something that might easily result in your death if you made a false
step, what would you say?"

"I would say, your excellency, that if you had confidence enough in me
to think I might succeed, I would be only too glad to try. You have
only to command and I will obey, sir."

"Spoken like a true Son of Liberty!" exclaimed the commander-in-chief.
"That is what I expected to hear you say, however. I believe you are a
brave, sensible youth, and that it is possible you may succeed in the
undertaking which I have in mind, even though several grown men have
already failed. You had better think well before you consent to
attempt this task, however, Dick. It is one fraught with such danger
that I would not think of ordering you to attempt it, considering your
age. But if, on the other hand, after knowing what the work is, you
still wish to go ahead, I shall be delighted to avail myself of your
services."

"I will be glad to attempt the work, sir. Pray state the case. What is
the nature of the work you wish me to do?"

"It is spy-work!"

Dick's heart leapt with joy. Spy-work! This, of all things was what he
felt that he would most like to do. As a spy he would have to venture
into the enemy's territory, would have to even penetrate to their
midst and secure information as to their plans and, too, he might thus
find and rescue his father. It was fine to think of, and the sparkle
in his eyes must have told the commander-in-chief that the youth was
pleased, for he said: