He led her across the open space, and Richard saw them take their places in the dim light, the girl's white dress marking the spot even from where he stood. He followed slowly, not knowing what next to do, for he was too new in the _rôle_ of scout to willingly play at eavesdropping, so he stood irresolutely near the pavilion watching the quiet couple at one side and the bevy of laughing revellers at the other. Evidently Mistress Singleton was much agitated, for her hand rose in frequent gesture, and her voice was a trifle shrill. Presently two young men from the other party came down the pavilion steps, and one of them dropped his long military cloak in the shadow at the end of the step, saying he would find it again after the dance. Then they passed on. Behind them two soldiers came at quickstep, and Richard heard these words:-- "Grant's division has the orders. Quick work of the whole crew of rebels." In the light of the flambeaux at the banquet-hall door Richard saw Dunn, and hastened to join him. Putting together what they had gathered, they made out that La Fayette had left Valley Forge with a body of troops, intending to do whatever mischief he might, but that his movement had been discovered, and Howe was planning to capture his whole force, and Grant was to be detailed for the work. But what his course would be, when he would set out, and what force would be with him were things yet to learn. However, these were the very things La Fayette would want to know. Dunn was waiting for Howe to leave the banquet-hall, so Richard went back to his vigil near the pavilion. As he approached, Grant was coming down the steps. "I shall not be gone twenty minutes. You are quite safe, for Mistress Hamlin is just behind you, and I'll send one of the officers to sit with you. Wait for me, for it may be our last meeting." Evidently the girl consented, for she kept her place while he sprang down the steps and strode toward the lighted hall. The wild plan Richard had cherished all day was to speak with this girl on equal terms. It might cost him his life, but a very dare-devil spirit of adventure took possession of him. Now was the hour of which he had dimly dreamed. He did not stop to think, but stooping into the shadow, he snatched up the long cloak lying there and wrapped it about him, turning up the collar jauntily. Then with his heart thumping against his ribs, but with a smile on his face, he came to the side of the steps nearest the girl and went boldly up into the pavilion. CHAPTER VII. A DARE-DEVIL DEED. "Thou fool, to thrust thy head into a noose." --ANON. The girl was leaning back with her hand over her eyes, evidently in deep thought. "Ah, Captain," she said, as Richard paused, mistaking him for one of Mistress Hamlin's party from across the pavilion, "you have come to bear me company in Major Grant's absence?"