He gained the confidence of the Tory leaders so completely that he was allowed to examine the roll, and was shown an immense haystack in a meadow near the captain's house, which proved to be a framework covered with hay and capable of concealing forty or fifty men. A meeting of the company having been arranged for the next evening, he left his bed in the captain's house during the night ^previous, reported to the committee at White Plains, and was back in his bed before

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER

COUNTY

them, the family were stirring. The hand was duly surrounded and captured, Crosby among at Fishkill, byTownsend's Rangers, and marched to confinement in the old Dutch Church the church, where they were examined by the committee. By collusion, Crosby escaped from he escaped but was compelled to rush past the sentinels in the dark. They fired at him, hut unhurt. miles northwest By agreement with the committee he was known as John Smith. Twelve captain was of Marlborough he wormed out of a Tory farmer the information that an English of a desire to ruse his hiding in a cave near by, and trying to recruit a company. Repeating 177b, at a enlist the spy discovered that a meeting was to he held on Tuesday, November o, separately, barn on Butter Hill. Suggesting to the captain that they had best leave the cave due time with he departed and sent word to the committee. Crosby arrived at the barn m outside, the the Tories and laid down with them in the hay. Presently he heard a cough with the rangers. signal agreed upon, which he answered, and the barn was quickly filled purpose of Colonel Duer, of the committee of safety, had come with them for the express was ordered to protecting Crosby, and, indeed, had given the signal.