He approached the sentinel, and when near him, said: "I am a patriot, but do not know the countersign. I wish to see General Putnam." "Who are you and why do you wish to see the general?" the sentinel asked. "My name is Dare, and I am a messenger from General Washington. I have a letter of introduction to General Putnam." "All right. I'll summon the officer of the guard and he'll conduct you to the general." He did so, and the officer asked Dick a few questions, seemed satisfied, and conducted him to the quarters occupied by General Putnam. Dick saluted on entering the presence of the general, and drawing the letter from his pocket, handed it to Putnam, who took it an read the contents, after which he gave Dick a keen, searching and somewhat wondering glance. "You are Richard Dare?" he queried. "Yes, General Putnam," replied Dick. "H'm. The commander-in-chief says here that you are going down to the enemy's territory to try to do some spying. You are rather young, it seems to me, to be going such work." "Time will cure that," smiled Dick. "Yes-if you live," grimly. "This is very dangerous business you are entering upon, my boy." "So General Washington said, sir." "Yes? Well, it is a fact, and I have my doubts regarding your ability to do anything, but since the commander-in-chief has seen fit to try you and has sent you to me for the purpose of having me give you what information I possess regarding the location of the British, I will do what I can to assist you." "Thank you, General Putnam." The general then gave Dick all the information that he thought would be of value to him, and the youth listened attentively. "Now," said Putnam when he had finished, "do you think you can find the British without any trouble?" "I am sure I can find the British, sir," was the reply; "but I don't know about the trouble part." The grim general chuckled. He seemed to like the dry humor of the lad. "I guess you'll do, Dare," he said. "I'm beginning to think the commander-in-chief showed good judgment in sending you, after all. But, I might have known that such was the case, for he is a man who seldom makes mistakes." "I hope he hasn't made a mistake in this instance, sir," modestly. "I guess he hasn't. It is possible that a boy like you may be better able to penetrate to the enemy's lines and secure information than a man, for the British will not be so likely to suspect you of being a spy." "That is what General Washington said, sir." "The position is well taken, I feel confident. Well, Dare, be careful, take care of yourself and secure all the information possible regarding the enemy." "I will do my best, General. Well, I must be going." The general shook hands with Dick, and wished him good luck. "Don't let the redcoats get you," he said. Dick laughed. "They won't get me, if I can help it," he said. "Good-bye, General Putnam."