“It so happened, fortunately, that Mr. Young was still up, although his family had all retired.  A light was still burning, and Crosby made for the door, which led into the room where Mr. Young sat.

“He gave a gentle rap at the door, which was soon cautiously opened—­ cautiously, because it was now late—­and, in those times, no one knew when he was safe.  The light fell on Crosby’s face, and the searching eye of Mr. Young followed.

“‘Sir,’ said Crosby, in haste to make his excuse, ’I understand you are a true friend to your country, and I have important—­’

“‘Come in, come in,’ said Mr. Young—­the expression of Crosby’s face carrying more conviction of honesty, than words could do—­’come in—­ you travel late—­’

“‘I have reason for it,’ replied the now animated soldier—­’ I am told you are a friend to the upper party—­I have something to tell you which may be important.”

“‘What is it,’ asked Mr. Young.

“‘Sir,’ said Crosby—­’do you know the character of the people who live around you?’

“‘I think I do,’ said Mr. Young.

“‘They are traitors,’ said Crosby.

“‘Many are—­too many,’ said Mr. Young—­’but they pass for friends, and it is difficult to discriminate—­difficult to bring them to justice.’

“‘Well!’ said Crosby, ’I have the means of pointing them out.  I have been among them—­I know them—­I know their plans—­and—­’

“‘Can you give me their names?’ eagerly inquired Mr. Young—­at the same time rising from his seat.

“‘I can do more,’ rejoined Crosby—­and then he went on to relate the interviews which he had had—­and about the contemplated meeting of the company, two nights following—­’and,’ said the soldier, ’if you will assist me, we will join them, as I promised, and make them march to the tune of good old ‘yankee doodle,’ instead of ‘God save the king.’

“‘With all my heart,’ exclaimed Mr. Young—­taking down his hat—­’no time is to be lost—­the committee of safety are at White Plains—­they must know it to-night.’”

William. “‘The committee of safety!’ father, who were they?”

Gen. P.  “Your inquiry is well suggested.  The committee of safety consisted of men of distinction friendly to the liberties of their country.  They were appointed in almost every district throughout the land.  It was their business to watch over the interest of the country in their vicinity, to obtain information, and, when necessary, to seize upon suspected persons.”

William.  “Who were the committee at White Plains?”

Gen. P.  “The principal man was John Jay, who afterwards went ambassador to England.

“Mr. Young and Crosby were soon on their way to White Plains, which lay but a few miles distant.  Crosby was not a little fatigued; but his zeal was now all alive, and made him quite forget his weariness.

“It was near two o’clock, before they reached the quarters of Mr. Jay.  He was soon summoned, and listened with deep interest to the tale of Crosby.  It was important intelligence—­precisely the information desired, he said; and he promised, at early dawn, to call the committee together, and consult what should be done.