Smith answered these questions promptly, adding tiiat he had a pass from General Arnold, and desired not to be detained. The captain was not yet satisfied, but inquired how far he meant to go that night ; to which he replied, as far as Major Strang's or Colonel Drake's ; but this only increased the embarrassment, for the captain informed him that Major Strang was not at home and Colonel Drake had removed to another part of the country.

208 HISTORY OF THE

Captain Boyd then said that he must see the passport, and, it being dark, they went to a house at a small distance to procure a light. Andre began to be a little alarmed, and advanced with reluctance towards the house, till he was encouraged by Smith, who assured him that Arnold's pass would certainly protect them.

And so it proved ; for the pass was expressed in positive terms, and there was no room to doubt its genuineness or its authority.

The Captain was afterwards more bland in his manner, but the ardor of his curiosity was not diminished. He took Smith aside, and begged to be informed of this important business which carried him down so near the enemy's lines, and induced him and his companion to travel so dangerous a road in the night. As an apology for this inquiry he manifested a good deal of concern for their safety, telling him that the cow-boys had recently been out, and were believed then to be for up the country, and he advised him by all means not to proceed till mornins:. Smith prevaricated as well as he could, saying to Captain Boyd, that he and his fellow-traveller, whom he called Mr. Anderson, were employed by General Arnold to procure intelligence, that they expected to meet' a person near White Plains for that purpose, and that it was necessary for them to go foru'ard as expeditiously as possible.