 
Gen. P. "The escape of Crosby was a hair-breadth one, and well did he know it. He felt himself indeed safe from his pursuers, but his situation was no comfortable one—up to his knees in mud, and without a shelter for the night. "He determined, therefore, to grope his way through the swamp; and, if possible, to reach the dwelling of Mr. —— before morning. This he found a difficult task. Bushes and briers and quagmires impeded his course; and several times he was on the point of giving up the effort, and waiting till day light. By slow degrees, however, he went forward—sometimes, indeed, sinking unexpectedly deep into the mud; or, when he thought himself firm on a bog—sliding away, and coming down upon all fours. At length it was his good fortune, to emerge from the thicket, in an hour or so from which, he knocked at the door of the gentleman to whom he had been referred by the committee of safety. "Mr. —— had been informed, that he might be expected that night, and was accordingly still up. A good supper was in readiness for him, and heartily did the gentleman congratulate him on his escape. "When he had finished his meal—'Well,' said the gentleman, 'I have an important message to deliver to you.' "'What is it?' inquired Crosby. "'The committee of safety wish you to cross the Hudson immediately, where you are to take measures to seize an English officer, and a company of tories whom he has enlisted on that side.' "'Cross to-night?' asked Crosby. "'Immediately,' replied Mr. —— 'no time is to be lost. You are fatigued—but once on the other side, you will be more safe, and can take rest.' "'I will go,' said Crosby. "'And I will set you across myself,' said the gentleman, 'it is only a short distance.' "Accordingly they proceeded to the river, where a boat was in readiness, in which they soon reached the opposite shore. "Having received the necessary directions, Crosby now proceeded on his course; and, by the hour of breakfast, had reached the ground where he was to begin his operations. "At a farm house, near where he found himself he obtained a comfortable breakfast; after finishing which, he made himself known as a shoemaker, and begged employment. "'Why,' said the farmer, 'just at present, we are pretty well shod.' "'Well,' observed Crosby, 'perhaps you have other work, about which you can employ me. I can turn my hand to almost any kind of farming business.' "'No doubt—no doubt,' said the farmer, 'you are no fool—from Yankee land, I guess—no matter—well, I don't care if you stay a couple of days, or so, and help me and my wife kill hogs, and a few such notions.' "Terms were soon settled, and Crosby proved quite knowing and helpful." ***** "What noise is that?' asked Crosby, while he and the farmer were at work—'can it be thunder?' "'More like cannon,' said the farmer—'loud talk below, I rather guess.' "'Hard times for Washington just now,' observed Crosby, 'and some think pretty justly.' "'Why,' said the farmer, 'why—it won't do to speak all one thinks— but—well—why don't you turn soldier—you look as though you could fight, upon a pinch?' "'Well, I think, I might,' said Crosby. 'Have you any place of enlistment hereabouts, that a body could join, if one were so minded?' "'Why,' replied the farmer, 'I don't know but I could put you in a way, if you are one of the right sort of men.' "'What sort do you wish?' inquired Crosby. "'Oh, lower party men—they are more fashionable hereabouts.' "'Well, I like to be in the fashion, wherever I am,' observed Crosby. "'Good!' said the farmer, 'do you see yonder mountain, west?' "'I do,' replied Crosby. "'Well, if you wish to see as fine a fellow as ever carried sword, there is your man, and right glad would he be of your bone and muscle—good pay—light work, I tell you.' "'Can I be introduced to him?' asked Crosby. "'That you can—to-night—I've shown many a lad like yourself the way to make a fortune.' "In the evening the farmer was as good as his word. Giving Crosby a wink, they went forth, shaping their course towards the mountain, about half way up which, they came to a huge rock, which jutted over with threatening aspect; but was prevented from falling, by several forest trees, against which it rested." Illustration_10 "Here the farmer, taking his cane, struck several smart blows upon the rock. Instantly, a kind of trap door was opened, and an English captain appeared, with a lantern. "'Captain!' whispered the farmer, 'here's as brave a lad as you have seen this many a day—good bye.' "'Well, my lad,' said the captain, 'do you understand burrowing?' "'Not much of the wood chuck about me,' replied Crosby, 'more of the fox—I can enter burrows already made.' "'Well! see whether your skill can contrive to enter here,' pointing to a small hole, leading into a cavern. "'Tight work, I believe,' said Crosby, forcing his huge frame through the opening, followed by the captain, who, from the smallness of his size, slipped down with more ease. "'Quite a comfortable apartment, captain,' observed Crosby, casting his eye round upon the interior, 'and not likely to starve very soon, one would judge, from the good things on your table.' "'Help yourself to what you like,' said the captain, 'his majesty's friends provide well—good fare—no charges.' "Crosby had but just supped—but tempted by the fare, somewhat superior to that which he had seen at the farmer's, he seated himself at the table, while the liberal hand of the captain was not backward in replenishing his plate, as often as it was emptied. "'Do you leave here soon?' inquired Crosby. "'To-morrow, I hope,' said the captain. 