patriot, you mean. Your superior is not very clever. I
detected him following us. Then he sat too close. Next he scratched a
message on the pewter after beckoning to you. You were told to follow
me. You thought I was coming here in uniform, didn't you? After
practically telling you that I was going to be here. I am afraid you are
new at spying, too. Go with the boys, but talk and laugh and don't let
any one think that you are a prisoner."

"Jove! but I never would have suspected you of all this clever work."
muttered the other.

"I did not want you to!" laughed Dick and he and Bob went one way, while
the boys went another with their prisoner.

CHAPTER II.--The Spy in Danger.

Dick Slater and Bob Estabrook set off down Broadway and had nearly
reached Bowling Green when Dick saw the man in the steeple-crowned hat
approaching. He evidently took Dick for his friend at first, for he came
forward quickly, and then suddenly stopped, looked at both boys,
flushed, and, turning upon his heel, darted across Broadway and into
Pearl street, where he disappeared. Dick was after him at once, but by
the time he reached Pearl street, nothing was to be seen of the spy.

The boys walked down to Whitehall wharf, where they could see over to
Staten Island, where the British ships seemed to be getting ready to
change their positions. The day was wearing on rapidly, and as they
could not get any additional information at the wharf, they turned their
faces toward the city and made their way at a good jog toward the
Commons, where the camp was located. As they neared Thames street, above
the church, Dick said in a low tone:

"There is that spy going down the street. He has changed his disguise
and I would not be surprised if he had taken off his beard.

"Where is he, Dick?" eagerly.

"Going down Thames street on the right, the man in brown with a cocked
hat. I recognize his walk. Keep behind him, Bob. The sight of a
Continental uniform may have a bad effect upon him."

"But he has seen you in that disguise, Dick."

"Yes, and there is nothing striking about it. He would have to see my
face to recognize me and I shall take care that he does not."

Indeed, Dick had so many ways of changing his expression, that it was
quite likely he could deceive the spy even were they to meet face to
face. Bob kept behind Dick as they went down the street on the same side
as the spy, the young patriot watching the man closely, and at length
seeing