He consented to cross the King's Ferry (from Stony to Yerplanck's Point), and make his way back to Xew York by land. He exchanged his military coat for a citizen's dress, placed the papers received from Arnold in his stockings under his feet, and at a little before sunset on the evening of the 22nd of September, accompanied by Smith and a negro servant, all mounted, made his way towards King's Ferry, bearing the following pass, in the event of his being challenged within the American lines : --

^^Head-quarters, Robinson'' s House, Sej)t. 22, 1780.

" Permit Mr. John Anderson to pass the Guards to the White Plains, or below, if he chooses, he being on public business by my direction.

"]i. Aknold, JIdJor- General.^ y

334 THE HUDSON.

At twilight they passed through the works at Verplanck's Point, unsuspected, and then turned their faces towards the White Phxins, the interior route to New York, f Andre was moody and silent. He had disobeyed the orders of his commander by receiving papers, and was involuntarily a spy, in every sense of the word, within the enemy's lines. Eight miles from Yerplanck's they were hailed by a sentinel. Arnold's pass was presented, and the travellers were about to pass on, when the officer on duty advised them to remain until morning, because of dangers on the road. After much persuasion, Andre consented to remain, but passed a sleepless night.^ At an early hour the party were in the saddle, and at Pine's Bridge over the Crotou, Andre, with a lighter heart, parted company with Smith and his servant^having been assured that he was then upon the neutral ground, beyond the reach of the American patrolling parties.