What impulse of chance or Providence led Washington, with Knox and Lafayette, to change his i)lan of breakfasting with Arnold, baffles conjecture. We onh' know^ that the General and his aides turned aside to inspect some fortifications and sent a note to apprise Arnold of the fact, and that in that \'erv hour Colonel Jameson s fatuous letter, informing him of Andre's capture, was delivered to him as he sat at the breakfast table with his wife.

The mine had exploded beneath Arnold's feet; yet in this awful moment he gave an evidence of that quickness of mind which had won laurels for him when in the path of duty. Controlling the dismay which must have smitten him to the heart, he beckoned Mrs. Arnold from the breakfast table, signifying a wish to speak with her in private. When alone with her in her room up-stairs, he announced in hurried words that he was a ruined man and must instantly fly for his life! Overcome by the shock, she fell senseless to the floor. Without pausing to aid her, he hurried down-stairs, sent the messenger to her assistance, probably to keep him from an interview with the other officers; returned to the breakfast-room and informed his guests that he must haste to West Point to prepare for the reception of the commander-in-chief; and, mounting the horse of the messenger, wiiich stood saddled at the door, galloped down by what is still called Arnold's Path, to the landing-place, where his six-oared barge was moored. Throwing himself into it, he ordered his men to pull out into the middle of the river, and then made down with all speed.