human
There's a plot on foot against Dick and Tom, and I came right over to let you know about it.
gpt
A plot! exclaimed Mrs. Dare, her face paling and her voice trembling.
human
By whom!
gpt
The Tories.
human
Ah! breathed the woman, a look of anxiety on her face.
gpt
This is terrible!
human
Don't worry, mother, said Dick.
gpt
We know of it, now, and can prepare for them. It will not be as if we were to be taken by surprise.
human
No, don't be afraid, Mrs. Dare, said Ben.
gpt
We'll make the Tories wish they had attended to their own business.
human
How did you learn about it, Ben?
gpt
Father found it out this afternoon. You know, he's a king's man, and they weren't as careful as they might have been, and he heard them talking about it.
human
What are their plans?
gpt
They are going to come here to-night at about midnight and break in, take you and Tom out and tie you to trees and whip you-at least, that is their intention. They won't succeed, though, you may be sure.
human
Indeed they will not! smiled Dick.
gpt
There will be some sadder and wiser Tories before the night is ended.
human
Oh, I am sore afraid, son! said Mrs. Dare.
gpt
There will be a dozen or more of the Tories, and what can you and Tom do against so many?
human
I'll come over and help Dick and Tom, Mrs. Dare, said Ben.
gpt
As soon as father told me about the plan, I made up my mind that I would come here to-night and help fight the Tories.
human
Say, you are all right, Ben!
gpt
That is good of you, old fellow, said Dick, seizing Ben's hand and shaking it heartily.
human
We thank you.
gpt
Yes, indeed! said Mary, who saw that Ben's eyes were on her, as if he wished to hear what she thought about it.
human
It is indeed good of you, Ben, to volunteer to do that.
gpt
Oh, that's all right, said Ben, a pleased look in his eyes.
human
I tell you we will make it lively for those Tories when they come sneaking around here.
gpt
We'll do our best to give them a warm reception, at any rate,
human
I'll be over in an hour or so, said Ben,
gpt
Perhaps it would be best, agreed Mrs. Dare.
human
But still, I hate to go away and leave you boys here. You might be reckless, when if I were to stay you would be more careful.
gpt
Don't think that, mother, said Dick.
human
We are going to go to war soon, and you can't be with us then, and if you and Mary stayed here, you might get hit with a stray bullet. There is no use of your taking the risk. We'll be as careful with you away as if you were here; and we will be in a position to fight with more freedom and effect if you are not here.
gpt
Very well, then, Dick. If that is the case, we will go over to Mr. Foster's. But we will return after the attack has been made, for we wouldn't want any of the neighbors to see us coming away from there in the morning, as that would cause them to suspect that Mr. Foster had warned us, and might cause him trouble.
human
True, mother. That will be all right. You and Mary can come home after we have driven the Tories away.
gpt
We'll go over to Mr. Foster's as soon as it is dark,
human
So you're here, eh? greeted Tom.
gpt
That's fine. I guess when those cowardly Tories put in an appearance, they will get something that they are not looking for.
human
That's what they will, nodded Ben.
gpt
At any rate, I hope so.
human
So do I,
gpt
I wish Zeke and Lem would be in the party, said Tom, grinning.
human
I'd like to give them another thrashing.
gpt
When did you thrash them, before?
human
In Philadelphia, yesterday. Didn't Dick tell you about it?
gpt
No, you tell me now,
human
Good! I'm glad you thrashed them.
gpt
They're coming, Dick!
human
Yes, I hear footsteps, replied Dick.
gpt
But, after listening a few moments,
human
Yes, that's their game-to make you think there is only one. He walks boldly, so you can hear him, while the others creep up. It is the Tory gang, all right.
gpt
Likely you are right.