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“Hello. Good afternoon, sir.”</p> + + + +<p>The soldier stood there, keeping a keen eye on +the youth.</p> + +<p>“Who are you?” he queried.</p> + +<p>“My name is <span class="name.char">Dick Morris</span>.” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> gave the +first name that came to his mind.</p> + +<p>“Humph. What are you doing here?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing. Just sitting here.”</p> + +<p>“Why are you sitting here?” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> believed +the soldier was suspicious of him.</p> + +<p>“I'm resting,” replied the youth.</p> + +<p>“Resting, eh?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“What made you tired?”</p> + +<p>“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?”</p> + +<p>“Humph. Where are you bound for?”</p> + +<p>“Over on the shore of the bay.”</p> + +<p>“What are you going there for?”</p> + +<p>“To work for a man, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Who?”</p> + +<p>“An old fisherman.”</p> + +<p>“Humph. You seem to be interested in the +army, yonder, judging by the way you were +looking that way when I came up.”</p> + + + +<p>“Yes, sir,” replied <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, quietly. “When one +has never seen an army before, it does interest +one.”</p> + +<p>The redcoat eyed <span class="name.char">Dick</span> searchingly.</p> + +<p>“I'm almost inclined to believe that you are +not what you make out yourself to be,” he said, +after a few moments.</p> + +<p>“Why so, sir?” <span class="name.char">Dick</span> opened his eyes as if +surprised and puzzled and looked at the soldier +inquiringly.</p> + +<p>“Because–in these times of war, it is often +the case that anyone like yourself may turn out +to be a spy.”</p> + +<p>“A spy?” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, assuming a most +astonished expression.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and you may be a spy for all I know.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier.</p> + +<p>“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 <span class="name.char">General Percy</span> has to +say about the matter.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick's</span> heart sank. <span class="name.char">General Percy</span> was the +officer he had seen, a few weeks before, when he +had pretended to join the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“Oh, I wouldn't do that, if I were you,” said +<span class="name.char">Dick</span>, calmly.</p> + +<p>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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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:</p> + +<p>“March along in front of me to the encampment, young fellow. We'll see what <span class="name.char">General +Percy</span> thinks about you.”</p> + +<p>But <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +managed to choke the soldier into a state of +insensibility in a very few minutes.</p> + +<p>And then, when confident that the redcoat +was unconscious, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Having accomplished this task, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> sat down +beside the tree and drew a long breath of relief +and satisfaction.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + + + +<p>At least an hour passed, and then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>The two soldiers entered the edge of the timber and seated themselves under a tree close to +the one <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> +wish to hear discussed. In a general way +they commented upon the bustle, stir and +preparation that indicated some important +move.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“He had the news from <span class="name.char">General Percy</span>?”</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> was straining every nerve to hear distinctly.</p> + +<p>Just then a groan sounded, from amid the +clump of bushes in which <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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. <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“What does that mean, comrade?” remarked +one of the soldiers.</p> + +<p>“Somebody groaned,” was the reply. “Let's +take a look in that clump of bushes and see who +is there, and what ails him.”</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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.</p> + +<p>“I suppose the rascally spy isn't still in this +clump of timer, eh?” remarked one of the soldiers, with a glance around.</p> + +<p>“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.”</p> + +<p>“Luckily he was not here to listen to what we +were saying,” remarked one, and he looked significantly at the other who agreed.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> was eager, now, to get away from there.</p> + +<p>He felt that he had important if not really +definite information and wished to get it to +<span class="name.char">General Washington</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldier there.</p> + +<p>So <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>When night came, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> slipped away and +started in the direction of the patriot encampment on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>. He reached there +in safety, a couple of hours later, and at once +went to headquarters and made his report, <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> being there, conferring with +<span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>When <span class="name.char">Dick</span> told them of the unwonted activities in the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> lines they were well pleased, +and said that if an attack were made they would +be able to hold their position on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, in +spite of the superior numbers of the enemy.</p> + +<p>Next day preparations were begun for the +reception of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, who might now come at any time. +The days dragged slowly by, however, and it +was not until the morning of the <span title="1776-08-27">27th of +August</span> that the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> advanced to attack. +Seated in their quarters on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +<span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, 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 <span class="name.street">Narrows road</span>, near the bay, where +<span class="name.char">General Stirling's</span> division was stationed.</p> + +<p>“To arms!” at once shouted <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. +“The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> are beginning the attack!”</p> + +<p>Instantly all was excitement. The soldiers +grabbed their muskets and took their places, +ready for battle, and down where <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> +force was there sounded the rattle of musketry, +as volleys were exchanged. It was indeed exciting, and <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, their eyes shining, could scarcely contain themselves. They +wanted to be at the front, helping fight the +redcoats.