"So," cried Tom, "he was not only forgiven for his overstay of leave, but promoted in rank?"
"Thot's a strange story for sure," muttered Tim. "And you say it's true?"
"Absolutely," replied the British soldier, and his two old comrades nodded their assent. In the meantime the men were preparing for their night's rest. In a very few minutes the whole troop was asleep.
CHAPTER X. TELCA.
Dick and Fritz, not wishing to lose any valuable time, struck out along the shore of the bay, keeping in the shallow places and thus concealing their tracks. They searched vainly for a boat or any craft that would move them out of the path of the pursuing English troopers, but for half a mile they discovered nothing at all.
"The activity of the troops in this section must have forced everybody who owns a boat to hide it very securely," said Dick.
"Yah, and if we should get away from those fellars, and to the other shores we would have to do it svimming, I guess," replied Fritz.
"We'll get swimming enough without going out into the bay for it," said Dick. "Here we are at a creek and no way to get past but to swim for it right now."