"You two have led us a pretty chase, and should be working in a better cause," said the major. "But they are on the wrong side of the fence this time," said the young fellow Dick had rolled into the ditch the first day out. "And that Dare boy has been almost hanged so many times that the general will take great pleasure in finishing the job this time, I'm sure." "It seems that we are your prisoners," said Dick, turning to the officer. "I trust you will save us the indignity of being insulted by that young boor at your side." "Seems to be some little feeling, eh?" chuckled the officer. "All right, my young bantam, you and your friend can join the men, I guess, and we will see that your company is selected most carefully." "Dot's imbossible, in this troop," said Fritz to Dick, but no one else heard him. The two Patriots were placed on horseback, and with their wrists tied together, and a rope passed to two troopers the company passed on up the road. They turned out from the main road soon and pitched camp on a wooded slope leading down to the sea, where the sound of the breakers soon lulled the tired Redcoats to sleep. The boys were placed near a large fire, and were securely guarded. Dick and Fritz were both tired out, and after seeing that there was no immediate hope of escape or help, both rolled over and joined their captors in slumberland. Early the next morning the camp was astir, and the boys saw the men prepare for a dip into the surf. "It would be dandy to have a little plunge in those breakers," said Dick. "How about you, Fritz?" "Yah, I suppose it would, but I bet it's cold," replied the German, rubbing his eyes. "Can we go along with you men?" asked Dick. "I'll see about it," answered one, walking toward the officers' tents. He returned in a moment with a favorable reply, and in a jiffy the boys were racing down the sands with the first group of men. After an invigorating plunge in the cold waves, the boys dressed and returned to the camp. All there were astir by now, and the two prisoners were conducted to the centre of the encampment and left in charge of two soldiers. Various groups were assembled about their respective fires, and all were eagerly hastening the preparation of their morning meal. From each group certain ones were despatched into the surrounding forest to gather a liberal supply of firewood, while others measured out portions of coffee, flour and bacon. The cooks fussed importantly over the fires, ordering the men about in tones they would not dare to use when away from their important positions. At meal times the cooks of a camp are always the autocrats. Dick and Fritz sniffed the air hungrily and thanked fortune that at least they would not be starved to death. "There doesn't seem to be any hope of escape just now, does there?" said Dick. Fritz wrinkled up his nose and gazed thoughtfully about him. "For myself, I don't care about escapes till after we eat somedings," he returned.