"No one ever yet doubted your word, Master Whipple," the chairman replied, "and we shall not do so now. Still, does not the work this young man has voluntarily taken upon himself tell, as no other words can, of love for country?" and he looked around upon his companions in a way which told he believed the matter of the young scout's standing was settled.
As no one contradicted him, he turned again to Ira, asking:
"In the matter of the coming raid?" the lad questioned. "I cannot prevent it, sir."
"We would not have you do that," was the quick reply.
"I am glad," the boy went on; "but I think I can control the time of that raid, and the size of the raiding force. At least, I am to report to General Burgoyne on those two points, and have reason to believe my words will have weight with him."
"How long can you wait before making that report?"
"Forty-eight hours will answer our purpose," the governor declared. "Within that time we expect Colonel Stark will be here, and prefer to have him look over the field to decide on a plan of defense before your report is carried to the British commander."
"I know the colonel personally, and would say you cannot have a more brave leader," Ira replied. "I shall be glad to take to the general any report the colonel may suggest."
"We congratulate ourselves that we have the outcome of this raid within our own hands," the chairman added, "and we promise that you shall carry back an accurate list of the stores held by us, as well as of the cattle and horses we have collected. General Burgoyne will have no reason to suppose that you have been otherwise than busy during the time you have been away from him."
"It will be good bait," one of the company remarked laughingly as the meeting broke up.
The young scout went over to Master Whipple. "May I ask a favor of you?" he inquired.
"Will you, then, see Colonel Stark before I meet him, and ask that he know me now only as Ira Le Geyt? Should my own name reach the ear of any Tory, no matter who he may be, my usefulness in the British camp would be over."
"And your life would be in danger," suggested his hearer.
"That is a small matter," was the calm reply; "but we cannot just now afford to lose the advantage which comes by having a friend amid the enemy."