"So you're here, eh?" greeted Tom. "That's fine. I guess when those cowardly Tories put in an appearance, they will get something that they are not looking for." "That's what they will," nodded Ben. "At any rate, I hope so." "So do I," said Dick. "I wish Zeke and Lem would be in the party," said Tom, grinning. "I'd like to give them another thrashing." "When did you thrash them, before?" queried Ben. "In Philadelphia, yesterday. Didn't Dick tell you about it?" "No, you tell me now," eagerly. Then Tom did so, detailing the encounter on the streets of Philadelphia, and when he had heard all, Ben said: "Good! I'm glad you thrashed them." Chapter IV A Night Attack "They're coming, Dick!" whispered Ben Foster. "Yes, I hear footsteps," replied Dick. "But," after listening a few moments, "there is only one person coming. Perhaps it isn't the Tories after all." "Yes, that's their game-to make you think there is only one. He walks boldly, so you can hear him, while the others creep up. It is the Tory gang, all right." "Likely you are right." It was now nearly midnight, and so it was time for the Tories to put in their appearance, if they were to make the attack that night, as Mr. Foster had heard them say they would do. Closer sounded the footsteps, and then they ceased and there came a knock on the door. Dick did not answer, as he did not want the fellow to suspect that the inmates of the house were awake and on the alert. The youths, gripping tightly their rifles and muskets, waited. Their hearts were beating more rapidly than was their wont, but it is safe to say that no feeling of fear had place in their hearts. Only expectation, and eagerness to get at the Tories dominated them. After a brief period, the knock on the door was repeated. Then Dick spoke up. "Who is there?" he called out. "A friend," was the reply, in a hoarse, evidently disguised voice. "What is your name, friend?" "That doesn't matter. I have news, important news for you, Dick Dare" "You have no news for me that I don't know already," retorted the youth. "What do you mean?" There was a quick suspicion in the voice. "I mean that I know you are a Tory, and that you have a number of companions, and intend to try to get hold of my brother and myself and tie us up and whip us. I don't feel like permitting that, so you had better go away, if you value your skins, for if you try to bother us, we will surely defend ourselves and do harm to you-if we can." Evidently the man realized it was useless to carry the deception further, for he cried out, sneeringly: "Oh, will you indeed, Dick Dare? Well, let me tell you something, my bold young rebel: When we get through with you, you will not be in a position to harm anybody. We are going to take you out and whip you soundly, as should be done with all such traitors to the king as you two are!"