Neutral Ground, on the
next Monday, the 11th instant.

"That letter puzzled Colonel Sheldon, because he had never before
heard the name of John Anderson, or anything from Arnold about
expecting an escort. But he supposed it was from the person expected
by the general, therefore enclosed it to him, writing at the same time
that he himself was not well enough to go to Dobbs Ferry, and hoped
that he would meet Anderson there himself. It was somewhat difficult
for Arnold to explain matters to Sheldon so that his suspicions should
not be excited, but he seems to have been skilful in deception, and
managed to do so. He left his quarters on the 10th, went down the
river in his barge to King's Ferry, and passed the night at the house
of Joshua Hett Smith, near Haverstraw."

"That Smith was a traitor too, was he not, captain?" asked Evelyn.

"Probably; though there is a difference of opinion on that point; he
acted a part in the work of treason, but was perhaps only Arnold's
dupe. Early the next morning Arnold proceeded toward Dobbs Ferry,
where Andre and Colonel Robinson were waiting to meet him, but as he
drew near he was fired upon and closely pursued by the British
gunboats. That, of course, made it necessary to defer the conference.

"Having gone down the river openly, Arnold thought it necessary to
make some explanation to Washington, so wrote him a letter in which he
mentioned several important matters connected with his command at West
Point and incidentally referred to having come down the river to
establish signals as near the enemy's lines as possible, that he might
receive prompt notice of any fleet or troops coming up the Hudson.

"This letter was dated at Dobbs Ferry, September 11th, and that night
he returned to his quarters at the Robinson House. He desired to have
his interview with Andre as speedily as possible, because he knew that
Washington was going to Hartford to hold a conference with the newly
arrived French officers, and that the best time to carry out his plans
for betraying his country would be in the absence of the
commander-in-chief. And as Washington would cross the Hudson at King's
Ferry, it was very necessary that until his departure no movement
should be made that might excite his suspicion.

"Two days after Arnold had returned to his quarters he wrote again to
Andre telling him that a person would meet him on the west side of
Dobbs Ferry on Wednesday, the 20th inst., and conduct him to a