"'Your resolution is honourable,' said Mr. Jay—'but may you not be of greater service, in another way? We have enemies among us—secret foes—who are plotting our ruin. We need information respecting them. We wish for some one, who has prudence and skill—one, who will go round the country—who will find out where these men live—where they meet and form their plans. It is a dangerous service,—but, then, the reward.'
"'I care not for danger,' said Crosby—'my country is dear to me. My life is at her service. Sir, I will go—but—but one thing I ask— only one—if I fall, do justice to my memory. Let the world know, that Enoch Crosby was in your service—in the service of his country—and that he fell a martyr to the cause of liberty.'
"'It shall be done,' said Mr. Jay—'we pledge it, by our sacred honour.'
"'But,' continued he to Crosby, 'let no man know your secret—no, not even should you be taken. If you are ever taken by the Americans, as belonging to the British, we will help you to escape—but, if you cannot let us know, here is a paper, which in the last extremity, you may show, and it will save you.'"
William "What did that paper contain?"
Gen. P. "It was what is called a pass—it was signed by the committee of safety; and ordered, that the person who had it should be suffered to pass without injury.
"In a few days, Crosby was ready. He had provided himself with a peddlar's pack, in which he had put a set of shoemaker's tools. His design was to go round the country, and work at his trade; and, at the same time, to get such information as might be useful to his employers."
"Not long after he set out upon his adventures, he arrived just at evening at a small house, at which he knocked, hoping to procure a night's lodging.
"It was some time before he was heard. At length a girl came, and inquired his errand.