This sounded interesting to Frederick, and he looked up hopefully. Perhaps there was some message to be carried from Boston to the American troops in New York, and that he, Frederick Freeman, had been selected to carry it. Probably it was wrapped up in that package which Rose held so carefully. Why, it would be a greater adventure than any Amos Cary would encounter on the “Sea Gull.”
“Is it in that package, Rose?” he asked eagerly.
“How did you guess?” and Rose looked at her small brother in surprise.
“Come on out to the carriage-house, and tell me when you want me to start,” and Frederick grasped Rose’s arm and hurried her along. “When do you want me to start?” he asked.
“Why, right away,” answered Rose in rather a puzzled tone.
The brother and sister entered the carriage-house, and Frederick led the way to the corner where his work-bench stood, and they sat down.
“Nobody will hear us here,” said Frederick in a mysterious whisper, looking sharply about the room.
“Oh, Fred! I do believe that you are making believe that you are a Tory spy in danger of capture,” laughed Rose.
“Indeed I’m not! I wouldn’t make believe be a spy,” responded the boy scornfully. “I’m a loyal messenger, ready to carry news to General Washington!”
“Here is the message,” and Rose handed her brother the package.