“To-day Captain Hall unearthed some traces of what might possibly be a plot. But I am sorry to say that what he has discovered is not of sufficient directness to warrant our arresting any one. However, it affords us a most excellent beginning for a counter system of espionage; and that is what we have concluded to organize. It is well at first, though, to make no ornate attempts upon them; a modest beginning may bring much better results.”
“The fact that you are unknown in these parts is of some value,” spoke General Sullivan.
Putnam nodded.
“What we have learned shows that stranger recruits are more apt to be approached by the secret agents of the Tories than those known in New York and of settled local convictions,” said he. “And that, as General Sullivan wisely remarks, has value. What we propose is that you make your way to Harlem Heights, say to-morrow, spend a day or two in idling about in a desultory, unattached sort of way. Then go through the form of enlistment with Captain Hall, here, and after that follow up any track that circumstance leads you upon.”
“If you have any facts for me,” said George, “I will take them now; and to-morrow I will do as you suggest.”
“These papers,” said General Putnam, taking up a slim packet, “contain all the information that we have upon the subject. Take them into that room,” pointing to a small inner apartment, “and study them. But commit nothing to writing that might betray you, if found.”
George took the packet and entered the room indicated; seating himself at a window he began to examine the writings, document by document.
However, they yielded no great amount of data, being largely the names of suspected persons and their places of resort. Carefully he read down the list, thinking to come upon something that would give him a handhold.
“The sloop ‘Shark,’ Nathan Parks, master, suspected of carrying information to the British frigates,” met his eye without much meaning.
“Corporal Bacon of the artillery, thought to be in the pay of the Loyalists.