And so with good-byes for the injured lieutenant and his nurse, Ben and the Irish lad made their way out by a rear door.
“It will be just as well,” said Ben, “if we avoid the attention of Master Bleekwood and his friends. Our way is a long one, and we’ll be the better for not having an enemy in our rear.”
Their horses were found where they had tied them; they mounted silently and proceeded upon their way. Nothing further was encountered upon the road; and after a wearying ride they finally reached York to learn that their services were not in demand.
“A curt reception,” said Ben, thoughtfully.
“It have a queer look, so it have,” said Paddy, scratching his head.
“In that it agrees with many other things which we have encountered of late,” spoke Ben Cooper. “And it agrees entirely with the idea I formed some time back regarding this summons.”
“You mean——”
“That we were never really wanted—here. It was Seaforth and I who were wanted, at the Crossed Keys—Seaforth the decoy, and I the victim.”
As soon as they were sufficiently rested they returned to the American camp, and made their report. However, Ben said nothing as to what had happened upon the road, and warned Paddy to do likewise.
Not long after this the forts which guarded the passage of the Delaware fell before the assault of the British. A pressure was brought upon Washington to attack Philadelphia, which he resisted with all his might.