Then the girls rode away toward the camp, while the boys went on to the general's. The veteran listened to Dick, and said:
"By all means break into the place and make a thorough investigation, Captain. If there is any complaint, say that I gave you full authority to act. There is something very about the whole affair, and I do not believe that the place is used for honest purposes."
"Nor we, General, but we wanted your authority before we proceeded to vigorous measures."
"Well, you have it now, Captain," said the general, who was well acquainted with Dick, Bob and many of the Liberty Boys.
They left the place, jumped into the saddle, were going up toward the Commons when, as they neared the head of Maiden Lane, they suddenly heard a sharp cry, and saw a young girl in a chaise come dashing toward them at a terrific pace, the horse having taken fright at something and being now beyond the girl's control.
"Quick, Bob!" cried Dick. "We must save her!"
"Why, it's Sarah Watrous," said Bob, that being the name of the girls' friend whom the boys had seen the night before.
The boys dashed forward, one on each side the chaise, Dick dismounting and catching of the bridle, throwing himself backward and checking the animal's speed. Bob reached out at the same time and did what he could to stop horse, the two boys between them succeeding in checking him in a short time.
"Oh, I am so glad you came!" gasped the girl who seemed nearly ready to swoon. "I don't know what I should have done without you. He never ran away before and I didn't know what do."
"What started him up, Miss Watrous?" asked Dick, stroking the horse and getting him into calmer mood.