"Tom Dare, eh? Well, Master Tom Dare, where do you live?"

The boy hesitated an instant, and then said: "I live over in New
Jersey."

"Ah, in New Jersey? Well, what are you doing over here on Long
Island?"

"I wanted to see the British army, sir, and so I came over here."

"Ah, indeed? Why did you wish to see the British army?"

"Just out of curiosity, sir. I have never before seen an army, and I
wanted to see one."

General Percy eyed the boy searchingly for a few moments, and then
said:

"It seems to me you have come good ways to satisfy a feeling of
curiosity. Your action is a little bit unusual. You appear to have an
inquiring mind." There was something in his tone that Tom did not just
like. It had a threatening sound. However, he kept a bold face, and
said as calmly as possible:

"Yes, sir."

"I suppose," said the general after a few moments, "that you have so
much curiosity, you would like to see all that you possibly can."