Thud, thud, thud! Thus sounded the impact of the butts of the weapons with the heads, arms and bodies of the ruffians, and with each thud sounded a yell of pain and rage from the recipient of the blow. Then, suddenly the Tories took refuge in flight, running from the scene as swiftly as possible, and fairly falling over the fence in their haste to get away. They were quickly out of sight, and the affair was at an end. The three youths had put their enemies to rout, and without having sustained any injury whatever. They were well pleased, and although they had not killed any of the Tories outright, yet the youths were sure they had wounded several, for they had heard the ruffians give utterance to cries of pain, and too, they saw blood on the ground in several places. Dick now hastened to the Foster home and reported the victory over the Tories, and was congratulated by all there, even Mr. Foster, the avowed king's man, seeming very well pleased for he was an honest, honorable man, and not at all in sympathy with the night-marauding tactics of his Tory neighbors. Mrs. Dare and Mary accompanied Dick home, and the good woman thanked Ben for coming and helping her sons. "Oh, that's all right," smiled Ben. "I was glad to come. I wanted a chance at those cowardly Tories." "And we thrashed them soundly, too, mother," said Tom. "Do you think there is any danger that they will return?" queried Mrs. Dare, somewhat anxiously. "I don't think so, mother," said Dick. "They've had all the fighting they want, for one night, I am sure." "I think so," said Ben Foster. "But I'll stay here, Mrs. Dare, and if they come, we will be able to drive them away again." But the Tories did not return. They had, as Dick said, evidently seen all the fighting they wanted, for one night. Dick, Tom, and Ben Foster began getting ready to go to New York, that day, to join the patriot army under General Washington. They would be ready in a day or two, as there was not a great deal to do. Next day, however, Ben Foster had news for his friends. He came over, an eager look in his eyes, and told the brothers that Zeke Boggs had just told him that he and Lem Hicks were going over to Long Island and join the British army. "He says that they don't intend to let us get ahead of them, Dick," finished Ben. "They hope to fight against us in some of the battles." "Well, I guess they will get the chance," said Dick, grimly. "Yes, they'll get the worst of the fighting, too," declared Tom. "That they will!" coincided Ben. "There are two things that I hope to do, when in the patriot army," said Dick. "One is, to find where my father is imprisoned and free him, and the other to meet Zeke Boggs and Lem Hicks in battle and defeat them." "Yes, Dick," said Tom, his eyes shining. "We must find father as soon as possible, and rescue him from the hands of the British. I think we can do so, don't you?" "I surely think so, Tom."