“I like id down here,” said Fritz, nodding decidedly. “I hobe dot ve sday down here till der war is ended alretty.”
“Sure an’ thot would suit me, too,” said Tim. “Oi’m t’inkin’ thot Virginia is good enough for me.”
“I wonder where Arnold’s army is,” said Tom.
“That is what everybody is wondering, I guess,” said Ben.
“Yes,” said Dick. “We know that Arnold is somewhere in this part of Virginia, but he may be a hundred miles from this spot.”
“Well, when we find out where he is, we’ll make it hot for him,” said Tom.
“Yah, dot is vot ve vill do,” said Fritz.
They continued to talk quite a while, and finally got out their blankets, lay down and were soon sound asleep. They slept splendidly till morning, and then cooked and ate their breakfast, after which for exercise they walked about for a while; of course within the bounds of the camp, after which they again sat down to talk.
While thus engaged, an orderly from Colonel Morris’ tent appeared, and said to Dick Dare:
“You are wanted at the headquarters tent, Dick Dare.”
“All right,” the youth replied. “I’ll go along with you.” He got up and accompanied the orderly, and was soon standing in the tent, in the presence of Colonel Morris.
“Dick Dare,” said the colonel, looking at the youth earnestly, “we are desirous of learning the whereabouts of Arnold’s army, and so I have summoned you to tell you that I want you to go in search of Arnold’s encampment.”
Dick’s face lighted up. This was just the kind of work he liked. He had done much of scouting and spying for General Washington, and he was always glad to be sent on work of this kind.
“I shall be glad to go and search for Arnold’s encampment, sir,” he said. “When shall I start?”
“As soon as you can get ready. I am eager to get Arnold located. Then I can begin my campaign against him.”
“I will start at once, sir. Have you any instructions to give?”
“Very well, sir. If there is nothing else you wish to say, I will go.”
“That is all, Dick. Find Arnold, and then report to me as quickly as possible.”
“I will do my best, sir.” Then Dick saluted and withdrew, and hastened back to the point where his comrades were. The moment they caught sight of his glowing face, they uttered exclamations.
“You are going in search of Arnold’s army, I’ll wager!” exclaimed Tom.