Such reveries were suddenly to cease, however, for passing out of New Jersey on the mountain road, Barclugh had passed into the confines of Ulster County, New York, when he was abruptly confronted by three armed men. He had been walking ahead and leading his horse after a long day’s travel and had no thoughts of war: “Halt! Friend? or foe? Advance and give the countersign,” thundered out the leader of the three. As Barclugh looked up he saw three gun-barrels levelled at him, and not losing his nerve replied: “Friend! I will present my passport.” The passport was the one from Arnold, commandant at Philadelphia. It ran as follows: “Philadelphia, May 20, 1780. “To Commander of American Outposts: “The bearer of this passport, Mr. Pierre La Fitte, will be granted safe convoy and allowed to pass American outposts on his way to Fishkill. “He has important business with the Commander-in-Chief, General Washington. “(Signed) B. Arnold. “Major-General & Com. at Phil.” “All’s well, Mr. La Fitte,” came from the leader. “I spose you’re from the south’ard, and what news is there, sir?” “No news, sir. What is the shortest road to Fishkill?” was the impatient answer of Barclugh. “Methinks,” rejoined the leader, “that you are in a mighty haste. What be your profession, stranger?” Drawing himself up to his full height, Barclugh replied: “I am a financier.” Hoping thus to overawe the rustic soldiers. “Ah, a financier, a financier, eh? Wal, you are the fust one that ever struck these parts. I guess you are too rare a bird to be travelling among our folks for no pains. I b’leeve we better pick your feathers a little and see what kinder skin you got!” “Boys, if we scratch his skin we might find a Tartar, eh?” said the eldest of the three, and the other two laughed at his wit. “Wal, I b’leeve if he’s a fi-an-cee man he oughter have a lackey or two along to black his boots,” said the second soldier as he nudged the leader in the ribs, “and powder his hair. Ha! ha! ha! Eh? boys?” continued the latter. “Look here, you will be punished for these indignities, when I report you,” spoke up Barclugh, threateningly. “Never mind, Mr. Feet, we know who is boss in this ’ere neck of the mountains, and we’ll apply first American principles to your case. I b’leeve the majority rules in this taown meetin’.” “I say this feller is Mr. La Blackleg, and oughter peel off for a little inwestergation,--and all of those in favor of that motion will say ‘_aye_’!” Up went three hands and a mighty “_aye_” in unison. “Carried,” yelled the leader. Then the three laid strong hands on Barclugh. Resistance seemed in vain for Barclugh, and he submitted, since he had prepared for just such an emergency. He was calm, and said: “Gentlemen, I am perfectly agreed you should examine all of my papers, and take me to your headquarters.”