"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 d.i.c.k, 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, d.i.c.k 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, d.i.c.k?" 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 d.i.c.k. "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 d.i.c.k, beginning to gather up his belongings, which were not many, as the youths had not brought very much luggage with them.
"Where to, d.i.c.k?" queried Tom.
"We are to report to Colonel Morgan, and will be a.s.signed to his regiment."
"Good!" said Ben. "Then we will be genuine soldiers, eh, d.i.c.k?"
"Yes, indeed."
"Say, that will be fine!" said Tom. "I"m ready. Lead the way to Colonel Morgan"s quarters, d.i.c.k."
A few minutes later the youths set out. They found Colonel Morgan and d.i.c.k gave him the note from the commander-in-chief, whereupon they were a.s.signed 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 d.i.c.k, 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 d.i.c.k. "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, d.i.c.k. We won"t forget that part of our work!" said Tom.
Chapter VI
Chosen for Dangerous Work
d.i.c.k, 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 a.s.signed, 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. "d.i.c.k Dare, I believe it is."
"I am he," said d.i.c.k, 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."
d.i.c.k 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 d.i.c.k was ushered into the private room occupied by the commander-in-chief.
d.i.c.k saluted and said:
"You sent for me, your excellency?"
"Yes, Dare. Be seated," and he pointed to a chair near his desk.
d.i.c.k took the seat and then looked at the commander-in-chief inquiringly.
General Washington did not say anything for a few moments, but eyed d.i.c.k 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. d.i.c.k," 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, d.i.c.k. 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?"