The major, accompanied by his brother officers, stood in the road as the captives were led up, and showed his satisfaction at their capture. Dick and Fritz were both startled to see the young southerner with the group, and he in particular seemed immensely pleased to get the boys again.
"You two have led us a pretty chase, and should be working in a better cause," said the major.
"But they are on the wrong side of the fence this time," said the young fellow Dick had rolled into the ditch the first day out. "And that Dare boy has been almost hanged so many times that the general will take great pleasure in finishing the job this time, I'm sure."
"It seems that we are your prisoners," said Dick, turning to the officer. "I trust you will save us the indignity of being insulted by that young boor at your side."
"Seems to be some little feeling, eh?" chuckled the officer. "All right, my young bantam, you and your friend can join the men, I guess, and we will see that your company is selected most carefully."
"Dot's imbossible, in this troop," said Fritz to Dick, but no one else heard him.
The two Patriots were placed on horseback, and with their wrists tied together, and a rope passed to two troopers the company passed on up the road.
They turned out from the main road soon and pitched camp on a wooded slope leading down to the sea, where the sound of the breakers soon lulled the tired Redcoats to sleep.
The boys were placed near a large fire, and were securely guarded. Dick and Fritz were both tired out, and after seeing that there was no immediate hope of escape or help, both rolled over and joined their captors in slumberland.
Early the next morning the camp was astir, and the boys saw the men prepare for a dip into the surf.