in possession of the
city by to-morrow. At the latest, it cannot be more than a day or two
and then we must look out for ourselves."

"As we generally have to do!" laughed Bob.

CHAPTER X.--Caught in a Trap.

There was time enough before supper for Dick to visit the general, and
shortly after his arrival in camp he went out afoot and made his way
across the Commons and down Broadway. Seeing the general, Dick informed
him of the capture of the spy, and what the man had said about Howe.

"It looks as if we might have trouble in a short time, Captain," the
veteran answered, "and you will hold your Liberty Boys in readiness to
act at a moment's notice at all times."

"I will do so, General," replied Dick. "If there is to be any fighting,
the Liberty Boys will be glad to take part in it and do their share in
opposing the advance of the enemy."

"I have always found them ready to do that, Captain," Putnam replied,
"and to do it well, too. I have every confidence in you and the Liberty
Boys, Captain, and I know that you will all do your best wherever you
may be posted."

Dick then saluted and left the general, taking his way down to the lower
end of the island in order to see for himself what was going on among
the ships. On Whithall wharf he suddenly came face to face with
Fletcher, Tom's father, the man being in a semi-intoxicated state at the
time, and glaring fiercely at him as he said:

"You got away last night, you confounded rebel, but you don't do it
again so easy. What have you done with my wife and the young ones? Nice
business, ain't it, turning a wife against a husband?"

"You have turned her against you by your own outrageous conduct," Dick
retorted. "If you had treated them right, your family would have
remained with you, but you cannot expect anything better when you act as
you have."

"Where have they gone? I have a right to everything that any of them
earns, and I'm going to have it. Tom is under age, I have brought him
up, and I can claim everything he has, and whatever my wife has also. I
know my rights, I tell you!" savagely.

"Do you know your duties, as well?" sharply. "I don't care what the law
is in your case. I know what justice is. You made an attempt upon my
life last night, and if I choose to make a charge against you, I could
put you on trial for your life."

The man was not so much intoxicated that he could not understand Dick's
position and his own danger, and he turned pale and