Dick, however, shook his head. “I hardly think so,” he said.
When the British force, which consisted of perhaps fifteen hundred men, got ready, it marched out of the encampment and came slowly up the slope toward where the three youths were concealed.
“They are going to march into the vicinity of our encampment,” said Dick. “Well, that is all right. Colonel Morris won’t have so far to go to get at them.”
“True,” said Ben.
“Come, boys,” said Dick, a few moments later. “We must not let them see us.”
The three set out down the slope toward the west, and during the afternoon they kept about a mile ahead of the redcoats, who advanced directly toward the point where the patriot army was encamped.
It was slow work for the British force to march along poorly conditioned roads, and they only got to the vicinity of the little settlement, where the dance had taken place the night before, at the hour it was time to go into camp.
Here they stopped and went into camp for the night, and Dick, Tom and Ben, being certain that the redcoats would be there till morning, made their way to the home of the Harts, where they were given a cordial welcome.
“You are back quickly,” said Mr. Hart.
“Yes,” replied Dick. “We are on our way back to the patriot encampment, and are keeping a little distance in front of the British force, which is marching toward the point where the patriots are encamped.”