The bugle rang out and the slender command charged with great impetuosity; then like a flash, before the astounded British could recover, Wayne ordered a retreat. If he had attempted the retreat in the first instance the chances are that he would have lost his entire command; as it was, Cornwallis was so astonished at the bold manœuvre that he could not take advantage of the American’s position until too late. Afterward he, apparently, suspected an ambuscade, for he sternly forbade any pursuit. The country to the north was now somewhat clear of the enemy, and Tom asked General Lafayette’s permission to go on toward New York. “It would be as well, perhaps,” said the French officer. “The way is as free of British as it will be for some time, and the dispatches are evidently important. But proceed by way of Baltimore; you have the best chance of getting through by that route.” The ride to Baltimore was a long and difficult one, also attended by great danger. When he reached that city he, of course, at once proceeded to the home of his Uncle Ben. After greeting Laura, who was delighted to see him, he inquired after the brave old skipper of the Defence--Uncle Dick. “The Defence is being used as a dispatch boat by the Count de Grasse,” answered Uncle Ben. “You know the French fleet is now in the Chesapeake.” “Why,” said Tom, “you astonish me. I have heard nothing of that.” “The news was slow in coming,” laughed Uncle Ben, his face shining with delight. “It must have been delayed somehow. And have you not heard of Cornwallis’ position?” “He is at Portsmouth, is he not?” “No; he remained there but a short time. He has concentrated his force upon the south side of the York River--a place called Yorktown. There are some British war-ships in the river; but Admiral de Grasse has both it and the James blockaded.” “But what good will all this do?” protested Tom. “The Marquis de Lafayette is not strong enough to cope with him.” “But,” cried Laura, who had been listening, “General Washington is!” “General Washington!” “You have missed all the news, my boy. Why, Washington has turned his attention from Sir Henry Clinton at New York and is marching on Cornwallis at Yorktown.” “Then to deliver my dispatches I must turn back!” exclaimed Tom, with sinking heart. “My father is a prisoner upon the Benbow frigate at New York; and I had hoped to have him exchanged when I got there.” “The Benbow!” Uncle Ben stared at him. “Why, the Benbow is not at New York. She is one of the vessels in York River.” “You are sure!” Tom grasped his arm excitedly. “I am positive.” The old man took a letter from the cupboard. “It’s from your Uncle Dick,” he continued, “and was sent up by means of a trading craft which he boarded down the bay.”