General Washington is Pleased
We had better get to the shore at once,” was the reply. “This boat is so heavily loaded that it would be dangerous to try to go to New York in it.”
“Yes, and it is old and leaky, anyway. We'll go ashore and then head for Brooklyn Heights.”
Dick turned the oars and rowed cautiously toward the island. The boat moved very slowly, for it was deep in the water, and rapid progress was impossible.
The shore was reached presently, however, and at the same instant there came out of the darkness excited yells from the direction of the prison-ship.
“They've discovered your escape,” said Dick. “Get ashore, men, as quickly as possible.”
The rescued patriots leaped ashore as fast as they could, and then with Dick in the lead, they set out northward.
“By keeping over pretty close to the water, I think we shall be able to keep clear of the redcoats,” said Dick.
“Likely,” agreed Tom. “We mustn't let them capture us now.”
“I'll never go back to that terrible prison-pen alive!” declared Boswick. “I would much rather die fighting.”