And from that time on there was not an hour that he was not planning a way by which his father was to breathe free air again. “If I could only get to New York,” he repeated constantly. “If I only could get to New York. I might be able to do something, then. But here I am helpless.” Some nights later the opposing armies were once more encamped with only a stream between them. And again, remarkable as it seems, the water rose suddenly in the night, making the ford impassable. This afforded Greene time to put a goodly distance between himself and Cornwallis; but the latter continued the chase with unabated determination, as soon as he had made the crossing; Greene was retreating toward Virginia; and having abandoned some of his baggage was making better progress. Once more they approached a river, this time the Don; Greene’s army crossed it just as, for the third time, the British reached the opposite bank. Disheartened by these continued disappointments after such desperate efforts, Cornwallis here gave up the chase, and marching south, established himself at Hillsboro. Greene lay on the Don for some little time, resting the weary brigade and recruiting. The defense of Virginia was at this time in the competent hands of the Marquis de Lafayette who was encamped not far from Petersburg. Desiring to communicate with him before marching back into Carolina, General Greene one day sent for Tom. “I am going to give you a chance to set your father free,” said he. Tom’s eyes sparkled with joy; he could scarcely hold himself in, so great was his delight. “Do that, general,” he cried, “and there is nothing that I will not do in return.” “In giving you this opportunity,” said Greene, “I am also sending you upon a dangerous mission. I want you to carry some important dispatches to General Washington, who is somewhere in the neighborhood of New York.” “Very well, sir.” Tom stood saluting in the doorway. “These papers contain the reports of the army of the South, and are to be forwarded to Congress. I tell you this in order that you might know the value of your charge and guard it accordingly. When you go out, tell the sentry to request General Morgan to come to me. That is all.” Tom saluted and left the tent. All that day Greene and Morgan were in consultation; the result was a goodly packet of papers strongly tied and securely sealed, which were handed Tom next day as he sat upon Sultan’s back before the commander’s headquarters, with his faithful Cole at his side. “Make your best speed,” said General Greene, “and guard your dispatches with your life. And now, God bless you.” The hands of the young swamp-rider and his faithful servant went up in a smart salute. Then they touched Sultan and Dando with the spur and went dashing away toward the north, Tom’s heart throbbing with joy at the prospect of at last rendering his father aid. CHAPTER XVII HOW A TRAITOR TO HIS COUNTRY WAS TAKEN AND LOST