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.

Another hour revealed the treachery, but the traitor was out of reach.

382 The Hudson River

The landing where Arnold kept his barge in readiness for such an emergency as he was finally compelled to face was where a jutting promontory makes out into the river above Anthony's Nose. The Catholic Institute, formerly a hotel, that forms a conspicuous landmark south of the Point, has been the resting-place for many a distinguished visitor in years gone by. About 1850, Willis wrote to his friend and partner, Morris, as follows:

Within a stone's throw from the portico of the hotel, upon a knoll half hidden with trees, stands one of the most beautiful structures, of its kind, in this country -- a stone church, of English rural architecture, built by the painter, Robert Weir. The story of its construction is a touching poem. When Mr. Weir received ten thousand dollars from the government for liis picture on the panel of the Capitol, he invested it, untouched, for the benefit of his three children. On the death of these children -- all three -- soon after, the money reverted to him, but he had a feeling which forbade him to use it.