'I have burrowed here long enough. Much longer—and I shall have claws in good earnest.' "'Your company is full, then?' "'Room for one or two more. What say you, shall I enter your name?' "'When and where does the company meet, before marching?' inquired Crosby. "'On Tuesday evening, at the barn of Mr. S——; what say you, will you be present?' "'I will,' replied Crosby. "'Done!' said the captain—'now turn in; and in the morning, go back to farmer B——'s, and be ready to meet us, at the time and place appointed.' "On the following morning, which was Saturday, Crosby returned to his employer, with whom he concluded to stay, till the appointed time of marching. "Much now depended on good management. News of the above arrangement must he sent to the committee of safety, and as early as possible. At some distance from farmer B——'s, Crosby had ascertained there lived an honest old whig, whom he determined to employ to carry a letter to Mr. Jay, then at Fishkill. "Accordingly, having prepared a letter, he hastened, on the setting in of evening, to fulfil his purpose. In this he succeeded to his wishes; and, before the usual hour of rest, had returned, without exciting the suspicion of any one. "The important Tuesday evening, at length, arrived, and brought together, at the appointed place, the captain and about thirty tories. "Crosby was early on the spot, and before eleven, he was the only individual of the whole class, who was not quietly asleep. "At length, some one without was heard by him to cough. This being the signal agreed upon, Crosby coughed in return; and the next minute, the barn was filled with a body of captain Townsend's celebrated rangers;—'surrender!' exclaimed Townsend, in a tone, which brought every tory upon his feet—'surrender! or, by the life of Washington, you'll not see day light again.' "It was in vain to resist, and the English officer delivered up his sword. "'Call your muster-roll,' ordered Capt. Townsend. "The Englishman did as directed; and, at length, came to the name of Enoch Crosby. "No one answered. Crosby had concealed him self, with the hope of escaping—but, finding this impossible, he presented himself before Captain Townsend, and Col. Duer, one of the committee of safety, who was present. "'Ah! is it you, Crosby?' asked Townsend. 'You had light heels at Fishkill; but, my word for it, you will find them heavy enough after this.' "'Who is he?' inquired Col. Duer, as if he knew him not, though he knew him well, yet not daring to recognize him. "'Who is he!' exclaimed Townsend, 'Enoch Crosby, sir—like an eel, slipping out of one's finger's as water runs down hill—but he'll not find it so easy a matter to escape again.' "The party were soon on their way to Fishkill, where they arrived in the course of an hour or two, and lodged their prisoners in the old Dutch church. "Crosby was not thus fortunate. Townsend's quarters were at some distance, and to these Crosby was quite civilly invited to go, as the captain declared, that he wished to have him under his own eye. "On his arrival, Crosby was placed in a room by himself—was heavily ironed, and a trusty guard detached to see that he came to 'no harm,' as the captain said. "During the expedition, which had occupied some twelve or fourteen hours, the company had fasted. Supper was therefore prepared with some haste, after the return of the officer, who, on sitting down, fairly gorged himself with food and wine. "About midnight Crosby was unexpectedly awakened, by a gentle shake. On opening his eyes, whom should he see before him but a female, who assisted in doing the work of the family. 'Here, Enoch Crosby.' said she, 'rise and follow me—say nothing—hold fast your chains." Illustration_11 "Crosby was not at first satisfied, whether it were a dream or a reality; but quite willing to make his escape, he rose as he was bid, and followed her. "As they passed from the room, there lay the sentinel, extended at full length, dreaming of battles, it might be, but certainly, very quiet as to the safety of his prisoner. "'Some virtue in Miller's opiates,' whispered the girl. "'That's the secret, is it?' asked Crosby, in rather a louder tone than was pleasant to his attendant. "'Hush! hush!' said she, 'or the Philistines will be upon you.'" Henry. "Pray, father, what did she mean by Miller's opiates?" Gen. P. "Miller was a physician in those parts, and kept an apothecary's store. By some means, the girl had obtained from him anodyne or sleeping potions, which she had put into the food, or drink, of both the captain and his sentinels. "'They sleep well,' said Crosby, on descending from the chamber to the first floor, where he could hear the loud breathing of the captain. "'I hope they'll sleep till morning,' rejoined the girl. 'Stay! a moment, till I put the key of your door into the captain's pocket.' "'What?' asked Crosby, 'does he keep the key himself?' "'Yes, indeed,' replied the girl. 'He was determined that you should play no more yankee tricks, as he said, while under his care.' "'He must have thought me a man of some contrivance, to take such precaution.' "'Oh!' said the girl, 'I've often heard him call you the—a bad name—at least, he said he believed that you and the old boy understood one another pretty well.' "'I wonder what he'll think now?' said Crosby. "The key being once more safely in the pocket of the Captain, the girl conducted Crosby out of the door, and pointing towards a mountain lying to the west, now but just discernible. "'Hasten thither,' said she, 'and lie concealed till the coming search is over.' "'But tell me,' said Crosby, 'before I go, how will you escape suspicion?' "'Oh!' said the girl, laughing, 'never fear for me. I shall be out of harm's way before morning.' "'One more question,' said Crosby—'who put it into your heart to deliver me?' "'Jay is your friend,' said she,—waving her head—'farewell.' "To Crosby, the whole was now plain. With a light heart, he directed his course towards the mountain pointed out; and before morning, he was safely hid in some of its secret recesses. "Capt. Townsend awoke at his usual hour, having slept away the anodyne potion which had been administered to him. The key to Crosby's door was still in his pocket—and not a suspicion had ever entered his mind, that Crosby himself was not safely in his room. "The hour at length coming, when Crosby's meal was to be given, Townsend himself opened the door—he started back, on looking in, and seeing no one—'what!' exclaimed he, 'empty!—impossible!—here!' vociferated he, in a tone of thunder, 'Sentinel, what is the meaning of all this?' But no one could tell—no noise had been heard—the shutters of the room were safely closed—the door was locked—the key was in his pocket. "Due search was now made. Every nook and corner were examined; but not a trace of the vagrant was discovered. "'Well!' said the captain, 'I thought Crosby and the —— were in league—now I know it.'" CHAPTER VII. |
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