“That is poor reasoning,” said Tom. “I was on my way up north to see some of my folks, and stopped at Mr. Harkins’ cabin for breakfast. He’ll tell you that I am speaking the truth.” “Where do your folks live, that you were going to see?” “About a hundred miles from here.” The redcoat laughed derisively. “I think it more than likely that you are a rebel spy,” he said. “We will take you to Ninety-Six in company with Harkins, anyhow.” Tom realized that it would do no good to talk to the redcoat, so he ceased, and walked onward in silence. All that day they continued a steady tramp, and camped that evening beside a stream, remaining there till morning. Then they resumed the journey, and reached the fort at Ninety-Six about the middle of the afternoon. Tom, knowing that it was General Greene’s intention to attempt to capture Ninety-Six, later on, took note of the surroundings with a keen and critical eye, and he decided that it would be a difficult matter to capture the fort, as it was strongly situated. “If they have a strong force in the fort, it will be a big job to get the better of them,” he thought. “Well, I will try to learn all I can while I am here, and then if I succeed in making my escape, I will have some information to carry to General Greene.” Harking had not had much, to say during the trip to Ninety-Six, but it was evident that he was not very well pleased at having been made a prisoner. As soon as they were within the fort, the redcoats took Tom and Harkins before the commander, Colonel Cruger, who eyed them sternly for a few moments, and then said: “Who are these men, lieutenant?” “This man is Harkins, the outlaw that has been trying to organize a company of rebels,” was the reply. “And this young fellow says his name is Tom Dare, and that he was on his way to see some of his folks up north a hundred miles or so. He was at Harkins’ cabin when we got there, and so we brought him along.” “H’m,” said the colonel. Then to Tom’s companion he said: “I suppose you are sorry, now, Harkins, that you took the side of the rebels?” Harkins, who was a quiet, determined man, shook his head. “No, I’m not sorry,” he said. “You will be sorry that you’re a rebel, before we get through with you,” sternly. “I am not a rebel.” “What are you, then, if not a rebel?” was the query. “A patriot,” was the dignified reply. “Bah,” sneered the officer, “a distinction without a difference.” “It makes considerable difference to me,” said Harkins. “I do not consider that the patriots are rebels. They are fighting for their independence, which they are entitled to, which doesn’t make them rebels.” “Well, they’ll never get their independence,” was the colonel’s reply. “They will lose the fight, and will have to again take up their allegiance to the king.” “Perhaps, but I don’t believe it,” was the reply.