"'Can you give me their names?' eagerly inquired Mr. Young--at the
same time rising from his seat.

"'I can do more,' rejoined Crosby--and then he went on to relate the
interviews which he had had--and about the contemplated meeting of the
company, two nights following--'and,' said the soldier, 'if you will
assist me, we will _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