The traveler was shocked, but, assuming composure, he said, "I must do anything to get along," and with apparent unconcern he pulled from his pocket Arnold's passport, which read:
"Headquarters, Robinson's House, September 22, 1780.
Permit Mr. John Anderson to pass the guards to the White Plains, or below if he chooses, he being on public business by my direction.
"B. Arnold, Major-General."
Arnold's Passport
The suspicions of the young men were now thoroughly aroused. Making the traveler dismount, they searched every part of his clothing, but found nothing of importance.
"Try his boots," said Van Wart.
They compelled him to sit upon a log by the road-side, and, pulling off his boots, they discovered, by the bagging of his stocking-feet, several papers. These Paulding, the only one of the young men who could read, glanced over and exclaimed: