They kept telling him to increase his speed, but he did not hasten his steps and presently a couple of soldiers seized him by the arms, at an order from the lieutenant, and he was made to walk faster. They went on, and finally reached the entrance to the valley. Then they moved faster, as the ground was level and the walking easier. They did not see the settlers, so judged they had already reached their homes in the village. “Likely the rebels intend carrying some of their household goods and valuables up into the mountains,” said the lieutenant. “We must try to get there in time to prevent them from doing that.” So they hastened, and closer and closer to the village they drew. Finally they were at the edge of the village, and all was quiet. They did not see any signs of the settlers. “They’re gone,” said the lieutenant. Then the redcoats scattered and entered the houses, and searched for valuables, but found nothing of much use, the settlers having indeed taken pretty much everything out of the houses. “They’ve gone up into the mountains,” said the lieutenant. “Let’s fire these houses, and then follow.” With cries of satisfaction, for they were angered by being cheated out of their plunder, as they looked at it, the soldiers set fire to the houses, and soon the village was going up in flames. “Now head up into the mountains, men,” said the lieutenant. “We’ll run the rebels to earth and help ourselves to their valuables, anyhow.” The soldiers hastened into the forest, and began ascending the mountain. The ground was rough, but they made pretty good headway. They spread out, fan-shape, so as to cover as much ground as through this alignment they could obtain, and looked eagerly in all directions for the patriot settlers. “They must have a hiding-place somewhere up the mountain,” said the lieutenant. “Make a thorough search.” But, although they searched till nightfall, they did not find the hiding-place of the settlers, and they finally went back down to the village, or rather, where it had stood, for the houses were now burned to the ground, and there camped for the night. And next morning they set out on the return to Ninety-Six, reaching the fort about the middle of the afternoon. Tom was placed in the guard-house, and the lieutenant went to Major Cruger and reported the result of the expedition. The Major expressed satisfaction at the burning of the settlers’ houses, but was sorry they had managed to make their escape and carry their household goods with them. CHAPTER XX Dick Appears The morning after the patriot force reached the vicinity of Fort Ninety-Six and went into camp, who should appear but Dick Dare! He went at once to the headquarters tent, and was given a cordial greeting by General Greene. “We were in hopes that you would turn up here,” said the general. “Where have you been, my boy?” “Is Ben Foster here?” asked Dick. “Yes,” was the reply.