The necessary instructions had already been prepared by Washington himself.  The chosen agent was to deliver letters to two persons in New York, who were in Washington’s confidence, and who would lend him their assistance.  He was to use his own judgment in procuring aid for the capture of Arnold, and to lay such plans as circumstances should suggest; and he was strictly enjoined not to kill the traitor under any circumstances.

All this settled, the question of the difficulties in the way arose.  Between the American camp and the British outpost were many pickets and patrols.  Parties of marauding patriots, like those that had seized Andr[’e], might be in the way.  Against these Lee could offer no aid.  The desertion must seem a real one.  All he could do would be to delay pursuit.  For the rest, Champe must trust to his own skill and daring.

Eleven o’clock was the hour fixed.  At that hour the worthy sergeant, taking his cloak, valise, and orderly-book, and with three guineas in his pocket, which Lee had given him, secretly mounted his horse and slipped quietly from the camp.

Lee immediately went to bed, and seemingly to sleep, though he had never been more wide awake.  A half-hour passed.  Then a heavy tread was heard outside the major’s quarters, and a loud knock came upon his door.  It was some time before he could be aroused.

“Who is there?” he asked, in sleepy tones.

“It is I, Captain Carnes,” was the reply.  “I am here for orders.  One of our patrols has just fallen in with a dragoon, who put spurs to his horse on being challenged, and fled at full speed.  He is a deserter, and must be pursued.”

Lee still seemed half asleep.  He questioned the officer in a drowsy way, affecting not to understand him.  When at length the captain’s purpose was made clear to his seemingly drowsy wits, Lee ridiculed the idea that one of his men had deserted.  Such a thing had happened but once during the whole war.  He could not believe it possible.

“It has happened now,” persisted Captain Carnes.  “The fellow is a deserter, and must be pursued.”

Lee still affected incredulity, and was with difficulty brought to order that the whole squadron should be mustered, to see if any of them were missing.  This done, there was no longer room for doubt or delay.  Champe, the sergeant-major, was gone, and with him his arms, baggage, and orderly-book.

Captain Carnes ordered that pursuit should be made at once.  Here, too, Lee made such delay as he could without arousing suspicion; and when the pursuing party was ready he changed its command, giving it to Lieutenant Middleton, a tender-hearted young man, whom he could trust to treat Champe mercifully if he should be overtaken.  These various delays had the desired effect.  By the time the party started, Champe had been an hour on the road.