The commander-in-chief hastily wrote the order and handed it to Dick, who took it and saluted.
“Thanks, your excellency,” he said. “I will do as you have commanded. My companions will be delighted when I make my report to them.”
Then, saluting again, Dick left the presence of the great man, and was quickly back with Tom and Ben, who were quartered in a building only about a block distant.
They greeted him eagerly.
“Did you see General Washington, Dick?” cried Tom Dare.
“Yes, Tom, I saw him,” was the reply.
“And what did he say?” queried Ben Foster. “Did he accept our offer of our services?”
“Yes, Ben,” replied Dick. “He seemed to be pleased, and said that he hopes to hear a good report concerning us when we come in actual conflict with the British.”
“I think he will be satisfied on that score,” said Ben, a grim look on his face. “I think we will be as good fighters as any of them, when we get started, eh, Tom?”
“Yes, I think so, Ben,” nodded Tom, his eager eyes sparkling.