At sunset they were in the vicinity of Bemis Heights, and had no difficulty in locating the British camp.
“Well, lads, we’ll part here,” Ira said. “You will find Dan with our army, and after you have reported to the general, he will show you the place I have chosen as our rendezvous on this side the Hudson.”
“But is it safe now for you to enter the British lines?” Late asked anxiously. “What if David Daggett should show up there within a few hours?”
“He’ll hardly arrive as soon as that,” was the quiet reply, “though doubtless he will appear later. Meantime I have the opportunity to report to General Burgoyne, and learn the present condition of his forces. It will probably be the last work I shall do as Ira Le Geyt,” and he left them.
Before they gained the entrenchments of the Continentals, the two boys met Dan Cushing.
“Where is Ira?” was his first question.
“Gone into the British encampment,” they explained.
“He ought not have gone there!” Dan cried.
“Why not?”
“’Cause General Gates has let the real Ira go; an’ also set free that courier, George Preston,” was the startling announcement. “General Schuyler, soon as he heard of it, sent me to meet you an’ stop Ira. Those fellers will make straight for Burgoyne’s headquarters, an’ get thar ’fore our Ira does. It means they’ll hang him soon as he shows up.”