"We are Americans, and you are our prisoner!" exclaimed Paulding.
André was astounded by this revelation, and he was ready to pay any amount of money to his captors if they would let him go.
"Dismount!" shouted Paulding, seizing his horse's bridle.
"Beware, gentlemen, or you will get yourselves into trouble," replied André.
"We will take care of that," retorted Paulding. "Any letters about you?"
"No."
"We'll find out about that," said Paulding; and they proceeded to search him. Finding nothing of a suspicious character about his clothes, they were disposed to let him proceed, when Paulding said:
"Boys, I am not satisfied; his boots must come off."
His boots were drawn off, and the concealed papers were found in his stockings.
"My God!" exclaimed Paulding, "he is a spy."