"The horse was brought out accordingly, and Crosby was soon on his way to Fishkill. On his arrival, circumstances existed, which rendered it imprudent for him to tarry, and he was directed to go to Dr. Miller's, who kept an apothecary's shop at some distance, and there wait the arrival of one of the Committee of Safety.
"On reaching the place, he inquired for Dr. Miller, who he was told was absent. This information was given him by a girl, whom he was sure he had seen before, but where he could not recollect.
"'If you wish to trade,' said the girl, 'I can wait upon you. Perhaps you would like some of Dr. Miller's opiates. You recollect they are quite powerful.'
"Crosby was on the point of exclaiming. But the girl whispered him to be silent. 'These men,' said she, 'who are around us, are whigs, but you must not let your name be known.'
"While thus conversing, and listening to the conversation of several men, at the fire, a stranger entered the shop, and inquired for a vial of medicine. Crosby recognized that it was Mr. Jay—so slipping out of the door, he pretended to be admiring the stranger's fine horse, when Mr. Jay came out; and, as he mounted, whispered to Crosby to return to the Dutchman's, and wait for farther orders.
"Accordingly, he soon after left Miller's, and before night was again at his quarters.
"'Sho, ten, you cot pack'—said the Dutchman as Crosby rode into the yard—the smoke at the same time running in a fine curl from his mouth.
"'Safe home again,' replied Crosby.
"'Yaw, tee horse pe true—true—he vill ride any potty rite to mine ouse. Hauns! here—take off his shaddle—rup him toun mit a whisp of shtraw—tont let him trink till he coutch'd cuoold.'
"A few days from this time, Crosby received definite instructions from the Committee of Safety, to repair to Vermont, on a secret expedition; and as no time was to be lost, he was obliged to bid his host adieu, quite suddenly.