"It is all very threatening," declared Dick, "and I think that the spy was right when he said that Howe will try to be in possession of the city by to-morrow. At the latest, it cannot be more than a day or two and then we must look out for ourselves."
"As we generally have to do!" laughed Bob.
CHAPTER X.–Caught in a Trap.
There was time enough before supper for Dick to visit the general, and shortly after his arrival in camp he went out afoot and made his way across the Commons and down Broadway. Seeing the general, Dick informed him of the capture of the spy, and what the man had said about Howe.
"It looks as if we might have trouble in a short time, Captain," the veteran answered, "and you will hold your Liberty Boys in readiness to act at a moment's notice at all times."
"I will do so, General," replied Dick. "If there is to be any fighting, the Liberty Boys will be glad to take part in it and do their share in opposing the advance of the enemy."
"I have always found them ready to do that, Captain," Putnam replied, "and to do it well, too. I have every confidence in you and the Liberty Boys, Captain, and I know that you will all do your best wherever you may be posted."
Dick then saluted and left the general, taking his way down to the lower end of the island in order to see for himself what was going on among the ships. On Whithall wharf he suddenly came face to face with Fletcher, Tom's father, the man being in a semi-intoxicated state at the time, and glaring fiercely at him as he said:
"You got away last night, you confounded rebel, but you don't do it again so easy. What have you done with my wife and the young ones? Nice business, ain't it, turning a wife against a husband?"