Stephen Angus Douglas Cox

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Tom, knowing that it was General Greene’s intention to attempt to capture Ninety-Six, later on, took note of the surroundings with a keen and critical eye, and he decided that it would be a difficult matter to capture the fort, as it was strongly situated.
“If they have a strong force in the fort, it will be a big job to get the better of them,” he thought. “Well, I will try to learn all I can while I am here, and then if I succeed in making my escape, I will have some information to carry to General Greene.” ”

“ 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.” ”

“ One evening, when Dick and Tom were watching the British encampment, they saw that the redcoats were breaking camp. They supposed that the British were going to advance against the patriot force again and make another attack, but waited to make sure of this, before carrying the news to Colonel Morris; but when the British were ready to march, they set out toward the east, instead of toward the patriot encampment, which lay to the northward.
“They are leaving this part of the country!” exclaimed Tom, excitedly. “They have gotten enough of fighting our force, and are marching away.” ”

“ Then Dick turned and started swiftly down the slope, Tom and Ben keeping close at his heels, and from behind them came the wild, thrilling war-whoops of the redskins.
“They’re surely after us!” exclaimed Tom.
“Yes. We’ll have to make good time if we get away from them,” said Dick. “They may be spread out, I should judge so from their calls, and it may take them some time to get together.”
The patriot youths ran rapidly and glancing back over his shoulder, Dick saw that at least one of the redskins was coming after them as fast as he could travel. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Dick and Sally at the outset were partners. He found her a good dancer, and a pleasant companion as well. They talked and laughed as they whirled about the room, and were soon very well acquainted indeed.
The three patriot youths danced every set after that, and enjoyed themselves hugely, but when they had been there an hour or so, there came an interruption: The front door was suddenly thrown open and into the room strode ten British soldiers.
“What’s going on here?” cried one, who wore the uniform of a sergeant. “You young people seem to be enjoying yourselves greatly, and that’s a fact.” ”

“ 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. ”

“ He led the way into the fort, where the youths found themselves the center of interest. The men, women and children of the families of the settlers looked at the youths wonderingly and inquiringly.
“You are strangers, sure enough,” said Mr. Holden.
“Yes,” said Dick. “Are you folks patriots?”
Holden nodded. “We are,” he said.
“Good. I’m glad of that. We are patriots also, and members of the army of General Greene, who is about one hundred miles north of here.”
“Ah, we are glad to hear that,” said Holden. “I wish that General Greene would come down here and give the Indians a thrashing.” ”

“ You’re welcome, Mr. Miller. I’ve kind of expected something of this kind, for I knew you were in sympathy with the patriot Cause, and I have heard the Tories say that they didn’t like the idea of having a rebel to teach their children. You kind of took the side of the patriot children, in their squabbles with the Tory children at school, you know, and the Tories didn’t like that.”
“Yes, that is true. Well, I suppose that there would be no use for me to go back to the settlement.”
“I wouldn’t risk it, if I were you. They might take it into their heads to kill you, next time.” ”

“ 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. ”

“ About the middle of the afternoon there was seen to be considerable stir among the Indians to the northward, near the edge of the forest, and Mr. Holden, who, with Perkins and two or three others of the settlers, and Tom and Ben, were standing on the platform, watching, said:
“Look. There’s that renegade-Tory, Gabe Gurley.”
Sure enough, a white man was seen standing among the redskins, and it could be seen that he was an exceedingly large man, a giant in size, in fact. He was talking to the Indians, and gesticulating, and they were listening with evident interest. ”

“ The young men stood their ground, but made no move to interfere. Doubtless they sympathized with the three youths--with the exception of Ralph Hicks--but did not feel like trying to fight ten British soldiers, for the sake of the three almost strangers.
Dick Dare realized that it would be foolish to try to resist or attempt an escape. The redcoats were within arm’s-length of them, armed with pistols, and to try to get away would be to get bullets in their bodies before they were out of the room. ”

“ 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.” ”

