"That won't take many minutes," Master Ludwick replied, and now all traces of his ill-humor had vanished. If he was to be engaged in active service, rather than confined to the dull routine of the camp, it was to him a most desirable change.
"I suppose we are not to carry weapons?"
"Certainly not. Discard everything which might give those whom you meet the impression that you are soldiers."
In less than ten minutes the boys were being escorted out past the pickets, and Enoch said to the officer in an apologetic tone:
"I am sorry to give so much trouble, sir, but would you see to it that some one looks after my horse and the equipment I have left?"
"All your belongings shall be cared for, my boy. Now one last word: It is not impossible that we may be on the march to-morrow; but you will have no trouble in finding the command. Be prudent; don't take unnecessary risks for the purpose of gaining information, and remember that your errand will have been well performed when you know in which direction General Clinton intends to march after leaving Mount Holly."
Then the boys, saluting, walked rapidly down the road in the darkness, and Jacob said in a tone of satisfaction:
"Now this is what I call the proper kind of a job! I am more than willing to do a thing of this sort; but hanging around the camp, carrying a musket first in one fashion and then another, is what I don't like."
"Yet it is necessary you should know how to do such things before you can call yourself a soldier," Seth suggested. "I suppose you had supper with General Dickinson, Enoch?"
"Indeed I didn't," Master Ball replied, "and I feel as if I could eat almost anything."