while the boys went on to the
general's. The veteran listened to Dick, and said:

"By all means break into the place and make a thorough investigation,
Captain. If there is any complaint, say that I gave you full authority
to act. There is something very about the whole affair, and I do not
believe that the place is used for honest purposes."

"Nor we, General, but we wanted your authority before we proceeded to
vigorous measures."

"Well, you have it now, Captain," said the general, who was well
acquainted with Dick, Bob and many of the Liberty Boys.

They left the place, jumped into the saddle, were going up toward the
Commons when, as they neared the head of Maiden Lane, they suddenly
heard a sharp cry, and saw a young girl in a chaise come dashing toward
them at a terrific pace, the horse having taken fright at something and
being now beyond the girl's control.

"Quick, Bob!" cried Dick. "We must save her!"

"Why, it's Sarah Watrous," said Bob, that being the name of the girls'
friend whom the boys had seen the night before.

The boys dashed forward, one on each side the chaise, Dick dismounting
and catching of the bridle, throwing himself backward and checking the
animal's speed. Bob reached out at the same time and did what he could
to stop horse, the two boys between them succeeding in checking him in a
short time.

"Oh, I am so glad you came!" gasped the girl who seemed nearly ready to
swoon. "I don't know what I should have done without you. He never ran
away before and I didn't know what do."

"What started him up, Miss Watrous?" asked Dick, stroking the horse and
getting him into calmer mood.

"I am sure I don't know. I have been before and he never acted in this
fashion."

"Who harnessed him?" asked Bob, looking the horse.

"Why, I did. The boy was busy and I couldn't wait, so I did it myself.
Why shouldn't I do things for myself instead of being always dependent
upon others?"

"That is all right in theory," laughed Bob, "but you have not done it
right, and the horse has been chafed and annoyed, and has finally tried
to get out of it and has run away. You had better let me fix things."

"Well, I declare!" exclaimed the girl. "And I thought I could do most
anything!"

Just then Dick caught sight of one of the men he had seen the night
before going down Broadway, and he said to Bob in a low tone:

"Look after the young lady, Bob. There is one of those ruffians. Take
Major up with you when