hardly hope to be always together. War is cruel, and one can not
always do as one would like, or be where one would wish to be. We must
all go where we think we can be of the most benefit to the Cause, and
do that which will be most beneficial. Do you think you could do Dick
any good, if I were to let you go, my boy?"

"I think it possible, sir. He is going into great danger, as I
understand it, and I might render him very valuable assistance. At any
rate, if you will let me go, I will promise that at least I will not
in any way interfere with his work or do anything to cause him to fail
in the task he has before him."

"Very good. Then I will grant your request. Go, my boy; but be
careful. I will give you a note to General Putnam, on Brooklyn
Heights, and he will tell you which way to go to find your brother."

"Thank you, sir. You are very kind, and I will try to do nothing to
cause you to regret that you let me go."

"That is right." The commander-in-chief wrote a brief note, addressed
it to General Putnam and handed it to Tom.

"There. Now go, my boy, and may you succeed in joining your brother
and benefit to him in his work. Good-bye," and he gave the boy's hand
a friendly grasp.

"Good-bye, your excellency," and saluting, Tom took his departure.

He hastened down to the East River dock and got a boatman to take him
across to the east shore, after which he made his way as quickly as