"I'm not so sure," Dick replied gravely. "I'm very much afraid they knew that everything wasn't as it should be, and that they will suspect our mission. And if they do, we are going to have trouble before we arrive at Vincennes."
Dick was referring to the incident of their passing the British lines early that morning. One of the guards was inclined to be suspicious. Dick's seeming frank explanation but more particularly Fritz's innocent and guileless manner, however, had temporarily, at least, won the day.
"Dot's an unbolite feller up the road, Dick," muttered the German boy, pointing ahead. "See him vaving his arms and hands at a young frauline like he vas her jailor."
Dick shaded his eyes with his hand and surveyed the couple to whom Fritz had called his attention. The man was unquestionably threatening his companion with violence, and the girl, although she made no effort to escape, glanced back frequently as if looking about her for assistance.
"Come on, let's investigate," cried Dick, putting spurs to his horse. Fritz followed closely, and the pair soon overtook the two pedestrians whom they had observed. As they rode up, the man, who was evidently a young southerner, seized his companion by the wrist, at which she cried out.
"That strikes me as very poor courtesy," shouted Dick, reining up, "and is most surprising to see in a man of this state!"
"State," snapped the other, still retaining his hold on the girl, who looked as if she might be his sister, as the boys soon discovered she was. "To all but rebels this is a loyal colony of His Majesty, King George."
"Rebels is a hard word," replied Dick, "and, moreover, my friend and I shall be indebted to you if you will immediately release the lady, who doesn't appear to be greatly flattered with your attentions."
"Yah," chorused Fritz. "So are we."
"You don't seem to lack admirers," drawled the southerner, turning to his sister. Then, his rage overcoming him, "You little rebel spy!" he hissed.