“ Tom stopped at the first house he came to, and opened the door without ceremony and called out:
“A party of redcoats is coming to attack the settlement, sir. Get the men together quickly, if you want to make a fight.”
A man came hastily to the door, and cried: “What’s thet you say, young man? Redcoats comin’ here?”
“Yes, sir. You can see them, yonder, and--”
“Why, ye’re one yourself!” exclaimed the man, noting Tom’s British uniform.
“No, I’m a patriot that was forced to join their force. I was with that party, but got ahead of them, and came to warn you. Get the men together, quickly. ”

“ I believe that I can reach the shore by climbing from one treetop to another. What do you think?”
“It might be possible to do that,” was the reply. “An active young fellow like you might do it. If you should happen to fall into the bog, however, it would likely be the last that would ever be heard of you, as it is like quicksand, and sucks its victims down out of sight.”
“Well, I believe I will try it, anyhow. If I can reach the mainland, I can go to the encampment of our army and get some of the soldiers to come and drive the redcoats away, or, better still, capture them.” ”

“ 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. ”

“ Dick and Tom did not see anything of their rescuers. In fact, it was so dark, in the midst of the timber, now that they were away from the light of the fires, that they could not see anything, and they had to run at random. In so doing, they ran against trees, through clumps of bushes, and stumbled over fallen trees, but managed to make pretty good headway, even under such circumstances. And they were urged on by the wild yells of the pursuing redskins, who were wild with rage because of the inexplicable escape of their intended victims.
The youths kept together, and plunged recklessly onward. ”

“ When the soldiers and the young folks had finished the repast, the redcoats took their departure, and soon after they had left the house, by way of the front door, Dick Dare opened the rear door, and called to Sally Hart, who came quickly, a delighted look on her face.
“I wanted to thank you for freeing us,” said Dick. “It was very kind of you, and we appreciate it, I assure you.”
“Oh, I was glad to set you free,” said Sally. “I am a patriot girl, you know, and I didn’t want the redcoats to take you to their camp, prisoners.” ”

“ 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.” ”

“ Hearing that the Cherokee Indians were on the warpath, having been incited thereto by the British, and that they were committing a good many depredations and killing patriot settlers, were burning and pillaging, General Greene had sent the youths to learn the actual facts, for, if the Indians were committing as great a havoc as had been stated, he would push on down into that region as quickly as he could move his forces, and try to put a stop to their depredations. ”

“ Slowly the time rolled away, and evening came, with the redcoats still encamped on the top of the knoll. As soon as it was dark, Dick crept up close to the encampment, and after listening a while, succeeded in hearing enough of the conversation of the soldiers to learn that it was their intention to remain there all night.
Dick made his way back to where Tom and Ben were and told them the news. “Such being the case,” he said, “we don’t need to stay right here and keep watch on the camp all the time. We will go and find a settler’s home and get something to eat.” ”

“ 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.” ”

“ Closer and closer he came, until his nose was within six inches of the youth’s body; then, as he seemed on the point of springing upon him, Dick pushed out his arms suddenly, in an effort to frighten the wolf away. Instead, however, the wolf made a quick snap, and seized the rope in its teeth. In some manner the teeth became fastened in the rope, and as the animal leaped backward, in alarm, Dick was pulled off the bunk, and came to the floor with a thump. ”

“ 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.” ”

“ The brave patriot youth realized that they were going to have a much harder time shaking these Indians off their trail than they usually had with the redcoats. The British soldiers were rather clumsy and slow, but these redskins were lithe as panthers, and as speedy, almost, and could continue running for hours.
“Do your best, boys,” he told his companions. “For I believe that they are gaining on us.”
“Run as fast as you can, Dick,” panted Tom; “we’ll keep up with you.”
“We’ll try, at any rate,” said Ben. ”

“ 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. ”

“ The next moment a volley rang out, and ten or twelve of the Indians fell dead or seriously wounded, while several of those who were able to run, were wounded less severely.
Then the soldiers came forward on the run, firing their pistols, and the Indians fled at the top of their speed, their yells of fear, dismay and anger commingled.
They did not try to take their prisoner with them. Those unharmed were glad to get away with their lives, and Dick’s comrades quickly freed his arms, as he explained how he came to be in the hands of the redskins. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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 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!” ”

“ 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.” ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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'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!” ”

“ 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.” ”

“ 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!” ”

“ 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.” ”