After Greene had hurriedly given the information they had brought, the boy was made more than happy when Washington took him by the hand and said:
"You are a brave lad, Enoch Ball. You have rendered good service, and I thank you."
To be thanked by General Washington was a greater reward, in Enoch's eyes, than a commission would have been in Jacob's, and he felt that whatever the future might have in store for him he had been fully repaid for everything by these three words from such a man.
"Will it be advisable, do you think, sir, for the boy to return to Philadelphia?" Greene asked.
"Not to the town itself, while the British are in possession; but he might remain at your rendezvous to act as messenger between there and the camp, although I question if you will have any further important information to bring us, unless it should chance that the order was not issued."
"It is my desire, sir, to enlist as a soldier," Enoch said timidly.
"It would seem as if you already were one, save for the ceremony of signing your name. Remain with Greene until some decided move is made, and then it shall be my care to see that your desire is granted. In the meantime you may consider yourself as attached to my staff in order that there shall be no question about rations. Mr. Greene, you will see that the boy messes with my aids while he is in camp."
Enoch was so overwhelmed by the honor thus conferred upon him as to be hardly aware of what he did during the next few moments.
When Greene touched him on the arm to signify that the interview was at an end and they should depart, he followed like one in a dream wherever the spy led him, until the latter said, laying his hand heavily upon the boy's shoulder:
"Haven't you a word of comment, lad, upon the honor you have received? Let me tell you there are few men in the Continental army who wouldn't be bristling with pride in your place."