and looked at her handkerchief. Then she stood up.

"Come, let us go," he said after he had assisted her.

They walked together towards the boat.

CHAPTER II

I

It has been said with more truth than poetic fancy that the descent to
Avernus is easy. It may be said, too, with equal assurance, that once
General Arnold had committed himself to treachery and perfidy, his story
becomes sickening, and in the judgment of his countrymen, devoid of no
element of horror whether in its foul beginnings or in its wretched end.
Once his mind had been definitely committed to the treacherous purpose,
which loomed like a beacon light before him in the shaping of his
destiny, his descent to the depths of degradation was rapid and fatal.
The court-martial, together with its subsequent reprimand, had been
accepted by him with the greatest animosity. From that hour his thirst
for vengeance knew no restraint. One thing alone was necessary to his
evil plans: he must secure an important command in the Continental Army.

Some time before he had asked for a change of post, or at least for a
grant of land with permission to retire to private life, but this was
under the inspiration of a motive of an entirely different nature. Now
he had specifically asked for a command in the army, adding that his leg
was quite healed and that he was fit physically for field duty. In
entering this demand, he was actuated by a different motive--the motive
of George Monk, the Duke of Albemarle, the Commander-in-chief of the
forces of three kingdoms.

It is true that Washington had been devoted to him and remained faithful
to him until the very end. To reprimand his favorite General was a
painful duty. But it was performed with delicate and genuine tenderness.
His Excellency had promised to do whatever lay within his power to
enable his beloved General to recover the esteem of his fellow-men and
he was glad to furnish him with every opportunity of effecting real and
lasting service. He wrote him at once offering him leave of absence.
Congress then ordered "That the sum of $25,000 be advanced to Major
General Arnold on account of his pay." Finally a general order was
issued by the Commander-in-chief himself appointing General Arnold
Commander of the Right Wing of the American Army. The restoration so
long awaited was at length achieved.

Arnold at once began to make preparations for his departure from the
city. His privateering ventures had been clea