Next morning they ate an early breakfast, after which they said good-by, and took their departure, going over to a point from which they could see the British encampment. The soldiers were just beginning to cook breakast, and the youths waited patiently till the redcoats had eaten. Then when they broke camp and started the day’s march, the youths advanced also, keeping well ahead of the British. An hour or so before noon the British had reached a point about three miles from the patriot settlement where the patriot army had its quarters, but instead of going in that direction, the redcoats bore away to the left and headed toward the Tory settlement three miles farther to the southward. “They are going to the Tory settlement,” said Dick. “Likely they will encamp there, and then will figure on engaging our army in battle.” “I guess that’s about what they are going to do,” said Tom. “Well, as we are within about three miles of the patriot encampment, one of us had better go there with the news of the presence in this vicinity of the British army. Which of you will go?” “I’ll go,” said Ben. “Very well. Tell Colonel Morris that the British are evidently going to go into camp at the Tory settlement, and that as soon as we see that they have done so, we will bring him word.” “All right.” And then Ben hastened away in the direction of the patriot encampment. Dick and Tom made their way onward, following now instead of preceding the British, and remaining on their trail till they arrived at the settlement, where, as the youths had expected, the British stopped and went into camp. “That means that they are going to stay there a while,” said Dick. “So you go to the patriot encampment and tell Colonel Morris the news, Tom.” “All right. You will stay here?” “Yes, till nightfall, and perhaps I may be able to secure some definite information regarding their intentions.” Tom then took his departure, and made his way toward the patriot settlement. He walked rapidly, and in less than an hour had arrived at his destination. On entering the encampment, he asked where Colonel Morris had his quarters, and was directed to the Williams home, where he found the colonel, and also Captain Morgan, who greeted him pleasantly. “You bring news of the British, my boy?” said the colonel. “Yes, sir. They have reached the Tory settlement about three miles from here and have gone into camp.” “Then they are here for a campaign against us,” said Captain Morgan. “It would seem so,” agreed the colonel. “Where is Dick Dare?” he asked, after a few moments. “He stayed there, with the intention of waiting till after dark and trying to learn their plans.” “That is a good idea. How strong is their force, do you think?” “About fifteen hundred, sir, I should judge.” “That is what Ben Foster said. Well, we have a thousand men, and will be able to give Arnold a good fight.” “Yes, I think we can hold our own against his force,” said Captain Morgan.