amed the _Isis_, a
sloop well known to sea-faring men of this city? She is owned by
Philadelphia citizens and manned by a local crew. Does not this strike
you as remarkably strange and significant,--that a vessel of this
character should clear this port and enter the port of the enemy without
flying the enemy's flag? Think of it, gentlemen! An American vessel with
an American crew employed by the enemy, and chartered to aid and abet
the enemy's cause!"

They resumed their seats to give their undivided attention to this new
topic of interest. Some sat alert, only partly on the chair; some sat
forward with their chins resting in the palms of their hands. So
absorbed were all in astonishment and amazement, that no other thought
gave them any concern save that of the vessel. The side door had opened
and closed, yet no one seemed to notice the occurrence. Even Stephen had
failed to observe it.

"As a matter of fact," he continued, "the ship has not been chartered by
the enemy. She is about to clear this port and enter the port of the
enemy by virtue of a pass issued through General Arnold.... Please, just
a moment, until I conclude," he exclaimed, holding out his hand with a
restraining gesture. "This matter has heretofore been a close secret,
but it is necessary now that the truth should be known. To issue a pass
for such an errand is a violation of the American Articles of War and
for this offense I now formally charge Major-General Benedict Arnold
with treason."

"The traitor!... Court-martial him!..." shouted several voices.

"I charge him with being unfaithful to his trust. He had made use of our
wagons to transport the property of the enemy at a time when the lines
of communication of the enemy were no farther distant than Egg Harbor.
He has allowed many of our people to enter and leave the lines of the
enemy. He has illegally concerned himself over the profits of a
privateer. He has imposed, or at any rate has given his sanction to the
imposition of menial offices upon the sons of freedom who are now
serving in the militia, as was the case with young Matlack, which you
will remember. And he has of late improperly granted a pass for a vessel
to clear for the port of the enemy. I desire to make these charges
publicly in order that you may know that my criticisms are not without
foundation. I have in view your welfare alone."

"Aye!... We believe you!... Let us adjourn!"

"Let me ask Mr. Anderson one or two questi