He looked at him savagely.
"Do you think I'm a fool?"
"'The fool knows more in his own house than a wise man does in another's.' I merely suggest, that is all."
"My answer is,—absolutely, No!"
There was silence.
"I know that Roman Catholic influence is beginning to reveal itself in the army. Washington is well disposed toward them and they are good soldiers. Time was when they were less conspicuous; but nowadays every fool legislature is throwing public offices open to them and soon France will exercise the same control over these states as she now wields across the seas."
"Would you be in league with France?" asked Anderson with a wavering tremor in his voice.
"God knows how I detest it! But I have sworn to defend the cause of my country and I call this shattered limb to witness how well I have spent myself in her behalf. I once entertained the hope that our efforts would be crowned with success, nevertheless I must confess that the more protracted grows the struggle, the more the conviction is forced upon me that our cause is mistaken, if not entirely wrong, and destined to perish miserably. Still, I shall not countenance open rebellion. I could not."
"You will continue to advise me. I am little acquainted with the city, you know, and it would be difficult for me to avoid dangerous risks."
Arnold thought for a minute, his features overcast by a scowl which closed his eyes to the merest chinks.