Chapter XV
Dick Again Does Spy-Work
As the days and weeks dragged slowly past and the British did not make an attack on the patriot force on Brooklyn Heights, General Washington became somewhat impatient. He was puzzled by the action, or rather lack of action of the enemy, and was desirous of learning what it meant.
There was only one way that this could be done–by sending a spy to venture among the enemy and spy upon them, and as Dick Dare had done good work for him on two former occasions, the commander-in-chief decided to try him again. He had been on the Heights, conferring with General Putnam, on the afternoon of August 20th, and presently he summoned an orderly and told him to tell Dick Dare to come to headquarters.
The orderly saluted and went in search of the youth, whom he found in company with his brother Tom, and Ben Foster and two or three other soldiers, talking listlessly and wondering when the British would make an attack.
“Dick Dare, you are wanted at headquarters,” said the orderly. “The commander-in-chief sent me to inform you.”
Dick leaped up with alacrity.
“I'll go at once,” he said.
“Maybe he is wanting you to do some more spy-work, Dick,” suggested Ben.
“I hope so. I would like to get away from camp and circulate around awhile.”