"Oh, you'll be certain to find out where he is, and before very long, then you can rescue him," proposed Ben, confidently. "And after that we can thrash Zeke and Lem with a good heart," suggested Tom. "I don't think Zeke and Lem will make very good soldiers," remarked Ben. "I think they'll run, the very first time they get into a battle," concluded Tom. Chapter V The Dare Boys in New York An orderly knocked at the door of the room occupied by General Washington, in the old Fraunces' Tavern, the building used as patriot headquarters, and on being commanded to enter, opened the door and said: "A young man wishes audience with you, your excellency." General Washington, the great man on whose shoulders rested such a serious responsibility, now that the people of the Colonies had declared for Independence, sat at his desk, looking over some papers. He now glanced up at the orderly. "Who is the young man, orderly?" he queried. "He says his name is Richard Dare." "I have never heard of him," with a shake of the head. "Did he state his business?" "No, your excellency. I asked him, but he said he preferred seeing you and stating his business direct." Washington was thoughtful for a few moments, and then said: "He is a young man, you say?" "Yes, your excellency; or rather, I should perhaps have said youth. I doubt if he is more than eighteen or nineteen years of age." "H'm," murmured the commander-in-chief; "I am pretty busy, but will see him briefly. Show him in." "Yes, your excellency," and the orderly withdrew. He was back again in a few moments, however, and ushered in a handsome, manly-looking youth, at the same time announcing: "Richard Dare, your excellency." Then he withdrew, leaving the two alone. General Washington glanced up as his visitor was announced, and when his eyes took in the handsome face, the fine physique and perfect poise of the youth, he gave a slight start and eyed him keenly and somewhat searchingly, with considerable interest. "You are Richard Dare?" the commander-in-chief remarked. "Yes, your excellency," saluting. "Very good, Mr. Dare. Now if you will be so kind as to state your business as briefly as possible, I will hear you. I am quite busy, as you may well suppose." "Pardon me for taking up your time, sir," said Dick, "but I wished to see you in person, as I have come to make you an offer." "Ah, indeed? What kind of an offer, my young friend?" "I will tell you, sir: I and two friends of about my own age have come to New York from our homes in the western part of New Jersey. We arrived here only this morning, and I, as their spokesman, have come to offer our services to you, sir. We are ardent patriots and desirous of fighting in our country, for the freedom and independence of our people."