"What have got to say for yourselves?" questioned the major severely. "What have we got to say for ourselves?" repeated Tom, speaking to gain time. "That's what I said!" snapped the officer. "Come now! Who are you? What are you doing here, and what explanation can you make for the escape of your two companions?" "Praises be!" shouted Tim. "So they did escape?" "Only temporarily," replied the major. "And kindly remember, young man, that you are in the presence of an officer of his British Majesty, and we don't permit interruptions from prisoners." "That last expression explains our standing in this company, I presume," said Tom. "May I ask why we are considered as prisoners, when there seems to be no apparent ground for holding us?" "There is plenty of reason for holding you two prisoners," replied the officer. "You came ashore without any good reason for being out in an open boat all night. Your two companions escaped for the time being after stealing two of our horses, and in the excitement two very important prisoners managed to slip away from their guards, thus causing us any amount of unnecessary trouble and annoyance. You have a good deal to answer for and no good answers to give as far as I can see." "Well, to begin with, we were the survivors of a wreck. Our ship blew up, and the captain, mate, my friend and I escaped in the dory that we landed in," replied Tom. "I guess our reception was not cordial enough to inspire the other two with any desire to stay, and they just departed by the easiest route they could find. I don't see why we should be held responsible for their actions, nor for the escape of your other prisoners." "Where were you bound when you were wrecked?" questioned their captor. "New York," replied Tom, doing some hasty thinking. "We were going to land and go down to Philadelphia, where we live, after transacting some business in New York." "What took you so far from home?" queried the major. "We worked our way down on a coasting schooner," replied Tom, referring to a previous experience, and trying desperately to lighten the aspect of the bad situation they had fallen into. "Your story isn't convincing enough," replied the officer, and Tom's heart sank at his words. "I think we'll keep you with us for awhile, and see what else we can find out about you. You look a whole lot like that very slippery rebel spy we are chasing, and maybe you know him." "Who is that?" asked Tom, with apparent indifference. "Dick Dare," replied the major, watching Tom closely. But Tom was already sure of whom was meant and never blinked an eyelash. "You boys can join the troops," continued the major, "and understand that any attempt to escape will be at your own risk. I think you will bear a little watching." "I want to protest against such treatment," Tom said hotly, "and if we get the opportunity, I will report this to those who will make you regret this affair."