</p> + +<p>“Say, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, ask <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> to let us go +down there,” pleaded <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>. “I want to +help fight the redcoats!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, do ask him, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” urged <span class="name.char">Tom</span>. “I +can't stand staying here, doing nothing, when +there is fighting going on. Get him to let us +go down there.”</p> + +<p>“All right, I'll try,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. “I would like +it myself. But, I'm afraid he won't be willing +to let us go.”</p> + +<p>“Ask him, anyway,” said <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p>“I will,” and <span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> and made his wish known.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> nodded, a disappointed look on his face.</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir,” he said, and turning, started +to rejoin his comrades.</p> + +<p>“It is possible that I may make use of you +boys as messengers during the battle, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” 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.</p> + +<p>It evidently pleased <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, for he turned a +beaming face toward the general and said: +“Thank you, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. If you have any +messages to send to the commanders of the +other forces, at the front, we will be glad to +take them.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. It is likely that I shall +want to send some messages. You boys hold +yourselves in readiness to take them.”</p> + +<p>“We will do so, sir.”</p> + +<p>Then <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, but were +pleased with the idea of being sent to the commanders with orders.</p> + +<p>“I hope <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> will have a lot of +messages to send,” said <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, his eyes +shining with excitement.</p> + +<p>“So do I,” said <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="chapter" id="dare.chapter.16"> + + + <h2 class="16" style="text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 1.25em;">Chapter XVI</h2> + <h2 style="text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 1.2em;">The Battle of <span class="name.place">Long Island</span></h2> + + + +<p class="firstpara" style="text-indent: 0em"><span class="firstword" style="text-transform: uppercase"><span class="firstletter" style="float: left; font-size: 1.75em;">D</span>own</span> on the <span class="name.street">Narrows Road</span>, <span class="name.char">General +Stirling's</span> force was holding its own +against the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. The patriot soldiers were +steady and calm, and loaded and fired regularly +and with considerable effect, and had fortune +gone well with <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> division, the Continental soldiers would probably have won the battle. +But <span class="name.char">General Sullivan</span>, stationed on the hills +south of Bedford, was attacked fiercely in front +by a strong force of <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, and another force +under <span class="name.char">Generals Howe</span> and <span class="name.char">Cornwallis</span>, having +marched around to the north of this position, +by way of the <span class="name.street">Jamaica Road</span>, attacked <span class="name.char">Sullivan</span> +from the rear, and his force, thus caught between two fires, was driven back and forth +among the trees, with disastrous results.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>, watching the battle from +the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, through his glass, saw that Sullivan was in difficulties and in danger of capture, +and he decided to send a message to <span class="name.char">Stirling</span>, +warning him of this fact, and ordering him to +retreat toward the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> as quickly as possible–for as soon as <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> force was overpowered, the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> would sweep on across the +fields and fall upon the rear of <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force +and capture it. So, having written a brief note, +<span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> summoned <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span>.</p> + +<p>“Do you think you can find <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>?” +the general asked.</p> + +<p>“I think so, sir,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“He is over on <span class="name.street">Narrows Road</span>. 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 +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> the slip of paper.</p> + +<p>“I will do so, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, +firmly.</p> + +<p>“Very good. Now hurry. Get there as +quickly as possible.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened away, running swiftly, and as +he passed where <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> were stationed, +he called out: “I'm taking a message to <span class="name.char">General +Stirling</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Good for you,” cried <span class="name.char">Ben</span>.</p> + + + +<p>“Go it,” from <span class="name.char">Tom</span>.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> vaulted over the breastworks and then +ran down the slope at the top of his speed.</p> + +<p>“I'm a messenger from <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>,” +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.</p> + +<p>Soon he was in among the trees and out of +sight of the patriot soldiers on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>. He +knew the direction to go in order to reach <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, and he headed in that direction +and kept up his speed.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> heard the firing over to his left, and +knew this was where <span class="name.char">General Sullivan</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, +and he kept a sharp lookout in that direction, +for he did not want to get shot by any of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers.</p> + +<p>Presently he caught sight of the right wing +of <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> force, and saw the patriot soldiers +firing at the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> as rapidly as possible, and +then he saw the redcoats, who were attacking +the patriots from both the front and the rear.</p> + + + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> wished that he might be able to help the +patriot soldiers fight the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, but he had +business of his own to attend to, and so he kept +onward, running at the top of his speed.