, Ben, but not now," replied Dick.

Later, when there was no one about the upper floor, Dick, Ben and Harry
went out, looking like three vagabonds, and looked about them. Dick went
toward the Commons, and Ben and Harry took their way toward the church
to get some food. There were redcoats on the Commons, as Dick had
feared, and he could see more of them in the distance. Then he walked
carelessly on, seeing no one who knew him, and made his way as far as a
quiet inn down a side street where he was well known, the people being
good patriots. On the way he saw many redcoats, Hessians, and other
enemies, and he knew that getting out of New York was going to be a
difficult task, and one that would require all their energy as well as a
deal of craft and caution.

"What, you are still in the city, Captain?" asked the landlord, when he
recognized Dick.

"Yes, there are nearly a score of us who were caught here, but I hope to
get away to-night."

"There are lines drawn right across the city and island, and the
redcoats will let no one through whom they do not know."

"There is the river," added Dick. "We are in the old warehouse down
there, and if we can get a boat or two we will try to get out of the
city that way."

"There are ships in the river, Captain, that are keeping a sharp
lookout. I don't want to discourage you, but I am afraid that it will be
as hard to get out that way as any."

"I am glad to know all the difficulties there are in our way, for then I
shall know how to meet them. It is better to know just what to expect."

"Of course, and I will give you all the help I can."

"Thank you. If I need it, I will call on you."

CHAPTER XI.--Getting Away Under Difficulties.

Dick secured a basketful of food to take to the boys, knowing that Ben
and Harry would procure more, and therefore not taking any more than he
could conveniently carry without arousing suspicion. The city was full
of redcoats, and at every step he realized the danger he ran, and also
that it would increase with every hour that he and the boys remained in
New York.

"We must get out to-night as soon as we can procure boats," he said to
himself, "There must be some way of getting them, and we must have them,
as they are absolutely necessary."

He returned to the stone house, getting in by the lower door without
being observed, the other boys returning shortly afterward by the upper
entrance.

"It will be difficult to get away by any of