e ascertained that the Committee of Safety
were alone at Fishkill--the troops having gone abroad on some
expedition. Seizing the opportunity of their absence, he crossed the
river, and was soon at the residence of Mr. Duer.

"That Crosby was in more than ordinary danger in traversing the
country, was apparent both to himself and Mr. Duer. He was advised,
therefore, to repair to an honest old Dutchman's, who lived in a
retired place, some miles distant, and there wait until farther
orders.

"Accordingly, being furnished with a complete set of tools, he
proceeded to the appointed place, and was so fortunate as to find
ample employ for some time, under the very roof of his host.

"A few days only, however, had elapsed, when an express arrived,
bringing him a letter from Mr. Duer.

"The worthy old Dutchman was quite curious to know from whom the
letter came, and what was its purport.

"'Val,' said he, knocking the ashes from his pipe--'you know tee
shentlemen of tee armee? Vat for tey rite you?--eh?'

"Crosby waived an answer as well as he was able, informing his host
that he must be absent a short time, when he would return, and finish
the shoes.

"'Val,' said the Dutchman, 'how you go?--on shank's mare? You no
trudge so--you nebber get tere. Here, you Hauns! Puckle tee pest
shaddle on mine horse, and pring him to tee horse plock tirectly--you
hear?'

"The horse was brought out accordingly, and Crosby was soon on his way
to Fishkill. On his arrival, circumstances existed, which rendered it
imprudent for him to tarry, and he was directed to go to Dr. Miller's,
who kept an apothecary's shop at some distance, and there wait the
arrival of one of the Committee of Safety.

"On reaching the place, he inquired for Dr. Miller, who he was told
was absent. This information was given him by a girl, whom he was sure
he had seen before, but where he could not recollect.

"'If you wish to trade,' said the girl, 'I can wait upon you. Perhaps
you would like some of Dr. Miller's opiates. You recollect they are
quite powerful.'

"Crosby was on the point of exclaiming. But the girl whispered him to
be silent. 'These men,' said she, 'who are around us, are _whigs_, but
you must not let your name be known.'

"While thus conversing, and listening to the conversation of several
men, at the fire, a stranger entered the shop, and inquired for a vial
of medicine. Crosby recognized that it was Mr. Jay--so slipping out of
the door, h