When Captain Sutherland was announced in the office below, General Clinton brightened up and arose as he addressed his associate:
“Well, well, Mr. Barclugh, have you all of your effects ready to depart? I dislike to have you leave us so informally, but duty calls and there we are.”
“Oh, I’m ever ready,” was Barclugh’s prompt reply. “My whole wardrobe and effects are on my person.”
Captain Sutherland was ordered to proceed down the coast of Jersey, and land his passenger on the Jersey coast opposite Philadelphia, but in no case to sacrifice the safety of the passenger. Obey the passenger as to the place and manner of landing, and in no case to let his presence on the ship be known. Not even Captain Sutherland could be informed as to the business or name of Barclugh; he was simply introduced as Mr. Gustavus.
The Captain of the Albatross and Barclugh mounted their horses and proceeded to Paules’ Hook landing in the early hours of the morning.
When Barclugh and his companion had reached the landing and were walking briskly to the ship’s boat, out of the darkness came the figure of a female, who walked up to the two and touched Barclugh on the arm.
Barclugh stopped in amazement and looked upon the creature inquiringly, and asked:
“My good woman, what can I do for you?”
“Nothing, sir,” sweetly replied the mysterious woman, “I was looking for my brother who was coming down to the ferry, and I thought that you were he,” she continued in the voice of a well-trained Indian girl.
Barclugh was in a hurry to embark and did not make any note of the incident, for he could not clearly see the face of his questioner in the darkness. He passed on and boarded the Albatross, as he thought to himself, to perfect his security.