Dick's face lighted up eagerly.

"I would like it first rate, sir," he said.

"I thought so, and that is the reason I sent for you. Well, Dick, the
fact is, that we are beginning to grow weary of this state of affairs,
and would like to learn what is detaining the enemy and causing them
to hold back from making an attack. And we wish to learn, if possible,
if an attack is intended soon, and if so, on what date. You wish to
try your hand at the work of learning this, my boy?"

"I shall be glad to make the attempt to secure the information you
wish, General Washington," was the prompt and earnest reply.

"Very well, Dick. Then the matter is settled. You will leave this
evening, as soon as darkness has come, and will visit the special spot
in the vicinity of the enemy's camp, and learn all that you possibly
can. There is no need of my giving you other than these general
instructions, for you have had sufficient experience as a spy to know
how to go about it yourself."

"Yes, your excellency. I will leave as soon as it is dark, and will do
my best to secure some information of value."

"I hope that you may succeed, my boy."

"I hope so, sir."

After a little further conversation Dick took his departure, and