He did so, and the officer asked Dick a few questions, seemed satisfied, and conducted him to the quarters occupied by General Putnam.
Dick saluted on entering the presence of the general, and drawing the letter from his pocket, handed it to Putnam, who took it an read the contents, after which he gave Dick a keen, searching and somewhat wondering glance.
“You are Richard Dare?” he queried.
“Yes, General Putnam,” replied Dick.
“H'm. The commander-in-chief says here that you are going down to the enemy's territory to try to do some spying. You are rather young, it seems to me, to be going such work.”
“Time will cure that,” smiled Dick.
“Yes–if you live,” grimly. “This is very dangerous business you are entering upon, my boy.”
“So General Washington said, sir.”
“Yes? Well, it is a fact, and I have my doubts regarding your ability to do anything, but since the commander-in-chief has seen fit to try you and has sent you to me for the purpose of having me give you what information I possess regarding the location of the British, I will do what I can to assist you.”
“Thank you, General Putnam.”