“Thank you, sir,” said Dick. “That is kind of you. I’ll leave the horse here as we come back.”
“That’s all right, Dick Dare. I am a patriot an’ want to do all I can to help get help to the patriot settlers in Peaceful Valley.”
Dick thanked him again, and a few minutes later was mounted on a horse and riding northward proceeding now at a rapid pace. He believed that he would be able to reach the patriot encampment by noon of the next day, and by pushing onward nearly through the night, he was enabled to do so.
As soon as he reached the encampment, he went to the headquarters tent, and found General Greene and some of the other officers there, among them Captain Morgan, of Dick’s own company.
“Ah, Dick, how are you?” greeted the general, shaking the youth’s hand.
“I am feeling well, sir,” was the reply. And then Dick, after shaking hands with the other officers, said: “I have important news for you, sir.”
“Let’s hear the news, Dick?” eagerly.
“Very well, sir.” And then Dick told about the desperate needs of the settlers of Peaceful Valley, whose homes had been burned by the Indians, and who were now in the little fort, surrounded by the Indians, who would undoubtedly capture the patriots soon if help was not vouchsafed.
“How far is the fort from here?” asked General Greene.
“Nearly a hundred miles, I should judge.”