Without replying, General Arnold led the way up stairs, by the
light of his dark-lantern, and ushered Andre into a small room,
the door of which he carefully closed and secured; then cautiously
examining the apartment to see that there was no intruder on
their privacy, he placed the light on a small table, and motioning
to his guest to take one of two chairs placed by it, he seated himself
in the other, and proceeded to lay on the table several papers
which he drew from a concealed pocket in the breast of his surtout.
While thus engaged, Andre sat silently surveying his features.
They were cast in a noble mould. But the lofty forehead
was contracted, and scowling with the dark and uneasy thoughts
of the mind within; the well-formed mouth was compressed with
gloomy determination, and his fine eyes, in which nature had secreted
the power that controls and commands men, were restless,
and shunned the calm gaze of his companion's.

[figure description] Page 020.[end figure description]

“I am now ready, Major Andre,” said General Arnold after
arranging his papers on the table, “to listen to Sir Henry Clinton's
proposition.”

Andre continued to survey him for an instant longer, and then
replied, with a look in which scorn and pity were equally mingled.
“These shall be laid before you when you have detailed the mode
by which you can favor His Majesty's arms.”

“I can read the meaning of your glance, Major Andre,” said
Arnold, slightly coloring, “and appreciate your estimation of me
in relation to the part I am about to act. But I have weighed all
this well. I am prepared to meet the scorn and contempt of gentlemen,
so that the personal feelings that I have in this matter are
gratified. Major Andre, I am an injured man! I have repeatedly
fought for, and five times shed my blood in defence of my
country, and she has rewarded me, not only with contumely and
neglect, but with open insult. It is useless for me to unfold to
you the tissue of causes by which I have been goaded on to this
step. It is enough, that I have calmly resolved on it, and for
nearly two years have been slowly but surely laying the foundation
for its completion. I have now reached the point when deliberation
or repentance are alike vain. When I resolved to repay
my country for the wrongs she had loaded me with, it only
remained to decide the best means of doing it, so that I could
bring about advantage to myself as well as injury to the cause I
was about to desert. My reward from the crown, I was aware,
would be measured by the injury I inflicted on its enemies. It
occurred to me that I could accomplish my object through West
Point. So soon as this idea occurred to me, I directed all my
efforts to get appointed commander at this important post. I have
succeeded. It is now in my hands and shall be transferred to
those of General Clinton, provided that—” here the arch-traitor
hesitated and looked down, but the next instant continued with
assumed indifference, “provided that the price I name for my
services shall be agreed to.”

“Name it, sir.”

“One hundred thousand pounds sterling, in five quarterly payments,
one quarter in hand, and the rank of Major General in
the British Army.”

[figure description] Page 021.[end figure description]

“Your services should be great to merit this, sir.”

“Let us weigh one against the other, and see which will kick
the beam,” he said, with a faint attempt to laugh and appear at
his ease.

Unrolling a small chart, he spread it on the table with the self-satisfied
air of a man who expects to give surprise; “Here,” he
said, displaying the map which was covered with lines of fortifications,
“here is a plan of the works at West Point. You will
perceive, on inspecting it, that besides the principal fort, there
are three lines of fortifications between the river and the summit
of the innermost range of highlands, composed of upwards of
forty redoubts. But this map will serve only to give you a general
outline of the works. Here is a paper which will show the
number of men stationed at each, with the amount of military
stores and provisions. Here is a third, showing the easiest paths
and means of access. On examination it will sufficiently explain
itself. Here is a fourth, containing the Artillery Orders which
have just been published at West Point, showing how each corps
shall dispose of itself in case of alarm. This you will find of
vast importance, as it will enable you to know the precise condition
of every part of the garrison when you attack. Here is a
fifth document, in which you will find an estimate of the forces
at the different posts. This, marked F. No. VI., will show how
many men it will take to man the works. In this, numbered G.
VII., you will find a return of the ordnance in the different forts,
redoubts, and batteries; also remarks on the works, describing
the construction of each, and its strong and weak points. Lastly,
here is a report of the last council of war held at head-quarters
and it contains hints written with pencil in the margin, respecting
the probable operations of the campaign. I yesterday
received it from General Washington himself.”

As he finished speaking he laid the remaining paper of the
pacquet on the table and looked up with an air of triumph. As
he anticipated, the expression of the young soldier's countenance
was that of undisguised astonishment and gratification.

“Place those papers in my possession and carry out in your
own person the spirit of them to the letter, and the reward you
have named shall be yours,” said Andre with animation.

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Arnold coldly smiled, and said, “It shall be mine to see that
the post at West Point is weakened by such a disposition of the
troops as shall leave but a small force for its defence. At those
points most inaccessible, I have ordered scaling ladders, (ostensibly
for a very different purpose) to be constructed in the forest,
where, at the place marked X on the plan, you will find them
piled up ready for use. What think you, Major Andre—is it
well planned.”

“It is most skilfully planned, sir,” said the young man, lost in
wonder at this perfection of treason.

“It is, sir. But it remains to be ably seconded on the part of
Sir Henry Clinton. The only obstacle to its success will be the
difficulty of openly embarking troops on the Hudson without its
object being suspected. The vigilance of Washington never
sleeps!” As he spoke these last words, his voice fell, and he
looked hurriedly about as if he felt or feared his presence.

“This difficulty is easily settled,” said Andre, slightly smiling
at the sudden change in his manner. “Under the pretext of an
expedition to the Chesapeake, of which, doubtless, you have heard
some rumors, troops are now embarking in Rodney's fleet. By
to-morrow morning there will be eight thousand on ship-board,
ready to ascend the river at a moment's warning,”

“Then is success certain. As soon as it shall be known that
your ships are approaching, I shall dispatch parties from the garrison
to the gorges in the hills and other remote passes, under the
pretence of stopping the advance of the enemy in those quarters.
There I intend they shall remain until your troops have landed
and marched to the garrison through other passes, where there
will be left no troops to oppose them.”

“I cannot refrain from complimenting you, sir, on the masterly
manner in which you have laid your plans, it is the perfection
of —” Andre hesitated, when Arnold completed the sentence,
“of treason. So be it, sir. If I bring about my ends I
care not what name men give it.”

The terms of his treachery having been agreed on, Arnold now
carefully divided the papers in two equal parcels, white Andre
filled out a carte blanche previously signed and delivered to him
by Sir Henry Clinton for this purpose, in which the terms of

[figure description] Page 023.[end figure description]

General Arnold were acceded to, on the fulfilment of the conditions
implied therein. He gave this, covering a cheque for twenty
thousand pounds sterling, to Arnold, and received from him in
return the papers in two parcels, which, at the urgent desire of
Arnold, who manifested the greatest anxiety for their security, he
placed separately between his stockings and feet, drawing his boots
on over all.

General Arnold now pleaded the necessity of returning forthwith
to his quarters at the Beverly House opposite West Point;
and delaying only long enough to fill out a passport for the protection
of Major Andre on his way to his boat, he a few moments
afterward took leave of him before the house and galloped rapidly
northward.