The Dare Boys of 1776

The Dare Boys of 1776

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Title: The Dare Boys of 1776
Author: Stephen Angus Cox
Release Date: October, 2005 [EBook #9112] [Yes, we are more than
one year ahead of schedule] [This file was first posted on August 15,
2003]
Edition: 10
Language: English

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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DARE
BOYS OF 1776 ***

Produced by Curtis A. Weyant

The Dare Boys of 1776
by
Stephen Angus Cox
Illustrations by R. Mencl
New York The Platt & Peck Co.

Copyright 1910 by The A. L. Chatterton Co.

Contents
I. The Clang of the Liberty Bell II. Waylaid on the Road III. Ben Foster
Brings Important News IV. A Night Attack V. The Dare Boys in New
York VI. Chosen for Dangerous Work VII. Dick's First Adventure VIII.
Tom Dare Acts IX. The Brothers Together X. In the Enemy's Camp XI.
Tom in Trouble XII. Dick Does Wonderful Work XIII. General
Washington is Pleased XIV. The Haunted House XV. Dick Again Does
Spy-Work XVI. The Battle of Long Island

Chapter I
The Clang of the Liberty Bell
It was the fourth day of July of the year 1776. There was great
excitement in all of the colonies of America at that time, for on this day
the representatives of the people, gathered together in the city of
Philadelphia, were to decide whether the Declaration of Independence,
already drawn up, should be adopted and signed. In Philadelphia, as
may well be supposed, the excitement was so intense that the people
suspended business. They thronged the streets, walking up and down,

talking excitedly, and waiting, waiting for the decision to be made, the
determination that would mean so much to them.
The people talked and gesticulated, and there was considerable arguing,
some contending that the Declaration of Independence would be
adopted and signed, others that it would not.
"Look, here it is almost evening," contended one of these latter, "and
nothing has been done yet. If they were going to adopt the Declaration
it would have been done before this. The delay means that it will not be
done."
"They are taking their time to it, that is all," replied the others. "It is a
most serious matter and not to be taken up hastily and without due
thought. They will adopt and sign the Declaration of Independence
before the day is gone, see if they don't!"
Dick and Tom Dare, two patriot youths, brothers, from about three
miles over in New Jersey, who had come to the city to hear the news,
listening eagerly, were thrilled by the excitement and interest shown on
every side.
"Oh, I hope they will adopt the Declaration of Independence, Dick!"
said Tom. "I'm sure they will, aren't you?"
"I think they will, Tom. I hope so."
"Bah, they won't do nothin' uv the kind, Dick Dare!" cried a sneering
voice at their side, and turning, the Dare youths saw Zeke Boggs and
Lem Hicks, the sons of two Tory neighbors, standing there.
"Uv course they won't," added Lem Hicks. "They don't darst. They
know that ef they do, they'll git into trouble with King George. They
won't ring no old Liberty Bell to-day."
"Well, they just will!" cried Tom Dare, who was an excitable,
impulsive youth. "They'll ring it pretty soon, Lem Hicks, and they
aren't afraid of your old king, not a bit of it!"

"What's thet! Don't ye dare speak disrespectfully uv the king!" snarled
Zeke Boggs, making a threatening motion with his fist. "Ef ye do, why
et'll be the worse fur ye, that's all."
Instantly Dick Dare, who was the elder of the brothers, a handsome,
manly youth of eighteen years, seized Zeke by the wrist, and pushed
him back, at the same time saying quietly, yet firmly:
"That will do, Zeke. Don't go making