human
You have had a very unpleasant experience, men, said the commander-in-chief;
gpt
What did you learn, my boy? he queried.
human
Have you secured any information of value?
gpt
I haven't secured a great deal of information, your excellency, was the reply.
human
I learned the numerical strength of the British army, for one thing.
gpt
That is important. What is the number?
human
Twenty-five thousand.
gpt
That is about five thousand more than I figured on, he murmured.
human
Well, I am glad to have knowledge of their strength, even though it is greater than I had expected it to be.
gpt
I learned also, that an attack on Brooklyn Heights, while a probability at some future time, is not contemplated at an early date.
human
That is important also, Dick. Well, did you learn anything else?
gpt
Nothing else, sir. But, if you desire it, I will go back over onto Long Island and will keep watch on the British and do my best to learn of any intended move early enough to get the news to you, so that you will have time to make a move that will check the enemy.
human
We will wait a few days, Dick, and then I may send you again. I congratulate you on the success of your first attempt at spying. You did well, Dick, exceedingly well, and I shall doubtless make use of you frequently in the future, if you care to undertake the work.
gpt
I shall be glad to do so, your excellency. My only wish is to do all in my power to aid the people of America to secure their independence, and if I can be of value by doing spy-work, then I shall take pleasure in doing it.
human
That is the right spirit, my boy, and I shall call upon you whenever I have work that I think you can do better than an older man could do it.