“I don't think Zeke and Lem will make very good soldiers,” remarked Ben.
“I think they'll run, the very first time they get into a battle,” concluded Tom.
Chapter V
The Dare Boys in New York
An orderly knocked at the door of the room occupied by General Washington, in the old Fraunces' Tavern, the building used as patriot headquarters, and on being commanded to enter, opened the door and said:
“A young man wishes audience with you, your excellency.”
General Washington, the great man on whose shoulders rested such a serious responsibility, now that the people of the Colonies had declared for Independence, sat at his desk, looking over some papers. He now glanced up at the orderly.
“Who is the young man, orderly?” he queried.
“He says his name is Richard Dare.”
“I have never heard of him,” with a shake of the head. “Did he state his business?”