The two Tory youths remained there half an hour or so, and then
returned to the encampment. Their conversation had held nothing
further of interest to Dick, but what he had learned was sufficient.
He had learned when the British intended to make the attack, and that
was just what he had come over there to try to learn. Now he was eager
to get back to New York and tell the commander-in-chief the news.

As soon as it was dark, he set out for New York, and reached there a
couple of hours later. He went at once to headquarters, where he told
General Washington what he had learned.

The commander-in-chief complimented Dick on his success in securing
the information, and next morning he sent three thousand troops over
to reinforce General Putnam's force on Brooklyn Heights. To the
delight of Dick, Tom and Ben, Colonel Morgan's regiment was among
those sent, and the youths would thus be able to take part in the
battle.

When the 24th arrived, however, the British did not make the expected
attack, and about mid-day General Washington came over to the Heights
and conferred with Putnam, and Dick was asked his opinion regarding
the non-appearance of the British.

"I don't understand it, sir," he replied. "I heard the two Tory youths
say that an attack would be made on the twenty-fourth. Perhaps the
British have learned that you were expecting them, and have postponed
the attack on that account."

"That is possible," agreed General Washington. "Well, the only thing