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The retreating army returned as they had come, by the
way of Oneida Lake, and he who had watched the large
flotilla as it approached the western bounds of that beautiful
sheet of water on the evening of the second day after
the raising of the seige, might also have seen, like a speck
upon the wave, a single boat, fleetly following in the distance.
The position preserved by the solitary vessel was
such as to preclude observation from the fleet, unless it
might be that of an eye searching for just such an object.
It need scarcely be said that it was Dudley who thus
daringly followed the flying host. His first unworthy
doubts of Rogers had already yielded to almost a full conviction
that the latter was in the British camp only as his
friend and ally; and he indulged the faint hope of now
attracting his attention, and by some means establishing a
communication with him. When, therefore, the enemy
encamped at dark on the borders of the lake, he retained,
as before, a position in which he would be visible only to
a close observer. Long and anxiously did he remain,
watching the distant lights of the camp, and “hoping
against hope” for some signal that he was seen and recognized.
He knew well that any attempt personally to enter
the British lines, without the pass-word, would result in his
detection and in an ignominious death. Ruminating painfully
upon his prospects, he sat for two long hours gazing
towards the shore, during all which time his Indian

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companions, with bended heads, seemed to be buried in sleep.
But a simultaneous start from each now proved that they
had rather been holding a most vigilant watch. Obeying
their pantomimic instructions, Dudley listened long and
earnestly, until he thought that he heard the distant fall
of oars. A few minntes convinced him that he was not
mistaken; but although the sound grew momentarily more
distinct, it was impossible to tell from what direction it
proceeded. Nothing could be seen, and as the darkness
would prove an equal obstacle to his own position being
discovered, he resolved upon the hazardous experiment of
displaying a light. This was effected by means of a flint
and tinder, with which he was provided, and after a momentary
exhibition of the flame, it was immediately extinguished.
The quick and emphatic dash of oars which succeeded
met with a response in his fast beating heart;
nearer and nearer came the invisible vessel, nor paused
until apparently within a few rods of the other. A momentary
silence, and the low, cautious interchange of the
words “Dudley” and “Rogers” established the certainty
of the anxious hopes of each. In a moment more the
boats were side by side, and the cordial grasp and the faltering
and choked voice of welcome told the faithful deserter
that he was appreciated and understood. A few
minutes sufficed to put Dudley in possession of all the important
facts in relation to Ellen's situation, and it was no
small gratification to know that she was yet well, and free
from any harm save that of the most harrowing anxiety.
Long and earnestly did the two friends confer upon their
future movements, and their plan, when finally concocted,
was one that involved such imminent peril, that the concurrence
of their Indian confederates was considered a
matter of serious doubt. But they had mistaken the valor
of their companions, who, when the details were submitted

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to them, responded only by their quiet and expressive ejaculation
“good!”

It would have argued but little forethought on the part
of Dudley, if he had entered upon an expedition in which
skill must necessarily be his principal reliance, without
providing himself with some of the ordinary resources of
strategy. It is well known to the historical reader that
the allied army, in their hasty departure from the walls of
Fort Stanwix, left behind them, not only their artillery
and many of their tents, but a large portion of their stores
and camp equipage. It was an easy matter for Dudley to
procure apparel from these sources, both of the civilized
and savage soldier, which might serve as disguises, if necessary,
for himself and companions, nor had he neglected
so obvious an aid to his enterprise. To transform
the Indians by a change of dress, from the republican
Oneidas into the royal Mohawks, was no difficult operation,
and Lieut. Dudley, with equal celerity, was converted
into a private of Sir John Johnson's regiment of
American loyalists. Bound on an enterprise involving
momentous interests, and conscious that detection would be
followed by certain death, the minds of these brave men
rose with the emergency, and in one breast at least, that
of the generous and daring Dudley, the last and least of
the whole catalogue of emotions was that of personal fear.
All things being in readiness, the boats slowly and silently
approached the shore, taking a direction that would bring
them to land a few rods below the camp. As they drew
nigh, the sentinels could be distinctly seen, and the countersign
was carefully impressed upon the mind of each of
the party. It required no repetition in the ear of the
Indians, for the word was “Brant.”

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