The general looked up from some papers he was examining, and gave Tom a keen, searching glance. "You are Master Tom Dare," he said. "Yes, your excellency," saluting. "Brother to Dick Dare?" "Yes, sir." "Very good. What can I do for you, my boy?" The great man's air and tone were kindly, and Tom, encouraged, said: "I have come to ask a favor, sir." "What is the favor? Be brief, as my time is of value, my boy." "Very well, sir. I have come to ask that you let me go over onto Long Island, the same as you have done with Dick." General Washington looked at the boy in surprise. "Why do you want to do that?" he queried. "I want to be with Dick, sir, or near him, all the time, if possible. I promised my mother that I would stay at Dick's side and fight side by side with him, and if I stay here, when he is over on Long Island, I won't be keeping my word, sir. Something might happen to Dick. He might get into trouble with the British, and if I was near at hand, I could render him assistance, and if he were captured, I might be able to rescue him. I hope you will let me go, sir." The commander-in-chief looked thoughtfully at the boy. There was a look of admiration in his eyes, and to himself he said: "A brave pair of lads are those two Dares, I feel certain." Aloud he said, after a few moments: "I don't know whether to grant your request or not, my boy. I have sent Dick over to Long Island on a spying expedition, and if you were to go also and join him, it might hamper him in his work. At the same time, I dislike to refuse your request, since you made your mother the promise that you would stay by your brother's side. Still, you can hardly hope to be always together. War is cruel, and one can not always do as one would like, or be where one would wish to be. We must all go where we think we can be of the most benefit to the Cause, and do that which will be most beneficial. Do you think you could do Dick any good, if I were to let you go, my boy?" "I think it possible, sir. He is going into great danger, as I understand it, and I might render him very valuable assistance. At any rate, if you will let me go, I will promise that at least I will not in any way interfere with his work or do anything to cause him to fail in the task he has before him." "Very good. Then I will grant your request. Go, my boy; but be careful. I will give you a note to General Putnam, on Brooklyn Heights, and he will tell you which way to go to find your brother." "Thank you, sir. You are very kind, and I will try to do nothing to cause you to regret that you let me go." "That is right." The commander-in-chief wrote a brief note, addressed it to General Putnam and handed it to Tom. "There. Now go, my boy, and may you succeed in joining your brother and benefit to him in his work. Good-bye," and he gave the boy's hand a friendly grasp. "Good-bye, your excellency," and saluting, Tom took his departure.