Finding that he should not able to procure a boat he asked for a cord in order that he might construct a raft for the purpose of crossing Haerlem river with dry clothes. She supplied him with one of her bed-cords, and also, at his request, with a bottle of brandy and some crackers. A signal was agreed upon between them, upon hearing which he was to escape from the house where he was in
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more danger than in the Sugar House. He waited a long time in suspense. The door was tried several times. At length the favorable moment arrived, and Mrs. Day made the signal (that is, three taps on the lower hinge of the door) which informed him that he might now retreat in safety. It was nearly dark when he reached Haerlem river, but it was a moonlight night, in prospect, and in a short time he con- -structed out of some rails and his rope a tolerable raft upon which he secured his clothes and refreshments. He then pushed out into the stream, but when near the middle of the Creek, his strength, which had been much reduced by sickness while in prison, began to fail, and, in addition to this, he was attacked by the cramp. Weary and discouraged he now began to despair, and, for a while, relaxed all further efforts to get across. At length, a large bird
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alighted upon his clothes, and, after remaining awhile, again took wing and flew to the West chester shore. Regarding this as a good omen, he summoned up all his remaining powers, and, after struggling for a long time forward with the raft, he at last gained footing upon the Morrisania shore. He was scarcely able to stand upright when he reached land.