the regular roads," declared
Ben, "and even if we all had disguises, it is going to be a difficult
matter to pass the guard."

"I was thinking of getting out of New York by way of the river, Ben,"
said Dick.

"That will be something less difficult, though hard enough, but where
are we going to get our boats?"

"There are ships in the river not very far away, and it may be that they
will anchor still nearer. The men will want to come ashore and we must
get hold of at least two boats. I don't think one will be sufficient,
even if it is a long boat. Watch the river, boys, and see what are our
chances."

The boys ate some of the food which Dick and the rest had procured, and
while some rested, others kept a lookout on the river, on the wharf and
on the bank above. At times the paths were well frequented, and men and
women could be seen on the walk above, the wharf being now quite busy
and then almost deserted, although at no time would it have been wise
for the boys in uniform to have ventured out. Well on in the afternoon a
ship came up the river and anchored right off the stone house, well out
in the stream, another being something above it.

"The bluejackets will be coming ashore some time in the evening to enjoy
themselves," remarked Dick. "It will be high tide, and if we can get
hold of the boat, we can perhaps hide it under the wharf."

"Unless it is too high," said Bob. "The tides are pretty heavy just
now."

"Then we can leave from the wharf itself, but we shall have to do
everything with despatch, for it is likely that a watch will be kept on
the river and along shore, and the least suspicious act will bring down
the night patrol and the watch, as well as the redcoats and sailors."

"No good thing can be had without effort," said Bob dryly, "and if we
want our freedom we must work for it."

It was after dark when two boats came ashore from the nearest vessel and
tied up at the wharf a short distance from the stone house. The sailors
went ashore, leaving the boats without any one to look after them, but
there were men on the wharf and constant passing to and fro of men and
boys.

"We shall have to wait a while," said Dick. "When it is quieter there
will be more chance to secure the boats."

"Then it may be too late," muttered Bob, "for the sailors will be going
back to the ship."

"They will not return till late, for no sailor wants to cut short his
shore leave."

"There may be a few minutes when