Barclugh was not much the worse for his mishap, except that his shoulder was strained and he was bruised on the side of his face where he had slid down the hill. He procured a new horse, proceeded to headquarters under the escort of two troopers, and being recognized by Colonel Hamilton, proceeded on his journey next morning. He rode through the American lines by way of Tarrytown and was not molested by either party until he surrendered himself to the sentinel of King George at King’s Bridge. CHAPTER XXII When Barclugh arrived at King’s Bridge, the time was midnight, and as he was muffled and his name was assumed he had little risk of meeting any person who would suspect his business. He informed the sentinel that he must see the officer of the guard at once. Upon the officer coming to the guard house, Barclugh requested that a note be sent without delay to General Clinton, the British Commander, as information of the first importance must be sent to headquarters. So the officer despatched a horseman to the Beekman House at full speed with the following note: “King’s Bridge, May 28, 1780. “Sir: I have the honor to announce my arrival at King’s Bridge. I must be conducted to a safe retreat at once. My plans have carried but I am very much battered by travel and narrow escapes. “(Signed) Pierre La Fitte. “To General Clinton, “Commander of H. M. Forces in America. “Beekman House.” Within three hours Major Andre arrived alone with an extra horse at Fort Knypthausen, the defense at King’s Bridge, and after a few subdued words with the officer of the guard, Barclugh was hurried to a horse. His former animal was turned loose on the road to find its way back to Verplancks Point. Thus no trace of Barclugh could be followed on account of the horse that he had ridden. Not a word was spoken by Andre to Barclugh in the guard house. Andre ordered the officer to release the stranger. The officer told Barclugh that he was to leave the guard house and follow Major Andre until the horses were found, and to not speak until well out of hearing. After Andre had travelled a few hundred yards away from Fort Knypthausen, Major Andre grasped Barclugh by the hand and said: “Mr. Barclugh, I am glad to see you. How are you?” “I am nearly dead, Major Andre,” replied Barclugh, “I have been captured and made prisoner three times. I was fired on last night and my horse was killed. But after a hard journey, I am here with my plans working. “Arnold is committed to treason. I have the plans and strength of West Point, and a great amount of information for the Commissioners.”