Then Ben took his departure, and made his way in the direction of the enemy’s camp. When he reached the vicinity of the old schoolhouse, where Herbert Miller had taught, he was surprised and attacked suddenly by about a dozen redcoats, who rushed out of the schoolhouse, and was made a prisoner.
He was ordered to enter the schoolhouse, where he found a number of British soldiers lying on blankets, many so severely wounded that it had been thought best to leave them there, fearing they could not be safely taken a further distance. The other soldiers, who had seized Ben, had been left there to take care of the wounded.
Ben was placed on a bench, his hands tied together behind his back, and one of the redcoats asked him who he was and where he was going.
“I live in this vicinity,” said Ben. “I was on my way to the settlement.”
The redcoat laughed sneeringly. “That will do to tell,” he said. “But I don’t believe you. You are a rebel and were on your way to spy on the British army.”
“You are wrong,” said Ben.
“I don’t think so. I guess I shall have to take you to General Arnold.”
Ben made no reply, and the redcoat, who wore a lieutenant’s uniform, summoned a couple of soldiers, ordering them to take the prisoner to the British encampment, and to General Arnold.
“And don’t let him escape on the way there,” was the caution. “I am inclined to think he is a rebel spy.”
“He won’t get away,” was the reply, and the two redcoats set out, with Ben walking between them.