Chapter IV
A Night Attack
They're coming, Dick!” whispered Ben Foster.
“Yes, I hear footsteps,” replied Dick. “But,” after listening a few moments, “there is only one person coming. Perhaps it isn't the Tories after all.”
“Yes, that's their game–to make you think there is only one. He walks boldly, so you can hear him, while the others creep up. It is the Tory gang, all right.”
“Likely you are right.”
It was now nearly midnight, and so it was time for the Tories to put in their appearance, if they were to make the attack that night, as Mr. Foster had heard them say they would do.
Closer sounded the footsteps, and then they ceased and there came a knock on the door.
Dick did not answer, as he did not want the fellow to suspect that the inmates of the house were awake and on the alert. The youths, gripping tightly their rifles and muskets, waited. Their hearts were beating more rapidly than was their wont, but it is safe to say that no feeling of fear had place in their hearts. Only expectation, and eagerness to get at the Tories dominated them.
After a brief period, the knock on the door was repeated. Then Dick spoke up.