ill _join_ them, as I promised, and make them march to
the tune of good old 'yankee doodle,' instead of 'God save the king.'

"'With all my heart,' exclaimed Mr. Young--taking down his hat--'no
time is to be lost--the committee of safety are at White Plains--they
must know it to-night.'"

_William_. "'The committee of safety!' father, who were they?"

_Gen. P_. "Your inquiry is well suggested. The committee of safety
consisted of men of distinction friendly to the liberties of their
country. They were appointed in almost every district throughout the
land. It was their business to watch over the interest of the country
in their vicinity, to obtain information, and, when necessary, to
seize upon suspected persons."

_William_. "Who were the committee at White Plains?"

_Gen. P_. "The principal man was John Jay, who afterwards went
ambassador to England.

"Mr. Young and Crosby were soon on their way to White Plains, which
lay but a few miles distant. Crosby was not a little fatigued; but his
zeal was now all alive, and made him quite forget his weariness.

"It was near two o'clock, before they reached the quarters of Mr. Jay.
He was soon summoned, and listened with deep interest to the tale of
Crosby. It was important intelligence--precisely the information
desired, he said; and he promised, at early dawn, to call the
committee together, and consult what should be done.

"Mr. Young and Crosby now retired to a neighbouring inn. But the door
was fastened, and the landlord was fast locked in sleep. They rapped
at the door, and called, and, as you say, Master Henry, when you speak
Monsieur Tonson--

"'And loud indeed were they obliged to bawl,
Ere they could rouse the torpid lump of clay.'

"The door, however, was at length opened, and after receiving a growl
from the landlord, and a snarl from the landlady, that their rest
should be thus broken--they were shown to a bed room, where both in
the same bed soon forgot the toils of the night, in a refreshing
sleep.

"The committee were together at an early hour, as had been promised.
Again Crosby told over his story--and when he had finished,--'Are you
willing,' asked the committee, 'to accompany a body of horse to the
spot, and attempt to take the traitors?'

"'Sure I am,' said Crosby. 'I gave them encouragement that I would
'_join_' them, and well should I like to fulfil such an engagement.'

"'You shall have an opportunity,' said the committee. 'Hold your