The rest beat a hasty retreat, and rejoined the main force, and reported the presence of the patriot force at the top of the ridge. The party came to a stop, and the officers held a council. Two or three of the officers were for making an attack, but the others thought differently, and so it was decided to make a detour and go around the patriots. This was done, but the patriots learned of the movement, through Dick, who had followed the reconnoitering party and kept watch on the British, and the patriots managed to reach a point from which they could fire on the British as they passed, and killed and wounded a few. The redcoats returned the fire, but did not stop to show fight. They kept onward at as fast a pace as possible, until they reached the fort, which they entered, and they received a hearty welcome from Major Cruger, who had begun to think that he would have to surrender the fort. The patriots went into camp about a mile from Fort Ninety-Six, and it was decided to wait and see what the British would do. “I believe that we could hold this position, here on the top of this ridge,” said General Greene. “And I am in favor of staying and giving them one battle, at any rate.” The other officers agreed with him in his view of the matter, and so they put in the rest of the day, strengthening their position by throwing up earthworks. When this had been finished, the patriots settled down to take it easy and await some move on the part of the British. Dick and Tom and Ben were stationed near the fort, to keep watch and report any move the enemy might make, and General Greene felt that his force would be able to make a good showing, as the patriot youths would send him word if the British emerged and started to come toward the camp of the patriots. No such move was made that day, however, nor during the night, and the patriots had an opportunity to get rested up, after their hard work during the siege. It was a privilege appreciated by both officers and men. Next morning, however, the British came forth from the fort, and began to advance toward the point where the patriot force had taken up its position. They advanced slowly, and Dick sent word by Tom that the redcoats were coming, and General Greene began making ready to receive the enemy. Dick and Ben moved back slowly, till they came to the patriot position, and then they informed General Greene of the nearness of the British, who put in an appearance a few minutes later. The British made an attack, advancing swiftly and firing as they came. They charged up the slope, toward the patriot position, but the patriots, crouching in the ditch, with the earthwork before them, were in a protected position, and as soon as the redcoats were within range, they opened fire.