But no sooner had Mollie departed than very serious matters presented themselves for discussion between Dr. Greydon and his wife about their only daughter.
Dr. Greydon arose and taking his wife by the hand, said in his most tender tones:
“Martha, my dear, we have astounding revelations to discuss, and I wish that you would come into my office and there go over the matter with me.”
“Very well, William,” assented Mrs. Greydon. “I hope that it is not very bad news,” she continued as she took Dr. Greydon’s arm and both went to the office in the south elevation of the quadrangle of buildings.
Dr. Greydon led the way to the office and conducted his wife to a large easy-chair, when he sat down at his desk and began to discuss the important matters on his mind.
“My dear Martha, our Segwuna returned from New York to-night and came to my office. She brought me the news about General Arnold and Major Andre. She also informed me that our Mr. Barclugh has been the secret agent of the British in Philadelphia, and has been in secret communication with General Clinton for the purpose of carrying out Arnold’s plot,—the surrender of West Point to the enemy.”
“What! Mr. Barclugh, the agent of the British!” exclaimed Mrs. Greydon.
“Yes, the agent of the British! He had offered General Arnold twenty thousand pounds sterling and a Brigadier-Generalship in the English army.”
“Oh, what perfidy,” cried Mrs. Greydon. “How does Segwuna know these things?”
“She followed Mr. Barclugh to New York and saw him with Major Andre and General Clinton. She learned much while nursing him during his case of the peste; and finally she went to New York and interviewed Major Andre, who showed his concern at what Segwuna knew of the plot.