“Across the Hudson making ready to advance on the rebels who are entrenched at Bemis Heights. Now that the colonel has retreated I shall get together my men and go to his help.”
“What is the outlook?”
Brant was silent for some time, as if thinking the situation over, then said frankly: “I cannot tell. Now that the rebels have a new commander, I believe Burgoyne has fair chance of success.”
“A new rebel commander?” cried David Daggett. “What has become of old Schuyler?”
“He has been removed, and a man named Gates,[6] from New England, put in his place.”
“Removed for what?” interrupted Hiram Le Geyt.
The Indian laughed. “It is a long story. Master Turnbull will tell it.”
To say that the three scouts in the loft were amazed at this revelation, is a mild statement. Even in the darkness they gazed at each other with an intensity which could be felt if not seen. Then, with ears strained to catch every word, they listened to the tale of the spy.
“It has been my latest work,” Turnbull began, “and one I am proud of. We may as well admit what we all know, that Schuyler is the ablest man the rebels could have chosen for this northern campaign. Too able, as many of us who were watching the movements of both armies, soon discovered, and we decided he must be removed if Burgoyne was to win.
“I was sent into New England, as a good patriot of course, to stir up a feeling against him, and raise a clamor for his removal. I claimed that by allowing St. Clair to abandon Ticonderoga, and by evacuating Fort Edward, he had left an open gate for the enemy to pour into the East. I said nothing about his fortifying Bemis Heights, nor of the skilful way in which he had maneuvered to delay his opponent until the latter’s stores were exhausted. I dwelt only on what seemed to be grievous mistakes. And I succeeded, the clamor was raised, and now the mighty is fallen. Schuyler is down and out.”