“Mr. Livingston,” said the General. “The news has just reached the city that General Arnold has gone over to the enemy and Major Andre, Adjutant-General of the British Army, is a prisoner in the hands of General Washington, and that our cause has just escaped a terrible calamity.” “What!” exclaimed Livingston. “Has Arnold gone over to the enemy? And you and I had just pleaded with the Commander to give him West Point! What did he attempt to do?” questioned Livingston excitedly. “Why, he planned to surrender West Point,” answered the General. “Is it possible?” cried Livingston. “We must leave at once. We cannot tell what may happen, or whom to trust.” The two members of the Committee on Military Affairs of Congress hastily found the host and gave the news to him and left for the city together. The news soon spread throughout the house, and animated groups were collected, discussing the news. Mollie was talking to Barclugh and Mrs. White, the Rector’s wife, when Sally Milling came up to the group and exclaimed: “Have you heard the news that has just reached the city?” “No, what is it?” asked the other three, almost in unison. “Why, General Arnold has gone over to the enemy, and Major Andre is a prisoner in the hands of General Washington, and a plot has been unearthed to surrender West Point to the British!” Roderick Barclugh stood as though stricken with paralysis. His face became ashen white. He tried to speak but his voice failed him. Mollie Greydon and the other two ladies looked at Barclugh for an instant and then Mollie stepped toward him as she asked: “What is the matter, Mr. Barclugh? Are you ill?” “No, no. It is nothing,” muttered Barclugh. “You will excuse me, ladies. I had better retire.” Roderick Barclugh went to the table where refreshments were served and after partaking of a glass of punch, he sought his hostess and Miss Mollie, then left in his carriage for his lodgings. As soon as the Shippens heard the news they retired precipitately, for the information was too crushing to wait for any formalities. Nothing could exceed the excitement that ran through the large and brilliant assemblage at the Greydons’. Even the music and the minuet could not keep the guests from a discussion of all the Arnold family troubles for the past two years. Everybody was so astounded that a gloom was cast over the social pleasures of the evening. At last a general leave-taking was in order and the last carriage rolled down the avenue of hemlocks at half past twelve o’clock. CHAPTER XXXIX When the party was over, Dr. Greydon went up to Mollie and taking her by the hands, said: “Mollie, my child, you looked your best to-night. I felt very proud. Now, you must take your rest. The excitement of this evening has been very hard for you.”