“Hunt for him, Ben.” “When?” “I shall start at once.” “All right. I’ll go with you.” “I’ll explain matters to General Greene, and get permission to go in search of him, Ben. I’ll be back in a few moments.” While Dick was talking to General Greene, Ben told the settlers about Tom being missing, and that he and Dick were going in search of the youth. The settlers, who had taken a great liking to the three patriot youths, expressed sympathy, and several offered to accompany the two, but Dick, when he joined them and they offered their services, said that he and Ben would be able to find Tom, likely, without assistance, and then they said good-by and set out, going toward the north. “I suppose we will return to Peaceful Valley, after we find Tom,” said Ben. “Yes, Ben. General Greene said he would remain there a while, and make a campaign against the Indians, so his army will be camped there for a while.” “We may find Tom pretty quickly,” said Ben, hopefully. “I hope so,” said Dick. “But this is a big country, and if he has been made a prisoner by Indians or Tories, we have no knowledge of the direction the force might take.” “True,” said Ben. “Well, we’ll do our best to find and rescue him.” They proceeded northward, moving at a fair pace, and keeping a sharp lookout all around them, for some signs of either redskins or Tories. They were sharp-eyed, and if there were any enemies, in view, they would see them. When they had reached the cabin where Dick had been made a prisoner by Gabe Gurley, they paused and rested a while, and Dick told Ben the story of his fight with the wolf. They soon set out again, making an occasional inquiry and continued onward till they had gone several miles farther toward the north. Then they paused, held a council, and decided to turn to the left and go in the direction of Ninety-Six. “It is likely,” said Dick, “that if Tom was captured by Tories, he would be taken to Ninety-Six, and so if we go in that direction, we may succeed in learning something regarding his whereabouts. We’ll inquire at all the settlers’ houses we come to.” “That will be the best plan,” agreed Ben. They headed westward, now, and walked at a moderate pace, keeping a sharp lookout around them, for they realized that every step they took in this direction led them deeper into the enemy’s country. The nearer they approached Ninety-Six, the more likely they would be to encounter parties of Indians, Tories or redcoats. An hour or so later they came to a cabin in the woods, and knocked on the door. It was opened presently, by a woman of middle age, who looked at the youths somewhat wonderingly, and said: “How d’ye do?” “Good afternoon, ma’am,” said Dick. “I wish to know if you have seen a party of Indians or British soldiers around here, any time to-day?” “Ye’re rebels, hain’t ye?” the woman asked, a hard look coming over her face.