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.