The scene of confusion in the room was, for some minutes, quite animated. Burgoyne’s subordinates rushed in, with drawn swords, calling for lights, and feeling around in the darkness with their weapons. Then came the tramp of feet and clash of arms in the passage, as a number of the headquarter dragoons came running in, some carrying torches, and all with drawn pistols.
The room was thoroughly explored, and the mystery deepened, for not a trace of the intruder was found. There lay the murdered soldier, and there was the commander, in the arms of Baron Reidesel, slowly recovering from the rough handling he had undergone, but nothing remained of the demoniac visitor, save the overturned candlesticks. General Fraser—the quartermaster-general—General Philips, Sir Francis Clark, and most of Burgoyne’s staff, searched the room, trying to discover some means of exit, but found none. Every panel was sounded, but none seemed hollow, and the General himself put an end to the search by saying:
“Let it pass, gentlemen. Some ingenious scoundrel has been here, but he is doubtless away by this time. We will visit the pickets. It shall never be said that his majesty’s officers were frightened by a juggler. Order up the horses.”
“But you are not fit to ride out, General,” objected Philips.
“I am always fit to do my duty, sir,” answered Burgoyne, coldly. “Come, gentlemen, we have wasted too much time already.”
The courage of the commander was evidently far from being shaken by his appalling visitation. He had not said a word of its nature yet, and his staff were still puzzled, but Sir John’s decided manner overbore all opposition, and they silently followed him to the horses, which were already in waiting. Then, as calmly as if nothing had occurred, the General proceeded on his trip to the outposts.
Burgoyne’s manner was absent and thoughtful as he rode along, mechanically taking the direction of the outposts. Two dragoons rode in advance of the party to answer the challenges, and they soon arrived at the picket reserve, toward the American army.
The officer in command was called up, and taken aside by the General, who questioned him closely.
“Has any disturbance occurred in your front to-night, sir?”
“Not yet, General, but—”