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, however, when he was perhaps +halfway to the point where <span class="name.char">General Stirling's</span> +army was fighting so bravely, he was given a +surprise, and a most unpleasant one–for he +found himself confronted by a force of <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +soldiers, which was making a flank movement, +with the intention, doubtless, of falling upon +<span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> right wing. Doubtless another force +was executing a similar movement on the opposite side, to attack <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> left wing, and +when this movement was finished, the soldiers +under <span class="name.char">Sullivan</span> would be surrounded.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>But could he do this? He glanced around +him, eagerly and anxiously. He was determined to get through the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> ranks and +deliver the message to <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span>. No, he must +reach <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>. <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> had +shown confidence in <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and the youth was +not going to give the general reason to think +his confidence had been misplaced.</p> + +<p>But, where could he hide? While pondering +this matter, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> would have to take the +chance of being seen by the approaching <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +soldiers.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>This being settled, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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.</p> + +<p>Crouching back as far from the opening as +possible, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> waited anxiously for the coming +of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers. Had they seen him as +he crawled through the opening? Would he be +hauled out of the hollow tree and made a prisoner? <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>. How +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> wished that this might be the case!</p> + +<p>THe moments that intervened before the redcoats reached the vicinity of the tree were anxious ones for <span class="name.char">Dick</span>. He sat there, crouching +back as far as possible from the opening, and +waited, and as he heard the footsteps and +voices of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> soldiers, his heart came up +into his throat.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a critical moment. It was a +situation to try the nerve of the bravest person.</p> + +<p>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. <span class="name.char">Dick's</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was +not discovered.</p> + + + +<p>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, <span class="name.char">Dick</span> crawled +out of his hiding-place, and heaving a sigh of +relief, he again set out in the direction of the +point where <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force was giving such +valiant battle to the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>.</p> + +<p>On <span class="name.char">Dick</span> ran, at top speed, and presently he +emerged upon the <span class="name.street">Narrows Road</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span> quickly +caught sight of <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, who was seated +on his big bay charger, watching the progress +of the battle.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span> hastened up to the general, and saluting, said: “I have message for you, <span class="name.char">General +Stirling</span>, from <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.”</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Stirling</span> took the message and quickly read the few words written there.</p> + +<p>“Ah!” he exclaimed. “<span class="name.char">Sullivan</span> 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.”</p> + + + + + + + +<p>Then he turned to <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and said: “Tel <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> I will begin retreating toward the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> at once.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, and then +he moved away, in the direction from which +he had come, while <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span> gave the +order for his force to beat a retreat. They +obeyed, though reluctantly, for they did not +know that <span class="name.char">Sullivan's</span> force was practically in +the hands of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span>, 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 +<span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, while fighting valiantly, was +surrounded and made a prisoner.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">Dick</span>, from quite a distance, saw the capture +of <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, and he remained where he +was for a little while, until he saw that the +main force under <span class="name.char">Stirling</span> succeeded in getting +past the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> and were coming toward the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, which they would undoubtedly succeed +in reaching, and then he turned and hastened +on up to the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, and made his way to <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>.</p> + +<p>“I delivered the message to <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, +sir,” the youth said, “and he told me to say to +you that he would begin a retreat at once.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>. “You did +well to deliver the message.”</p> + +<p>“I saw his force retreating, sir, from down +the slope a ways,” went on <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “and I saw +some of the redcoats make a prisoner of <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>.”</p> + +<p>“So you say, my boy?” exclaimed <span class="name.char">Putnam</span>. +“That is bad. Well, it cannot be helped. But, +I think the major portion of his force will succeed in reaching the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I think so, <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span>. The soldiers are coming steadily, and have got past +the main part of the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> force.”</p> + +<p>“Thanks for the information, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>,” said the +general, and then the youth rejoined his comrades at the breastworks. <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> had +many questions to ask, and he told them briefly +the story of his trip with the despatch.</p> + +<p>The soldiers of <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force reached and +entered the works on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> by the time +<span class="name.char">Dick</span> had finished his story, and the battle of +<span class="name.place">Long Island</span> was practically ended, the firing +ceasing very soon afterwards.</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> army now advanced till in front +of <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, but it did not attempt to +storm the defenses. Doubtless <span class="name.char">General Howe</span> +remembered Bunker Hill, and felt that a repetition of that experience would be disastrous to +the king's cause.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> sent over two thousand +more soldiers, from New York, which made +the force ten thousand strong within the patriot works of <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, and he was +positive, as was <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> also, that the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> could be held, that if the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> made +an attack it would be disastrous for them.</p> + +<p>The action of <span class="name.char">General Howe</span> showed that he +thought so too, for instead of getting ready to +attack, he stretched his force around the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span>, 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.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> realized at once that it +would not do to stay on <span class="name.place">Brooklyn Heights</span>, under such circumstances, for if the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.city">Heights</span>. 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> looked up at the works +on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, they were amazed to see no +signs of life there–for so silently and cautiously had the patriots worked during the night that +the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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.</p> + +<p>This achievement of <span class="name.char">General Washington</span>, +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 <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> was a commander who would cause the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> a great deal of +trouble. And after events proved that they +were right in their prophecies.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> must have told <span class="name.char">General +Washington</span> about <span class="name.char">Dick Dare</span> having carried a +message practically through the lines of the +<span class="name.nationality">British</span>, to <span class="name.char">General Stirling</span>, during the battle +of <span class="name.place">Long Island</span>, for the commander-in-chief, +happening to see <span class="name.char">Dick</span> 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 <span class="name.char">Stirling's</span> force from capture.</p> + +<p>To say that <span class="name.char">Dick</span> was well pleased at receiving words of praise from the lips of the commander-in-chief is stating it mildly. And when +he told <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> what <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> +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.</p> + +<p>The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> 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 <span class="name.nationality">British</span> commander-in-chief began making +preparations to continue the war. His next +move, undoubtedly would be to capture New +York City, and <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> knew this +would be an easy matter, so he made preparations to retreat to <span class="name.city">Harlem Heights</span>, on the banks +of the Hudson at the north end of Manhattan +Island, where he would occupy a strategic position.</p> + + + +<p>On the fifteenth of September the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +made the move that was expected. Warships +from <span class="name.char">Admiral Howe's</span> 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, +<span class="name.char">General Howe</span> brought his army across from +Brooklyn in boats, and landed at Kipp's Bay, +near what is now the foot of 34th Street.</p> + +<p><span class="name.char">General Washington</span> came down from the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> with two brigades of patriot soldiers, +with the purpose of holding the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> in +check long enough for <span class="name.char">General Putnam</span> to evacuate the lower part of the city with the four +thousand soldiers under him at that point. This +was accomplished, and when <span class="name.char">Putnam</span> and his +men were safe on the <span class="name.city">Heights</span>, the two brigades retired to the <span class="name.city">Heights</span> also. The <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +then took possession of New York City, and so the two armies lay, the Continental on the +<span class="name.city">Heights</span> and the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> in the city, confronting +each other, on Manhattan Island.</p> + +<p>It was an interesting situation, and especially +so to <span class="name.char">Dick</span> and <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben Foster</span>, who +were now just beginning to feel that they were +soldiers in the patriot army.</p> + + + +<p>One evening, a few days after the <span class="name.nationality">British</span> +took possession of New York and the patriots +took up their station on <span class="name.city">Harlem Heights</span>, 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 <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span>, +and when they went to their quarters, they +were enthusiastic about it.</p> + +<p>“I'll tell you what, boys,” said <span class="name.char">Tom Dare</span>, +“it was wonderful, the way <span class="name.char">General Washington</span> talked, wasn't it?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, <span class="name.char">Tom</span>,” agreed <span class="name.char">Dick</span>, “and we'll come up +to his expectations, too, or know the reason +why.”</p> + +<p>And in enthusiastic unison <span class="name.char">Tom</span> and <span class="name.char">Ben</span> exclaimed:</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes! That we will, <span class="name.char">Dick</span>!”</p> + +<p>And when the time came, they kept their +word.</p> + +</div> + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Dare Boys of 1776, by Stephen Angus Cox + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DARE BOYS OF 1776 *** + +This file should be named drbys10h.htm or drbys10h.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, drbys11h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, drbys10ah.htm + +Produced by Curtis A. Weyant + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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