his hand trembled violently, even to so great a degree as to partly
spill the contents of the goblet. With difficulty he conveyed it to his
lips--then retiring to the window, he waved his hand, which action was
immediately responded to by a third sound of the cannon, at the same
moment the English anthem of 'God save the King,' burst in full volume
upon the ear, and a band of men attired in British uniform, with their
faces hidden by masks, entered the apartment. The American officers drew
their swords, but Washington, cool and collected, stood with his arms
folded upon his breast, and quietly remarked to them, 'Be calm,
gentlemen--this is an honour we did not anticipate.' Then, turning to
Rugsdale, he said, 'Speak, sir, what does this mean?'

"'It means,' replied the traitor, (placing his hand upon the shoulder of
Washington,) 'that you are my prisoner. In the name of King George, I
arrest you.'

"'Never,' exclaimed the General. 'We may be cut to pieces, but surrender
we will not. Therefore give way,' and he waved his sword to the guard
who stood with their muskets levelled, as ready to fire, should they
attempt to escape. In an instant were their weapons reversed, and,
dropping their masks, to the horror of Rugsdale, and the agreeable
surprise of Washington, his own brave party, whom he had left in charge
of the barge, stood revealed before him.

"'Seize that traitor!' exclaimed the commander. 'In ten minutes from
this moment let him be a spectacle between the heavens and the earth.'
The wife and daughter clung to his knees in supplication, but an
irrevocable oath had passed his lips that never should treason receive
his forgiveness after that of the miscreant Arnold. 'For my own life,'
he said, while tears rolled down his noble countenance at the agony of