“I am not used to camplife, sir,” he said; “and I feel the need of a little exercise. If not contrary to the rules, I would like to take a walk of a mile or so in the country.”
“I guess it will be all right,” was the reply. “Go ahead, but don't stay too long.”
“I won't, sir. Thank you.”
Dick walked boldly out of the encampment, and in order to disarm suspicion, in case his action should occasion comment, he went toward the east. To have started north might have aroused suspicion that he was heading for New York.
“Where away, comrade?” queried the sentinel at the east side of the encampment.
“Oh, out for a little walk for exercise,” replied Dick, carelessly.
“All right. The Countersign is ‘The King Rules’.”
“Thank you,” said Dick. “I'll not forget.”
He walked slowly on, as if merely taking a leisurely stroll, but as soon as he was out of sight of the sentinel and others, he changed to a swift pace, and turning, headed toward the prison-ships in the bay.
“Now for business!” he murmured, grimly. “I'll have the patriot prisoners out of that old hulk before many hours, or I'll know the reason why!”