“Are they going to go toward our encampment, with the purpose of making an attack, or will they go in the other direction, I wonder?” questioned Tom. “We will wait here and see,” determined Dick. “Somehow, I think they intend going in the other direction,” asserted Ben. Dick, however, shook his head. “I hardly think so,” he said. When the British force, which consisted of perhaps fifteen hundred men, got ready, it marched out of the encampment and came slowly up the slope toward where the three youths were concealed. “They are going to march into the vicinity of our encampment,” said Dick. “Well, that is all right. Colonel Morris won’t have so far to go to get at them.” “True,” said Ben. “Come, boys,” said Dick, a few moments later. “We must not let them see us.” The three set out down the slope toward the west, and during the afternoon they kept about a mile ahead of the redcoats, who advanced directly toward the point where the patriot army was encamped. It was slow work for the British force to march along poorly conditioned roads, and they only got to the vicinity of the little settlement, where the dance had taken place the night before, at the hour it was time to go into camp. Here they stopped and went into camp for the night, and Dick, Tom and Ben, being certain that the redcoats would be there till morning, made their way to the home of the Harts, where they were given a cordial welcome. “You are back quickly,” said Mr. Hart. “Yes,” replied Dick. “We are on our way back to the patriot encampment, and are keeping a little distance in front of the British force, which is marching toward the point where the patriots are encamped.” “Ah, so they are moving in that direction, are they?” exclaimed Mr. Hart. “Yes, sir. They are encamped about a mile from here. They will be there till morning, and we thought we would come over here and see you folks.” “We are glad you did. Supper will be ready in a few minutes, and you will take supper and stay all night with us, the same as you did last night.” “If it won’t inconvenience you too much,” said Dick. “We shall be glad to have you here,” was the hearty reply, and Mrs. Hart and Sally said the same. When supper was ready, the six sat up to the table and ate heartily, laughing and talking, and had just finished when there came the sound of knocking at the front door. “Some of the redcoats have come here!” exclaimed Dick, in a low voice. “We will slip out at the back door, while you go to the front door to see them, Mr. Hart.” “Very well, but stay and come in as soon as they are gone.” “We will do so.” The three youths passed out through the rear exit, and Mr. Hart made his way to the front door, which, when he opened it, revealed to his view a couple of British officers. “Good evening, sirs,” said Mr. Hart, politely. “Will you come in?”