The boys had now reached the old mansion, and a trip through its ruined rooms failed to reveal anything unusual, so after gathering another supply of apples, the three returned to camp. Chapter XV Dick Again Does Spy-Work As the days and weeks dragged slowly past and the British did not make an attack on the patriot force on Brooklyn Heights, General Washington became somewhat impatient. He was puzzled by the action, or rather lack of action of the enemy, and was desirous of learning what it meant. There was only one way that this could be done-by sending a spy to venture among the enemy and spy upon them, and as Dick Dare had done good work for him on two former occasions, the commander-in-chief decided to try him again. He had been on the Heights, conferring with General Putnam, on the afternoon of August 20th, and presently he summoned an orderly and told him to tell Dick Dare to come to headquarters. The orderly saluted and went in search of the youth, whom he found in company with his brother Tom, and Ben Foster and two or three other soldiers, talking listlessly and wondering when the British would make an attack. "Dick Dare, you are wanted at headquarters," said the orderly. "The commander-in-chief sent me to inform you." Dick leaped up with alacrity. "I'll go at once," he said. "Maybe he is wanting you to do some more spy-work, Dick," suggested Ben. "I hope so. I would like to get away from camp and circulate around awhile." "So would I," said Tom. "Yes, and get captured again," grinned Ben. "You are not cut out for spy-work, Tom. You are too impulsive." "Oh, I don't know about that," demurred Tom. "I'd like to try spying, on my own hook, once, like Dick does." "I don't think either of us would be as successful as Dick," remarked Ben. "That is phwat Oi think," said Tim Murphy, the Irish soldier. "Av inywan, now, could come innywhere near bein' as good at spyin' as Dick, phwy Fritz here," he continued with a grin, "would be the mon, Oi'm thinkin'." Fritz Schmockenburg, the Dutch soldier, grunted. "I bet me dot I vould mage ein better sby as vot your vould, Tim Murphies," he said placidly. And then ensued a good-natured dispute between the two, who, although they quarrelled frequently, and to one who did not understand them would seem to be very angry at each other and enemies in fact, were the best of friends. And Tom and Ben egged the two on, for they liked to hear them talk, it affording something in the way of amusement to pass away the time, which was beginning to hang heavy on their hands, camp-life being rather dull and trying, especially to youths like them, who had always been used to an active life in the open fields. Dick had gone to headquarters, and on reaching there, he was given a cordial greeting by Generals Washington and Putnam. "You sent for me, your excellency?" said Dick, after saluting.