"We are messengers from Charleston," Dick replied, "and have some very important orders for your captain."
"Well, you young fellers stay right where ye be, and I'll go see about it."
The man sauntered off with his head turned, keeping an eye on the boys to see that they were obeying his instructions. Then he disappeared and in a minute more they saw the same man come out of one of the log huts in the enclosure and beckon to them.
The four entered and were soon in the presence of the captain of the fort.
"Well, what can we do for you?" he asked, kindly.
"We have duplicate messages for you, captain," said Dick, "which we have brought through from Charleston. They are relative to alliances it will be necessary to make with some of your Indian neighbors, and haste is imperative."
"You have certainly had a long journey," said the captain, taking the silk wrapped packages that Tom and Dick handed him. "You are the first ones through since six weeks ago. What is the news from back home? And, by the way, may I ask your name, and those of your friends?"
Dick told him their names, and also that they were connected with Captain Morgan's company.
"The Dare Boys!" ejaculated the captain. "Why, we've heard of you way out here. I am certainly glad to shake hands with such brave fighters for freedom's cause."
The boys modestly disclaimed any undue share of praise and assured the captain that there were any number of patriots, just like themselves, who did as much for the cause as they did.