“‘True,’ said the farmer, ’I will accompany you.  They will welcome such a soldier-like looking lad as yourself.  They like men of bone and muscle.’

“In a walk of a few miles, they saw quite a number of the friends of the royal cause.  Crosby was introduced as one who was desirous of serving his country, and as willing to hear what could be said, in favour of joining their standard.

“They had much to say—­many arguments to support their way of thinking, and strongly did they urge Crosby to go with them.  As he was introduced by the farmer, who was known to be a true tory, they talked without disguise—­told their plans—­spoke of the company which was forming—­and particularly of a meeting, which they were to hold a few nights from that time; and now, said they, ‘come and join us.’

“Crosby told them that he should think of their proposition, and rather thought that he should contrive to pay them a visit at the appointed time.

“Little did they think, what sort of a visit the soldier was planning.

“In the course of a couple of days, Crosby had gained all the information he wished, and now determined to depart.  He told the farmer, therefore, on the morning of the third day, that it was not worth while for him to wait longer—­he had a strong wish to join the army, and believed that he should go along.

“The farmer said some things, by way of persuading Crosby to wait a day or two, when the company would meet, and then he could enlist and go with them.

“To this Crosby replied, that unexpected delays might occur, and he thought it would be better for him to proceed.—­’But,’ said he, as he shook hands with the unsuspicious farmer, and bade him farewell, ’I shall doubtless have the pleasure of seeing the company;’ and added, ‘It is my intention to join them at——.’

“‘Very well, very well!’ interrupted the farmer,—­his eye brightening at his success, in having, as he thought, made Crosby a convert to the royal cause.

“’I hope it will be well’—­whispered Crosby to himself, as he walked down the lane, which led to the road—­’I will try to join them; but may be in a manner not so agreeable to them.’

“On reaching the road, to avoid the mischief which might come upon him, if he went directly north—­he took the road leading to New-York.  But from this, soldier like, he soon filed off; and crossing a thicket, shaped his course northerly towards the American camp.

“He was soon beyond harm, and now travelled at his ease.  He had heard of a Mr. Young, who lived at a distance, in a direction somewhat different from that which he was taking; and as he was said to be a true whig—­he concluded to repair to him, and to concert measures to take the company of tories, at the time of their meeting.

“With this resolution he again altered his course, so as to strike the road leading to Mr. Young’s.  Unexpected difficulties, however, impeded his course—­hills, woods, streams, and before he reached the house, it was near midnight.