Whig Against Tory | Page 8

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.
"It so happened, fortunately, that Mr. Young was still up, although his
family had all retired. A light was still burning, and Crosby made for
the door, which led into the room where Mr. Young sat.
"He gave a gentle rap at the door, which was soon cautiously opened--
cautiously, because it was now late--and, in those times, no one knew
when he was safe. The light fell on Crosby's face, and the searching eye
of Mr. Young followed.
"'Sir,' said Crosby, in haste to make his excuse, 'I understand you are a
true friend to your country, and I have important--'
"'Come in, come in,' said Mr. Young--the expression of Crosby's face
carrying more conviction of honesty, than words could do--'come in--
you travel late--'
"'I have reason for it,' replied the now animated soldier--' I am told you
are a friend to the upper party--I have something to tell you which may
be important."
"'What is it,' asked Mr. Young.
"'Sir,' said Crosby--'do you know the character of the people who live
around you?'
"'I think I do,' said Mr. Young.

"'They are traitors,' said Crosby.
"'Many are--too many,' said Mr. Young--'but they pass for friends, and
it is difficult to discriminate--difficult to bring them to justice.'
"'Well!' said Crosby, 'I have the means of pointing them out. I have
been among them--I know them--I know their plans--and--'
"'Can you give me their names?' eagerly inquired Mr. Young--at the
same time rising from his seat.
"'I can do more,' rejoined Crosby--and then he went on to relate the
interviews which he had had--and about the contemplated meeting of
the company, two nights following--'and,' said the soldier, 'if you will
assist me, we will join them, as I promised, and make them march to
the tune of good old 'yankee doodle,' instead of 'God save the king.'
"'With all my heart,' exclaimed Mr. Young--taking down his hat--'no
time is to be lost--the committee of safety are