"Is he near here?" inquired Robert.
"Yes, yes, only a little way up the road. The redcoats landed and set fire to Esopus this morning; General Clinton was near by and he rushed up with his men, but it was too late. The town's burned from end to end."
The explanation of the blaze he had seen in the early morning was now clear to Robert, and he said, "Have they gone?"
"The redcoats?"
"Yes."
"Yes, they got back to their boats and have gone up the river."
With all haste the little party started toward the place where General Clinton was to be found, Joseph being compelled to assist Robert at times, so weak had the latter become. It was not long before they arrived, and in spite of the excitement due to the burning town, their explanation of the cause of their desire to see the general at once, speedily admitted them into his presence. There Joseph briefly explained who and what his prisoner was, and also declared that they had seen him hastily swallow something only a few moments before.
General Clinton listened sharply, and then grimly gave an order for an emetic to be admin-
