An orderly knocked at the door of the room occupied by General Washington, in the old Fraunces' Tavern, the building used as patriot headquarters, and on being commanded to enter, opened the door and said:

“A young man wishes audience with you, your excellency.”

General Washington, the great man on whose shoulders rested such a serious responsibility, now that the people of the Colonies had declared for Independence, sat at his desk, looking over some papers. He now glanced up at the orderly.

“Who is the young man, orderly?” he queried.

“He says his name is Richard Dare.”

“I have never heard of him,” with a shake of the head. “Did he state his business?”

“No, your excellency. I asked him, but he said he preferred seeing you and stating his business direct.”

Washington was thoughtful for a few moments, and then said:

“He is a young man, you say?”

“Yes, your excellency; or rather, I should perhaps have said youth. I doubt if he is more than eighteen or nineteen years of age.”

“H'm,” murmured the commander-in-chief; “I am pretty busy, but will see him briefly. Show him in.”

“Yes, your excellency,” and the orderly withdrew.

He was back again in a few moments, however, and ushered in a handsome, manly-looking youth, at the same time announcing:

“Richard Dare, your excellency.” Then he withdrew, leaving the two alone.

General Washington glanced up as his visitor was announced, and when his eyes took in the handsome face, the fine physique and perfect poise of the youth, he gave a slight start and eyed him keenly and somewhat searchingly, with considerable interest.

“You are Richard Dare?” the commander-in-chief remarked.

“Yes, your excellency,” saluting.

“Very good, Mr. Dare. Now if you will be so kind as to state your business as briefly as possible, I will hear you. I am quite busy, as you may well suppose.”

“Pardon me for taking up your time, sir,” said Dick, “but I wished to see you in person, as I have come to make you an offer.”

“Ah, indeed? What kind of an offer, my young friend?”

“I will tell you, sir: I and two friends of about my own age have come to New York from our homes in the western part of New Jersey. We arrived here only this morning, and I, as their spokesman, have come to offer our services to you, sir. We are ardent patriots and desirous of fighting in our country, for the freedom and independence of our people.”

“Well, well,” said Washington, looking at the youth with renewed interest. “Bravely spoken! Your desire is a commendable one, and certainly I shall be glad to accept of your offer, if your parents are willing that you shall enter the army. You are mere youths, as it were, and I would not want to take advantage of your offer unless it were satisfactory to your parents. They have knowledge of you project?”

“Oh, yes, your excellency. We have done this with the knowledge and approval of our parents. My father, however, was captured in his own dooryard, less than two weeks ago, by a gang of Tories, and I and my brother Tom decided to join your army, to take father's place, as he had intended to join, and also with the hope of finding and rescuing him. One of our friends, when he heard that we were going to do this, came and told us that he wanted to come, too, and here we are. I hope you will accept us, sir, and give us a place in your army.”

“I shall be pleased to do so, Dick Dare,” was the hearty reply. “From this moment you are a member of the Continental Army, as are your companions also. I thank you, Dare, for your interest in the welfare of our country, and pray extend to your companions my thanks, and tell them that I shall expect to hear a good report from them when it comes to actual conflict with the enemy.”

“I think they will give a good account of themselves, your excellency,” said Dick, quietly but modestly. “I am sure they will fight hard for freedom.”

“I have no doubt about it, my boy. Well, the matter is settled, then. Here, take this order and present it to Colonel Morgan, who will find room for you in his regiment, now in process of formation.”

The commander-in-chief hastily wrote the order and handed it to Dick, who took it and saluted.

“Thanks, your excellency,” he said. “I will do as you have commanded. My companions will be delighted when I make my report to them.”

Then, saluting again, Dick left the presence of the great man, and was quickly back with Tom and Ben, who were quartered in a building only about a block distant.

They greeted him eagerly.

“Did you see General Washington, Dick?” cried Tom Dare.

“Yes, Tom, I saw him,” was the reply.

“And what did he say?” queried Ben Foster. “Did he accept our offer of our services?”

“Yes, Ben,” replied Dick. “He seemed to be pleased, and said that he hopes to hear a good report concerning us when we come in actual conflict with the British.”

“I think he will be satisfied on that score,” said Ben, a grim look on his face. “I think we will be as good fighters as any of them, when we get started, eh, Tom?”

“Yes, I think so, Ben,” nodded Tom, his eager eyes sparkling.

“Get ready and come with me, boys,” said Dick, beginning to gather up his belongings, which were not many, as the youths had not brought very much luggage with them.

“Where to, Dick?” queried Tom.

“We are to report to Colonel Morgan, and will be assigned to his regiment.”

“Good!” said Ben. “Then we will be genuine soldiers, eh, Dick?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Say, that will be fine!” said Tom. “I'm ready. Lead the way to Colonel Morgan's quarters, Dick.”

A few minutes later the youths set out. They found Colonel Morgan and Dick gave him the note from the commander-in-chief, whereupon they were assigned to their new quarters, their names having been enrolled on the membership list of the regiment.

“Now we are soldiers, sure enough!” murmured Tom Dare, his eyes shining. “Hurrah!”

“Yes, patriot soldiers, Tom,” said Dick, quietly. There was an air of satisfaction on his face also.

“We will be ready to take part in the first battle that takes place,” said Ben. “Say, that'll be fine. I am eager to be in a battle!”

“And I,” said Dick. “I want to fight for Independence and the freedom of the American people. And, too, I want to fight and rescue our father, Tom.”

“Yes, yes, Dick. We won't forget that part of our work!” said Tom.