ce for you; America has no arm that can reach you if you
gain the deck of that ship."

By following the bank of the river, Birch led the way free from
observation until they reached a point opposite to the frigate,[131]
when, by making a signal, a boat was induced to approach.

[Footnote 131: a ship of war.]

Some time was spent and much precaution used before the seamen would
trust themselves ashore; but Henry having finally succeeded in making
the officer in command of the party credit his assertions, he was able
to rejoin his companions in arms in safety.

Before taking leave of Birch, the captain handed him his purse, which
was tolerably well supplied for the times.

The boat pulled from the shore, and Birch turned on his heel, drawing
his breath like one relieved, and shot up the hills with the strides
for which he was famous.

CHAPTER XXIII.

WASHINGTON'S LAST MEETING WITH THE SPY.

It was at the close of a stormy day in September that a large
assemblage of officers was collected near the door of a building that
was situated in the heart of the American troops, who held the
Jerseys. The age, the dress, and the dignity of deportment of most of
these warriors indicated them to be of high rank, but to one in
particular was paid a deference[132] and obedience that announced him
to be of the highest. His dress was plain, but it bore the usual
military distinctions of command. He was mounted on a noble steed of a
deep bay, and a group of young men, in gayer attire, evidently awaited
his pleasure and did his bidding. Many a hat was lifted as its owner
addressed this officer, and when he spoke, a profound attention,
exceeding the respect of mere professional etiquette,[133] was
exhibited on every countenance. At length the general raised his own
hat and bowed gravely to all around him. The salute was returned, and
the party dispersed, leaving the officer without a single attendant
except his body servants and one aid-de-camp. Dismounting, he stepped
back a few paces, and for a moment viewed the condition of his horse
with the eye of one who well understood the animal; then, casting a
brief but expressive glance at his aid, he retired into the building,
followed by that gentleman.

[Footnote 132: respect.]

[Footnote 133: forms required by good breeding.]

On entering the apartment that was apparently fitted for his
reception, he took a seat, and continued for a long time in a
thoughtf