en to push out into the middle of the stream and
pull for Teller's Point, promising them two gallons of rum if they
would row rapidly. He told them he was going on board the _Vulture_
with a flag of truce, and was obliged to make all possible haste, as
he wanted to return in time to meet General Washington at his
quarters.

"When they passed Verplanck's Point he showed a white handkerchief,
which served as a flag of truce to both Captain Livingston at the
Point and Captain Sutherland of the _Vulture_--lying in sight a few
miles below. No one followed or tried to intercept them, and they
reached the _Vulture_ without difficulty. Arnold introduced himself to
the captain, then told his oarsmen that they were prisoners. They
answered indignantly that they had come aboard under a flag of truce
and had a right to be allowed to go back free. Arnold coolly told
them they must remain on board. Captain Sutherland did not interfere;
but, despising Arnold's meanness, he gave the coxswain a parole to go
on shore and get such things as he wanted, and when they arrived at
New York Sir Henry Clinton set them all at liberty."

"Arnold was one mean wretch! I am sorry to have to own him as an
American!" exclaimed Lucilla.

"Didn't the British despise him, papa?" asked Elsie.

"Yes, many of them did--regarding him with scorn as a reptile unworthy
of that esteem which a high-souled traitor, a traitor because of great
personal wrong, might claim.

"You remember Arnold had said when he left the breakfast table at the
Robinson House that he was going to West Point. Shortly after his
departure Washington came in. On being told that Arnold had gone
across the river to West Point, he took a hasty breakfast, then said
he would go over again and meet Arnold there. Hamilton did not go with
the others, and it was arranged that the general and his suite should
return and all take dinner there.

"As they were crossing the river Washington remarked that they would
be greeted with a salute, as General Arnold was at the Point; but to
their surprise all was silent when they drew near the landing. Colonel
Lamb, the commanding officer, came strolling down a winding path, and
was quite confused when he saw the barge touch the shore. He
apologized to Washington for his seeming neglect of courtesy, saying
that he was entirely ignorant of his intended visit. 'Sir, is not
General Arnold here?' asked Washington in surprise.

"'No, sir,' replied Colonel La