“Thank you, Sven,” replied Segwuna knowingly, as she started on up the street. Philadelphia’s streets contained little knots of men and women discussing the latest news, and everybody had it on his tongue that General Arnold was about to leave town, and no one was sorry, for his cold and overbearing manners had disgusted even his friends with him. His extravagance and debts had brought unsavory gossip upon himself and household. As Segwuna went through the market-place where two old women,--seasoned gossips of the town,--stood and regaled each other, she paused to hear their chatter: “Have you heard about General Arnold and his spouse?” quizzed the first. “What? About paying off his debts?” questioned the second. “I wonder where he got the money? I heard that he sold merchandise to the enemy,” continued the first one. “No, he went to Connecticut last month and has just returned. He must have had property there and sold it,” argued the second one. “Have you heard what they named their boy?” “No, what is it?” “It’s Edward Shippen.” “What? That old Tory?” “Yes, that’s it. Those Shippens have turned Ben Arnold’s head. He’s not the same since he became mixed up with that lot.” “Well, Ben Arnold used to be a fine soldier before he knew those Shippens. Now he doesn’t want to fight, he wants to lie around and play the dandy.” “Yes, I heard that General Washington wanted him to join the army, but his wife is afraid that he will be shot. That’s a pretty pass. I wonder if she’s better than any of the rest of us? We have husbands and sons fighting.” “I wonder where they will put him? I heard that he wanted to go to West Point.” “Yes, if I were General Washington, I wouldn’t do anything like that. There must be some fire where there is so much smoke. He doesn’t want West Point for any good purpose.” “Well, I believe Ben Arnold is all right at heart if those Shippens didn’t have a noose around his neck.” “Poor man! I feel sorry for him.” “But, do you know that I started to go to market, and here I am talking yet.” “Yes, that’s my case too, I must go.” “Come over to see me.” “Yes, I will.” “Good-bye.” * * * * * Segwuna came into Philadelphia every few days. She kept close watch on the movements of General Arnold. She knew that as soon as he got stationed at West Point, matters would begin to move between him and Major Andre. Accordingly, she learned when Arnold left Philadelphia. She also heard about ten days thereafter that he had taken command at West Point, August 3. There was nothing for Segwuna to do when she had learned that Arnold was stationed at West Point except to be on the ground where she knew the dealings between Arnold and Andre would take place. The next move that she made was to get her affairs at home all arranged, and tell her mother that she was going to New York.