“That is pretty big odds,” said Ben, with a shake of the head.
“So it is,” agreed Dick. “But the patriots will give a good account of themselves when the time comes, I feel certain.”
“Yah, ve vill gif ein goot accound mit mysellufs,” said Fritz, the Dutch soldier.
“Just listen to thot, wull yez?” remarked Tim, scathingly. “Shure an' there is agotism fur yez!”
“Well, I hope all of us will always give a good account of ourselves,” said Dick, quietly. “And I believe we will.”
“We'll try to, Dick,” said Ben, earnestly.
A few days later General Washington again summoned Dick and told him to go over on Long Island and see if he could learn anything regarding the intentions of the British.
“You will have to be very careful, this time, however, Dick,” he cautioned; “for you are known to many of the British, and if they should see you, they would capture you, and that would be bad.”
“True, sir,” said Dick. “I will be very careful. I will not let them capture me, if I can help myself.” Then, after receiving his instructions, Dick saluted and withdrew.
After supper he set out, and crossing the East River, made his way in the direction of the British encampment, which was about five miles distant, to the southward. He did not need to go to Brooklyn Heights to see General Putnam, for the reason that he now knew more about the location of the enemy than Putnam did.