Arnold. It is a case for a change of coats.
André. But the countrymen are swarming in every highway—
Joshua Smith. They are all my friends. Every rebel is my friend;—and—harkee,—every Tory is my friend—from Peekskill to New York! You'll be as safe as the General himself,—and much more comfortable,—till you reach the British Headquarters.
Arnold. [To André.] He's right, André, he's right. It's a safer way than the other when all's said. He knows every lane in the country. [More firing.] Here, take the papers. And God bless you! There's no time to lose. This pass covers all routes. The patriots know my hand and respect it. Off with you to King's Ferry, Peekskill, and White Plains! Off with you both! Smith has mounts for both of you; and you'll be in the city in twelve hours. All the words have been said: the rest is action.
André. [Shaking hands with Arnold.] Till we meet again.
Arnold. [With a gesture.] There in the fort!
Sir Henry on his horse,
And André like a Genius at his side,
Guiding the host! That flag shall fall
When next we meet: up run the British colors!
England forever! Heart, take heart, my lad!
We cannot fail. The rest is counting gains.
André. I think this exploit shall make England glad
When I'm in the grave.
Arnold. Odso! Our names shall chronicle the hills,
And school-boys learn us. Go in haste, good André!
Keep your mouth shut. Let Smith do all the talking.
These papers make you seem some Britisher,
An agent or a spy. You will be safe.
In every war are trusted underlings
Who pass from camp to camp like contraband;
Always suspected and yet always safe.
André. I like not such protection. Must I creep
Beneath so mean a shelter,—seem a spy?
I would to Heaven my purposes were known
To every noble nature in the earth!
Arnold. Off! And the nearest way!