ream also. Mr. Smith goes with you; and you shall be put aboard the
vessel a few miles below. Eh, Smith?

_Joshua Smith_. Not for the world, General! It is daylight now, and
if I should be seen taking this gentleman to the _Vulture_, the Yankees
would shoot both of us.

_Arnold_. Some truth in that. But what can we do?

_Joshua Smith_. Go the other way, General. You must give a pass to
both Major Andre and me, allowing us to cross the river, and so on to
New York. I'll go with the Major till we reach the British lines.
It's a plain road to safety.

_Andre_. But my uniform--

_Arnold_. It is a case for a change of coats.

_Andre_. But the countrymen are swarming in every highway--

_Joshua Smith_. They are all my friends. Every rebel is my
friend;--and--harkee,--every Tory is my friend--from Peekskill to New
York! You'll be as safe as the General himself,--and much more
comfortable,--till you reach the British Headquarters.

_Arnold_. [_To_ Andre.] He's right, Andre, he's right. It's a safer
way than the other when all's said. He knows every lane in the
country. [_More firing._] Here, take the papers. And God bless you!
There's no time to lose. This pass covers all routes. The patriots
know my hand and respect it. Off with you to King's Ferry, Peekskill,
and White Plains! Off with you both! Smith has mounts for both of
you; and you'll be in the city in twelve hours. All the words have
been said: the rest is action.

_Andre_. [_Shaking hands with_ Arnold.] Till we meet again.

_Arnold_. [_With a gesture._] There in the fort!
Sir Henry on his horse,
And Andre like a Genius at his side,
Guiding the host! That flag shall fall
When next we meet: up run the British colors!
England forever! Heart, take heart, my lad!
We cannot fail. The rest is counting gains.

_Andre_. I think this exploit shall make England glad
When I'm in the grave.

_Arnold_. Odso! Our names shall chronicle the hills,
And school-boys learn us. Go in haste, good Andre!
Keep your mouth shut. Let Smith do all the talking.
These papers make you seem some Britisher,
An agent or a spy. You will be safe.
In every war are trusted underlings
Who pass from camp to camp like contraband;
Always suspected and yet always safe.

_Andre_. I like not such protection. Must I creep
Beneath so mean a shelter,--seem a spy?
I would to Heaven my purposes were known
To every nob