“Well, it seems to have made no difference. Young Brewster has handled the thing most cleverly. And nothing but the severest blows would do the rascals,” continued Sterling. “They aspire to blowing up our important magazines, and not content with that, they must needs have the life of the commander-in-chief.”
“May I ask, general, what names have been mentioned?”
The thought which George had been trying to stifle all the way into the city had finally found expression.
“A sergeant named Hickey is deep in it. You have seen him, perhaps.”
“Frequently. He was a deserter from the British, I think, and was used to drill our men.”
“That is the very fellow. More than likely his desertion was a blind; he was probably sent to take service with us so that he could try his hand at corrupting our soldiers, as he has been doing.”
“Are there any others?”
“David Matthews, Tory mayor of the city, has been distributing money to enlist men and purchase arms. A number of General Washington’s body-guard is mentioned and will be seized as soon as the word is given.”
Lord Sterling paused for a moment, and then continued:
“There is still another person suspected. However, he has been very careful and little has been found against him. And he is, perhaps, more to be feared than any of the others.”