“Tell him we may be wronged, our best motives misunderstood, our most earnest efforts unappreciated, but nothing can really disgrace us so long as we are true to our duty.”
Changing horses at the stables, the four scouts continued their journey. Down the west bank of the river they hastened, stopping occasionally at the houses of well-known patriots, but hearing nothing of any reinforcements for Burgoyne. Two days later they were at West Point, closeted with its commander. When they had made known the purpose of their long journey, he said:
“Return to your commander-in-chief with the assurance that he has nothing to fear from any force General Clinton can send up the Hudson. He has attempted that move already, and after capturing Fort Clinton and Fort Montgomery, was compelled to turn back. Burgoyne has no hope of succor from this quarter.”
Their mission accomplished, the young messengers, after a night’s rest, set out on their return. Ten miles above the fort they halted in a beautiful spot to allow their panting horses a breathing-time. The heavy trees in their autumn foliage screened the travelers from any one on the river, unless very near at hand, therefore it happened that a canoe, sweeping around the bend a little below, was seen by them before its single occupant became aware of their whereabouts.
While Late and Joe led the horses back farther among the foliage lest they attract attention, the other two scouts concealed themselves behind a large rock to watch the approaching voyager. At length Dan Cushing’s keen eyes recognized him, and he whispered in greatest excitement:
[“It is the courier, George Preston!”]
CHAPTER XVI.
THE BITTER AND THE SWEET.
“Yes, it is the courier sure enough,” Philip said, “and he is probably going to Burgoyne’s camp with a message from General Clinton. If we could capture him, we might find out what Sir Henry proposes to do.”
“We wouldn’t unless we had better luck than when we caught him the time before,” Dan replied grimly.
The lieutenant laughed. “You are right; but we’ll hope for better luck this time.”