“At last, Major Andre, my hour of deliverance has come! I hope no difficulties stand in the way of our plans.”
Andre was more than eager for the exploit,—he was rashly anxious. His voice showed evident emotion when he said:
“General Arnold, we stand ready to carry out our part. Can you surrender West Point?”
“I am able to surrender to your forces the stronghold of our hopes, and end the war for the mother country. It will be a blessing to my countrymen and an everlasting benefit to the kingdom of Great Britain. But, sir, how am I to be sure that the promise made me by Roderick Barclugh will be carried out?” was the reply given the question of Andre.
“General Arnold, I am the authorized representative of His Britannic Majesty and for your services to the King you are to be paid twenty thousand pounds sterling, part of which has already been advanced by Mr. Barclugh, and you are to receive a commission as Brigadier-General in His Majesty’s service. These emoluments are dependent upon your accomplishment of your own proposals.”
“That’s all correct, Major Andre,” returned Arnold, “but how am I to realize these terms if by chance you were to be killed or I was to be detected in this business? My only safety is in having the whole matter drawn up in the form of a writing.”
“But we cannot do such things here in the dark, General Arnold. You had better defer too much formality for the sake of safety. You are dealing with gentlemen,” argued Andre.
“But governments have no gratitude,” retorted Arnold, smarting under his experience with Congress.
“Yet, how can we write in these bushes?” continued Andre. “I cannot see my hand. I propose to get back to the ship from here.”
“There is no use for haste in our conclusions in this matter,” argued Arnold. “I have to submit to you the plans of the works at West Point, the disposal of the garrison, the time of the attack and how you shall approach. I have brought an extra horse and you can ride with me to the house of Mr. Smith. I shall guarantee you protection and safety in returning to your lines.”