“Well,” said Marion, “I owe you something for your service that night on the river.” He laughed lightly. “You see, I have not forgotten it; nor have I forgotten the fact that you, single handed and alone, captured a fortified position.” Captain Marion was pleased to regard Tom’s errand lightly, it seemed; a boy must always prove that his doings are worth the consideration of his elders. In spite of the fact that he recognized in Tom Deering no ordinary lad, Marion could not accept his word that his business with Colonel Moultrie was not some hair brained freak. Tom saw all this in the dark, smiling face of the soldier before him; and he recognized the fact that he must come down to plain dealing and take him into the matter before he could hope to see the colonel. “Captain Marion,” said Tom, with a glance at the sergeant and his file of listening men, “can I have a word in private with you?” Still smiling, Marion led the boy a little way apart, but well out of earshot. “Now,” said he, “tell me all about it.” “Would you consider it a serious matter,” asked Tom, looking him candidly in the eye, “if the British ships came up and bombarded the city in the night?” Marion’s face grew grave, and he glanced keenly at the boy’s intent face, an alert look stealing into his eyes. “I would consider it very serious,” said he, in reply, his voice sober and low. “There is to be such an attack to-night,” said Tom. He drew the captured despatches from his boot leg, and held them out. “This packet I took from an officer of Tarleton’s dragoons two hours ago, some distance below here.” “Have you examined them?” “I have, in order to make sure that I was not at fault. I did not wish to come here with nothing to substantiate my statement.” Marion took the packet and glanced hurriedly through the papers. After a moment’s examination he said, quietly: “Come with me.” Within a quarter of an hour a dozen officers were gathered in Colonel Moultrie’s cabin in the center of the encampment. The captured papers were before them; Tom Deering stood at the table answering the questions with which they plied him. “This attempt seems mere madness,” said Colonel Moultrie, at length. “How do they hope to get their vessels past the fortified points without danger of being destroyed?” [Illustration: _MARION TOOK THE PACKET_] This seemed to be the general opinion of the council; but Marion, who happened to glance at Tom at that moment, saw an eager light in his eyes. “Speak out, lad,” said he, kindly. “If you have anything to say upon this question I have no doubt but that Colonel Moultrie will be glad to hear it.” “Of course,” said the colonel. “You have done us too great a service already, my boy, for us to refuse to listen to you.” “I just wanted to say, sir,” exclaimed Tom, eagerly, “that the British ships can get up to the city, and without the slightest danger to themselves.” The colonel looked startled. “You are sure of what you say?” he demanded.