a letter telling of his failure. The
messenger rode all night and reached the Robinson House at dawn.

"Having received the message, Arnold went down the river to
Verplanck's Point and from there to Smith's.

"At the Point, Colonel Livingston handed him a letter just received
from Captain Sutherland of the _Vulture_. It was a complaint that some
one of the Americans had violated the rules of war--showing a flag of
truce on Teller's Point, and when in response a boat with another flag
was sent off, as soon as it neared the shore it was fired upon by some
armed men who were concealed in the bushes.

"The letter was signed by Sutherland, but was in the handwriting of
Andre. Arnold at once understood that the sight of that handwriting
was meant to inform him that Andre was on board of the vessel, and,
perceiving that, he set to work making arrangements to bring him
ashore. He ordered a skiff to be sent to a certain place in Haverstraw
Creek, then went to Smith's house. They soon had everything ready
except the boatmen to row the skiff. Samuel and Joseph Colquhon were
asked to serve, but refused until Arnold threatened them with
punishment, when they yielded.

"It was near midnight when at last they pushed off from the shore, and
so still that not a leaf stirred in the forests, and there was not a
ripple on the water. When they neared the ship they were hailed by the
sentinel on its deck. Smith gave some explanation of their errand, and
after some rough words was allowed to go on board. He found Captain
Sutherland and Beverly Robinson in the cabin. He had a missive for the
latter from Arnold, but though addressed to Robinson its contents were
evidently meant for Andre--inviting him to come ashore and assuring
him of safety in so doing. Robinson understood it and, I presume,
explained it to Andre. Two passes signed by Arnold, which Smith
brought, made still plainer Arnold's wish that Andre should come
ashore. Andre yielded and went with Smith, who landed him at the foot
of a great hill called Long Clove Mountain, about two miles below
Haverstraw, on the western side of the river.

"This was the place Arnold had set for the meeting with Andre, and he
was there hidden in the bushes. Smith took Andre to him, then left
them alone together, and for the first time they heard each the
other's voice. They were plotting the utter ruin of this land, and the
darkness and gloom of the place seemed to suit the nature of the
wicked