"You are directed to take the field instantly with a scout of Oneida Indians, who await you at a rendezvous marked upon the secret map which I enclose herewith. "You will cross the Buck Island trail somewhere between Rocky River and the Mohawk, and observe St. Leger's line of communications, cutting off such small posts as prove not too strong, taking prisoners if possible, and ascertaining St. Leger's ultimate objective, which may be Johnstown or even Schenectady. "Having satisfied yourself concerning these matters, you will send your despatch by a runner to Albany, and instantly move your detachment toward Saratoga, where you should come into touch with our Northern forces under General Gates, and there render a verbal report to General Gates in person. "You are strictly cautioned to destroy this letter after reading, and to maintain absolute secrecy concerning its contents. The map you may retain, but if you are taken you should endeavour to destroy it. "Sir, I have the honour to be, etc., etc., "Ph. Schuyler, "Maj: Gen'l." Twice I read the letter before I twisted it to a torch and burned it in the candle flame. Then I called out to the express: "Say to the personage who sent you hither that his letter is destroyed, and his orders shall be instantly obeyed. Burke has fresh horses for those who ride express." Off downstairs he went in his jack-boots, equipments jingling and clanking, and I unfolded my map but scarce could hold it steady in my excitement. Immediately I perceived that I did not need the map to find the rendezvous, for, as Brent-Meester, I had known that wilderness as perfectly as I knew the streets in Johnstown. So I made another torch of the map, laughing under my breath to think that Sir William's late forest warden should require such an article. All this time, too, I had forgotten Penelope; and turned, now, and saw her watching me, slim and motionless and white as snow. When her eyes met mine she strove to smile, asking me whether indeed she had not proven a true prophetess. As she spoke, suddenly a great fear possessed me concerning her; and I stood staring at her in a terrible perplexity. For now there seemed to be nothing for it but to leave her here, the Schenectady road already being unsafe, or so considered by Schuyler until more certain information could be obtained. "Do you leave tonight?" she asked calmly. "Yes, immediately." She cast a glance at my rifle standing in the corner, and at my pack, which I had always ready in the event of such sudden summons. Now I went over to the corner where my baggage lay, lifted the pack and strapped it; put on powder horn, bullet pouch, and sack, slung my knife and my light war-hatchet, and took my cap and rifle. The moment of parting was here. It scared and confused me, so swiftly had it come upon us.