Not until eight o'clock in the evening did either of the boys see anything to denote that the enemy's troops would be moved that night, and then it was as if all the preparations had been made in an instant.
It was Enoch who was standing in front of General Grant's quarters when that gentleman came out attended by two of his staff, and the boy heard him say petulantly:
"We are forced to go on a wild-goose chase, while the more fortunate fellows are enjoying themselves at the play. I expected to see at least two acts of Douglas, and had invited some ladies to accompany me."
"Are we likely to go far?" one of his companions asked.
"To Barren Hill; and on arriving there we shall find our French bird has flown, although General Howe is so certain of capturing him that he has invited a large party to take supper with the proposed captive to-morrow night, while Admiral Howe has given orders to have a frigate made ready for sailing with Lafayette on board. It would create a sensation if we should send the marquis to England as a prisoner!"
"Indeed it would, and I only hope he will give us half a chance to catch him. How large a force shall we have?"
"Five thousand in my column and two thousand under Grey."
"That will be plenty to do the work, and it isn't impossible we may succeed in surprising him. Our preparations have been made very quietly."
"Only those engaged in the service have any idea of what it is proposed to do, and all of us have been sworn to secrecy. I shall—"
The speakers moved on, and Enoch could not distinguish the remainder of the conversation; but he had heard enough to change his mind as to the honesty of stealing horses, and now thought only of the possibility that they might not succeed in such purpose.