"As I do," said Mrs. Leland, "but, since a choice has to be made, I propose that—if no one prefers any other place—we go to West Point to-morrow."
That motion was put to vote, and the decision given in its favor was unanimous.
"Thinking of going there reminds me of Arnold and his treachery," remarked Lucilla. "Can't we go and see the Robinson House, on the other side of the river, papa?"
"I don't know that visitors are admitted to the mansion now, but we can drive past and view the outside and the grounds," replied the captain. "The house is now called Beverly, the dock from which Arnold made his escape Beverly Dock."
"He got into a boat, papa?" asked Neddie.
"Yes; into his barge, which conveyed him to the British ship Vulture."
"Oh, can't you tell us the whole story of it now, papa, and let us go to the place to-morrow?"
"That might be possible," returned the captain, "if no one objects to hearing a rehearsal of the old story."
No one had any objection, and the captain proceeded with the narrative.
"Arnold was a brave, daring, and successful soldier in the Revolutionary War; one who did and suffered a great deal to win his country's freedom, and perhaps if he had been treated with perfect justice he might never have turned traitor. He was badly treated by Congress and by Gates. After that he got into serious trouble through his own reckless extravagance. He was deeply in debt and ready to do almost anything for money. He had married into a Tory family, too, and perhaps they had an influence in lessening his love for the cause of freedom and making him willing to betray his country for the money he coveted—for filthy lucre. He learned that Sir Henry Clinton so coveted West Point that almost any sum of money and any honors would be given the man who should enable the British to get possession of that post. He pondered the matter, and resolved to do the dastardly deed if possible. He had been declining active service on the plea that his wounds rendered him unfit for riding on horseback. But now his wounds healed rapidly, his patriotism was freshly aroused, and he was eager to again serve his bleeding country.