“If you will join a company of loyalists that I have formed, here, I will overlook your past actions in trying to organize a company of rebels,” said the colonel. Harkins shook his head. “I will never take up arms in the service of the king,” he said. “Very well, then,” exclaimed the colonel, angrily. “Take him to the guard-house.” A couple of soldiers conducted Harkins from the room, and then Cruger looked sternly at Tom, and said: “You are a rebel, are you not?” Tom shook his head. “No,” he said. “You are loyal to the king?” “I haven’t given the matter much thought,” said the youth. “I suppose I am what would be termed neutral.” “Then you would have no objections to joining the company that I spoke of to Harkins?” Tom was silent a few moments. He was doing some swift thinking. He quickly decided that he could learn more regarding the strength of the fort, if he were to have the freedom that would come with being a member of the company in question; and also he would have a better chance to make his escape. So he said, quietly: “I will join the company, sir, unless you will let me go on my way up north to see my folks.” The colonel shook his head. “I think I shall hold you prisoner, unless you join the company,” he said, “so you had better join.” “Very well.” The colonel then ordered that Tom be conducted to the quarters occupied by Captain Kane and his company of loyalists, and soon the youth stood in the captain’s presence. When the soldier that had conducted Tom thither explained to Captain Kane that Tom was to be a new recruit, the captain said: “Very well; glad to have all the recruits I can get. What is your name?” “Tom Dare.” The captain wrote this in a book. Then he asked: “Where do you live?” “About fifty miles south of here,” was the reply. The captain then asked a few more questions, and told Tom he was a member of the company and to make himself at home and get acquainted with his comrades. “Very well, and thank you,” said the youth. Then he began mingling with the other members of the company and engaging them in conversation, and quickly got acquainted with quite a number. He was a good-natured, jolly youth, and could make friends easily, and he endeavored to make a good impression, now, for he wished to learn all he could about the fort, and its strength, and also its weaknesses, with a view to carrying the information to General Greene as soon as he could make his escape. His only worry was, what had become of his brother Dick? CHAPTER XI At the Stake Dick and Ben were horrified, as well as amazed when they were confronted by the encircling gang of Indians. That they could not escape was evident, for the redskins had them at such a disadvantage it would be folly to try to do so. They would be either cut down by tomahawks or pierced by arrows before they could draw their pistols.