"Well, we don't string up prisoners without a chance to explain themselves," returned the leader, "but I can't say as I see much hope for you fellows. You admit coming from the enemy's camp, and don't explain matters till you think up this fool story about being Patriots. I kind of think you are British spies and in these times we can't afford to be taking many chances." "You are making an awful mistake," answered Dick. "If we could only be taken before one of your commanders, I'm sure they would know me. I'm afraid I can't explain anything any more fully." Dick kept in mind the secrecy of his instructions, and did not feel that he could betray his trust under any circumstances. The company resumed their march and a few of the officers withdrew and entered into an earnest discussion. They were one of the bands of local Patriots who roamed about the country and joined whatever organized movement was afoot in their vicinity. They were a great thorn in the side of the British, but due to their irresponsibility and lack of order, were not generally sought after by the Patriot armies. After marching some distance along the road, the men turned off to one side, crossed a few fields, and entered a patch of woods to cook breakfast and rest after their tiring march. The two boys shared in the breakfast and exchanged a few comments with each other, but talking to the men who were about them was forbidden. With their simple repast out of the way the men lay back and took their ease preparatory to taking up their tramp again. The leaders now approached Dick and Fritz and proceeded to question them about the British force they had just left. "How many men were there in the Redcoats' camp?" asked the captain. "About two hundred, I should think," said Dick. "As long as you are making your last statements on this earth, you may as well stick to the truth," commented the second in command, brutally. "Bud," Fritz cried, "we would rather stick to the earth." The men could not refrain from laughing at his unintentional joke. "If you hang us as spies," Dick said, boldly, "you will regret it before long. As soon as the general hears of your horrible mistake I imagine you will have to pay the penalty for your haste." "That's our lookout, young man," returned the leader. "We can't see anything else to do under the circumstances. You admit having come from the British camp, and didn't declare yourselves when we caught you, so I guess your story won't stand in the face of the evidence against you." Things looked very black to the two boys at that moment, and there passed before the minds of each all of the incidents in their exciting young lives. Meanwhile the soldiers prepared two ropes to place about their necks, and after asking for any last requests they had to make, led the boys to a strong tree and threw the ends of the ropes over the lower branches.