Four hours previous, Phil and Andy had rushed into the home of the latter in Concord breathless, excited and full to the brim of the mystery and importance of the message intrusted to them by the old Indian lighter, Silas Berks. They had to arouse Andy's father, for they found him in bed. When Andy in a hushed, impressive voice recited the latest adventure of the night, Mr. Sabine acted very much aroused and serious. "This is a matter of grave import, boys," said the sterling patriot. "I believe in Silas Berks. He is a true-souled man, and his message fits in with information we had already received. We felt sure that Gen. Gage and his minions were on the point of making some demonstration--underhanded as usual--to break up the Sons of Liberty and the Minute Men. Old Silas has given us a valuable hint. It is important, indeed, that Dr. Warren and his friends should be warned of their danger. Let me think for a moment." Mr. Sabine paced the floor for some time, plunged in deep meditation. He seemed to be turning the situation over in his mind thoroughly. "I would go on this mission myself," he said at last, "only that I have arranged to visit some towns north of here in the interests of our Congress. It is late, yet not a minute should be lost. Dr. Warren and his friends were to visit Manchester first, then Merrimack, and then in turn the various towns on the old Boston stage line. I am sure, according to their plans, they would not reach Boston for some days to come, but might change their programme and run their head right into the noose. They must be reached, but how?" "I'll tell you, Mr. Sabine," spoke up Phil, promptly and respectfully. "I am anxious to go on this mission and would have to leave Concord in a day or two, anyhow. There is no stage coach until Thursday for Boston. If I could arrange for a horse, I could start off to-night,--this very hour,--after Dr. Warren. I could keep on until I overtook the doctor, don't you see?" "You're a plucky, loyal lad, Phil," said Mr. Sabine warmly, "only--" "Father, let me go to, too!" broke in Andy eagerly, "let me go with Phil. I've just been dying to really do something. Please let me go, father!" "Impossible," answered Mr. Sabine, and that seemed to end it. But it did not, for a discussion of nearly an hour's duration followed. At the end of it, the triumphant Andy was aglow with enthusiasm and excitement. Reluctantly Mr. Sabine had agreed to send Phil on the urgent midnight mission after Dr. Warren and his compatriots and Andy was to accompany his chum. Andy left a message of direction for his club mates, and arranged that some one should see in the morning that Silas Berks was all right. It was also decided how they should leave his father's two horses, that they were to ride, to be sent back from whatever town they found Dr. Warren at, and continue the journey to Boston on fresh-hired steeds, by stage coach, or part of the way on foot, if they so desired.