Having solicited their host in vain to receive a compensation for the civilities he had rendered, they mounted and took the road leading to Pine's Bridge," which crosses the Croton River on the way to North Castle. The countenance of Andre brightened, when he was fairly beyond the reach of the patrolling party; and, as he thought, he left behind him the principal difficulties in his route. His cheerfulness revived, and he conversed, in the most animated and agreeable strain, upon a great

a Spark's Life of Arnold, 214, 215, 216, 21T.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

variety of topics. Smith professes to have been astonished at the sudden and extraordinary change which appeared in him, from a gloomy taciturnity to an exuberant flow of spirits, pleasantry and gay discourse. He talked upon poetry, the arts, and literature; lamented the war, and hoped for a speedy peace."a As they passed Major Strang's house, two miles below Yorktown church, they were observed by its inmates, who supposed them to be Continental officers. "In this manner they passed along without being accosted by any person, till they came within two miles and a half of Pine's Bridge. At this place Smith had determined to end his journey in the direction of White Plains. The Cow-boys, whom he seemed anxious to avoid, had recently been above the bridge, and the territory below was considered their appropriate domain. The travellers partook of a frugal breakfast together, at the house of a good Dutch woman, who had been plundered by three marauders, but who was yet enabled to set before them a repast of hasty pudding and milk.6 This being dispatched, Smith divided his small stock of paper money with Andre, took a final leave, and, with his servant, hastened back to Peekskill, and the same evening to Fishkill, where he had left his family four days before, at the house of his brother-in-law.