“‘I’ll promise no such thing,’ said Crosby.  ’I’m willing to go—­ indeed, I would, not stay in such a habitation as this; but I’ll not be driven.’

“Crosby well knew that prudence required his departure; and with some deliberation, he shouldered his pack once more, and with a short ’good by’—­left the house.  At the distance of a mile, he found lodgings where he slept unmolested.

“On the following morning, he ascertained that the Committee of Safety were alone at Fishkill—­the troops having gone abroad on some expedition.  Seizing the opportunity of their absence, he crossed the river, and was soon at the residence of Mr. Duer.

“That Crosby was in more than ordinary danger in traversing the country, was apparent both to himself and Mr. Duer.  He was advised, therefore, to repair to an honest old Dutchman’s, who lived in a retired place, some miles distant, and there wait until farther orders.

“Accordingly, being furnished with a complete set of tools, he proceeded to the appointed place, and was so fortunate as to find ample employ for some time, under the very roof of his host.

“A few days only, however, had elapsed, when an express arrived, bringing him a letter from Mr. Duer.

“The worthy old Dutchman was quite curious to know from whom the letter came, and what was its purport.

“‘Val,’ said he, knocking the ashes from his pipe—­’you know tee shentlemen of tee armee?  Vat for tey rite you?—­eh?’

“Crosby waived an answer as well as he was able, informing his host that he must be absent a short time, when he would return, and finish the shoes.

“‘Val,’ said the Dutchman, ’how you go?—­on shank’s mare?  You no trudge so—­you nebber get tere.  Here, you Hauns!  Puckle tee pest shaddle on mine horse, and pring him to tee horse plock tirectly—­you hear?’

“The horse was brought out accordingly, and Crosby was soon on his way to Fishkill.  On his arrival, circumstances existed, which rendered it imprudent for him to tarry, and he was directed to go to Dr. Miller’s, who kept an apothecary’s shop at some distance, and there wait the arrival of one of the Committee of Safety.

“On reaching the place, he inquired for Dr. Miller, who he was told was absent.  This information was given him by a girl, whom he was sure he had seen before, but where he could not recollect.

“‘If you wish to trade,’ said the girl, ’I can wait upon you.  Perhaps you would like some of Dr. Miller’s opiates.  You recollect they are quite powerful.’

“Crosby was on the point of exclaiming.  But the girl whispered him to be silent.  ‘These men,’ said she, ’who are around us, are whigs, but you must not let your name be known.’

“While thus conversing, and listening to the conversation of several men, at the fire, a stranger entered the shop, and inquired for a vial of medicine.  Crosby recognized that it was Mr. Jay—­so slipping out of the door, he pretended to be admiring the stranger’s fine horse, when Mr. Jay came out; and, as he mounted, whispered to Crosby to return to the Dutchman’s, and wait for farther orders.