The reader is not to suppose that captain Willoughby’s own mind was absolutely made up to fly into open rebellion.  Far from it.  He had his doubts and misgivings on the subjects of both principles and prudence, but he inclined strongly to the equity of the demands of the Americans.  Independence, or separation, if thought of at all in 1775 entered into the projects of but very few; the warmest wish of the most ardent of the whigs of the colonies being directed toward compromise, and a distinct recognition of their political franchises.  The events that followed so thickly were merely the consequences of causes which, once set in motion, soon attained an impetus that defied ordinary human control.  It was doubtless one of the leading incidents of the great and mysterious scheme of Divine Providence for the government of the future destinies of man, that political separation should commence, in this hemisphere, at that particular juncture, to be carried out, ere the end of a century, to its final and natural conclusion.

But the present interview was less to debate the merits of any disputed question, than to consult on the means of future intercourse, and to determine on what was best to be done at the present moment.  After discussing the matter, pro and con, it was decided that the major should quit the Knoll the next day, and return to Boston, avoiding Albany and those points of the country in which he would be most exposed to detection.  So many persons were joining the American forces that were collecting about the besieged town, that his journeying on the proper road would excite no suspicion; and once in the American camp, nothing would be easier than to find his way into the peninsula.  All this young Willoughby felt no difficulty in being able to accomplish, provided he could get into the settlements without being followed by information of his real character.  The period of spies, and of the severe exercise of martial-law, was not yet reached; and all that was apprehended was detention.  Of the last, however, there was great danger; positive certainty, indeed, in the event of discovery; and major Willoughby had gleaned enough during his visit, to feel some apprehensions of being betrayed.  He regretted having brought his servant with him; for the man was a European, and by his dulness and speech might easily get them both into difficulties.  So serious, indeed, was this last danger deemed by the father, that he insisted on Robert’s starting without the man, leaving the last to follow, on the first suitable occasion.

As soon as this point was settled, there arose the question of the proper guide.  Although he distrusted the Tuscarora, captain Willoughby, after much reflection, came to the opinion that it would be safer to make an ally of him, than to give him an opportunity of being employed by the other side.  Nick was sent for, and questioned.  He promised to take the major to the Hudson, at a point between Lunenburg and Kinderhook, where he would be likely to cross the river without awakening suspicion; his own reward to depend on his coming back to the Hutted Knoll with a letter from the major, authorizing the father to pay him for his services.  This plan, it was conceived, would keep Nick true to his faith, for the time being, at least.