“How are you goin’ to get him?” Dan asked a moment later. “It don’t look as if he was comin’ ashore right away.”
“Probably not for several hours,” Philip replied. “I suspect he passed the night at the house of Beverly Robinson, near West Point, for he had that Tory’s name on his list. Likely he is intending to take his dinner with Isaac Neale, another Tory living five or six miles above us. We’ll follow and see; if I’m correct, we’ll plan to seize him there.”
Master Preston was now opposite the lads, and paddled swiftly by, unconscious of his danger. They waited until he had disappeared around a bend in the river, and then went in search of their companions. Then it was they arranged for Late and Joe to stay well in the rear with the horses, while they kept the courier in sight.
Now and then a curve in the shore-line forced them to mount their horses in order to keep pace with the voyager; but when they were come within a half-mile of Isaac Neale’s house, the steeds were hidden in the woods while all four scouts went up the trail on foot.
Snugly hidden behind one of the Tory’s barns, they watched Master Preston as he came ashore and went up to the house.
“It lacks an hour of noon,” Philip said, looking at his watch, “and the men are doubtless at their work. It is a good time to capture the courier, and we’ll set about it at once.”
He gazed intently at the house. It was a two-story building, standing bare and alone.
“I wish there were two more of us,” he added; “but we must do the best we can. Joe is to take a station where he can watch the south and east sides. Late is to stand guard over the north and west ends. Dan and I will enter the house. Now!” and he led the way at full speed.
By the time Philip and his comrade were at the door, the other lads were at their stations. The lieutenant and Dan entered without ceremony, to find the courier in the act of ascending the stairs. Recognizing them instantly, he ran swiftly, the scouts at his heels, into the nearest chamber, the door of which he quickly closed and fastened.
Philip and Dan threw themselves upon the barrier, forcing an entrance just in time to see Master Preston go out of the window. Dan ran back, down the stairs and out of the main door; but Phil followed the fugitive, intending to leap after him. But that act was unnecessary, for Master Preston was already in the clutches of Late and Joe.