Far up the road, in the direction where the boys supposed the advance of the Continental army was encamped, could be heard the hoof-beats of horses, sounding nearer and nearer each instant.
"They are coming this way!" Master Ludwick said at length. "Do you suppose it is possible our friends have any idea of making an attack on General Howe's forces?"
"They must do that, or be prepared to resist one. Now if ever is the time when our news will be of value."
The boys rode forward confident the approaching travelers were friends, and a few moments later two mounted men could be seen dimly in the gloom, approaching at a quick, but not hurried, pace.
"Hello, friends!" Jacob shouted, guiding his horse to the middle of the road as if to bar the passage.
The newcomers halted suddenly, and one of them asked in a low tone, speaking to his companion:
"Who have we here? Surely it cannot be that any of the enemy are so far from the city."
"We are friends if you are members of the Continental army," Jacob cried.
"And that is what we are; but why do you take the middle of the road as if to dispute our right to pass?"
"I am the son of Christopher Ludwick, and this fellow with me is Enoch Ball. We have ridden at risk of our lives, having been chased and fired at by a squad of Britishers, to give General Lafayette news of the enemy's movements."