“Accordingly, having prepared a letter, he hastened, on the setting in of evening, to fulfil his purpose.  In this he succeeded to his wishes; and, before the usual hour of rest, had returned, without exciting the suspicion of any one.

“The important Tuesday evening, at length, arrived, and brought together, at the appointed place, the captain and about thirty tories.

“Crosby was early on the spot, and before eleven, he was the only individual of the whole class, who was not quietly asleep.

“At length, some one without was heard by him to cough.  This being the signal agreed upon, Crosby coughed in return; and the next minute, the barn was filled with a body of captain Townsend’s celebrated rangers;—­’surrender!’ exclaimed Townsend, in a tone, which brought every tory upon his feet—­’surrender! or, by the life of Washington, you’ll not see day light again.’

“It was in vain to resist, and the English officer delivered up his sword.

“‘Call your muster-roll,’ ordered Capt.  Townsend.

“The Englishman did as directed; and, at length, came to the name of Enoch Crosby.

“No one answered.  Crosby had concealed him self, with the hope of escaping—­but, finding this impossible, he presented himself before Captain Townsend, and Col.  Duer, one of the committee of safety, who was present.

“‘Ah! is it you, Crosby?’ asked Townsend.  ’You had light heels at Fishkill; but, my word for it, you will find them heavy enough after this.’

“‘Who is he?’ inquired Col.  Duer, as if he knew him not, though he knew him well, yet not daring to recognize him.

“‘Who is he!’ exclaimed Townsend, ’Enoch Crosby, sir—­like an eel, slipping out of one’s finger’s as water runs down hill—­but he’ll not find it so easy a matter to escape again.’

“The party were soon on their way to Fishkill, where they arrived in the course of an hour or two, and lodged their prisoners in the old Dutch church.

“Crosby was not thus fortunate.  Townsend’s quarters were at some distance, and to these Crosby was quite civilly invited to go, as the captain declared, that he wished to have him under his own eye.

“On his arrival, Crosby was placed in a room by himself—­was heavily ironed, and a trusty guard detached to see that he came to ’no harm,’ as the captain said.

“During the expedition, which had occupied some twelve or fourteen hours, the company had fasted.  Supper was therefore prepared with some haste, after the return of the officer, who, on sitting down, fairly gorged himself with food and wine.

“About midnight Crosby was unexpectedly awakened, by a gentle shake.  On opening his eyes, whom should he see before him but a female, who assisted in doing the work of the family.  ‘Here, Enoch Crosby.’ said she, ’rise and follow me—­say nothing—­hold fast your chains.”

[Illustration]

“Crosby was not at first satisfied, whether it were a dream or a reality; but quite willing to make his escape, he rose as he was bid, and followed her.