So far so good. Now to secure information that would be of value to General Washington and a benefit to the great Cause of Liberty. "What's your name?" asked one of the British soldiers. "Harry Fuller," Dick replied "Where do you live?" "Oh, about ten miles from here," replied the youth "Parents living." "Yes," replied Dick. "And so you have joined the king's army and are going to help make it hot for the rebels, hey" with a chuckle. "Good for you." "Yes," said Dick, "I am eager to get a chance to strike blows against the rebels. How soon do you think that will happen? When are we likely to get into a battle with them?" "Hard telling, young man. That's for the generals to say. What their plans may be is more than I can say." "I have heard it rumored in our part of the country that he British will make an attack on the rebels soon. That's the reason I came here to-night. I thought maybe the attack might be made to-morrow, and if I didn't get here to-night, I would not arrive in time for the fight." "We might be ordered to move against the rebels to-morrow, for all I know," was the reply. "And then again we might be left sitting here a week or a month. I haven't any idea when the move will be made." "I hope it will be soon," declared Dick, with a view to keeping up the pretense of being imbued with an intense desire to get at the rebels. "You'll get a chance to do all the fighting you care for, one of these days, young fellow," said another soldier. "Don't worry on that score." "I'm not worrying about it, sir," said Dick. "Do you think you will fight when the time comes?" half-sneered another, rather evil-featured fellow, leering at Dick. "I'd be willing to wager that you'll do more running than fighting." "You might lose your money if you wagered it that way," said Dick, quietly, gazing steadily at the speaker. "I might, but I don't think I would," with a harsh laugh. "I don't think much of the bravery of the Americans, whether rebels or king's men. They are not the kind that make good soldiers." "I suppose you think that you are," said Dick, calmly. "I know it, sonny!" fiercely. "I've been tried in the fire, do you hear? I'm a veteran, and have seen service in the fields of Europe, India and Africa." "You seem to be great at blowing your own horn, at any rate," said Dick, quietly. And several of the other soldiers sitting near snickered, which seemed to anger the other very much. "Do you mean to insult me?" he cried, glancing fiercely at Dick. "Oh, no," coolly. "I was simply stating a fact, that is all." "Well, you had better be careful, that's all I have got to say!" snarled the redcoat, viciously. "If you weren't a boy, I would give you a thumping for what you have already said." "Don't let my youth hinder you," retorted Dick. "I will say this, that I think you will find the people of America as brave as those of your country or any other, and I think, too, that they will make as brave and effective soldiers."