“But we cannot do such things here in the dark, General Arnold. You had better defer too much formality for the sake of safety. You are dealing with gentlemen,” argued Andre. “But governments have no gratitude,” retorted Arnold, smarting under his experience with Congress. “Yet, how can we write in these bushes?” continued Andre. “I cannot see my hand. I propose to get back to the ship from here.” “There is no use for haste in our conclusions in this matter,” argued Arnold. “I have to submit to you the plans of the works at West Point, the disposal of the garrison, the time of the attack and how you shall approach. I have brought an extra horse and you can ride with me to the house of Mr. Smith. I shall guarantee you protection and safety in returning to your lines.” Andre understood what it meant to prepare for the details of this enterprise and at last he reluctantly consented to go within the American outposts as he said: “I shall rely upon you as a gentleman to convey me in safety to my lines. My commander has instructed me not to enter your posts; but since you insist upon an agreement in writing, I shall have to comply with your plans.” “Major Andre, you need not say these words to me. I have been driven to this course by the relentless attacks of those for whom I have done the most. My heart went out at first to my country, but now it has turned to stone. No gratitude was shown me. I needed money and from whom did I get it? I got it from my country’s enemies. I needed sympathy for my wounds. From whom did I get it? Not from my countrymen. I needed encouragement to go out and win more glory for our cause. Where did I get it? Not from my country. Bah! These very mountains taunt me for being a fool! My die is cast and I am with you heart and soul. We must succeed.” “You speak nobly, General Arnold,” insisted Andre. “I am drawn to you irretrievably and I am willing to run my risks along with yours. I shall follow you even though my life were in the balance.” At this juncture the conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Smith from the boat, who said: “Gentlemen, I believe that your time is drawing near to daylight and I must leave this situation with the boat. We must not be discovered in this position by the guards.” These words decided the case. When Arnold and Andre realized their position and when Smith informed them that the boatmen had refused to return to the Vulture for fear of detection, both of the conspirators mounted horses and started for Smith’s house, which was four miles distant by the road through Haverstraw village. Smith and the boatmen went by water to Haverstraw Creek, where the boat was moored. At his house Smith met Arnold and Mr. Anderson who had already arrived just at daylight. The three took breakfast together, since the family of Joshua Smith had been previously taken, by arrangements made beforehand, to visit with their kinsfolk, the family of Colonel Hay at Fishkill.