Whig Against Tory Part 7

GEN. P. TELLS ABOUT CROSBY'S VISIT TO A MOUNTAIN CAVE--HOW HE WAS AGAIN TAKEN PRISONER--AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ESCAPED.

_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 sh.o.r.e.

"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."

[Ill.u.s.tration]

"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.