General Stirling's division was stationed.

"To arms!" at once shouted General Putnam. "The British are beginning
the attack!"

Instantly all was excitement. The soldiers grabbed their muskets and
took their places, ready for battle, and down where Stirling's force
was there sounded the rattle of musketry, as volleys were exchanged.
It was indeed exciting, and Dick, Tom and Ben, their eyes shining,
could scarcely contain themselves. They wanted to be at the front,
helping fight the redcoats.

"Say, Dick, ask General Putnam to let us go down there," pleaded Ben
Foster. "I want to help fight the redcoats!"

"Yes, do ask him, Dick," urged Tom. "I can't stand staying here, doing
nothing, when there is fighting going on. Get him to let us go down
there."

"All right, I'll try," said Dick. "I would like it myself. But, I'm
afraid he won't be willing to let us go."

"Ask him, anyway," said Tom.

"I will," and Dick hastened to General Putnam and made his wish known.

General Putnam listened, but shook his head. "No, I can't permit you
to go down there," he said. "You must stay here with your company. If
it should go, of course you would go too. But I don't think it will
leave the works."