_Pasquin._ As handsome a man, please your honour, as ever the sun shone upon. It did me good to look upon him. _Arnold_ (_aside_). This must be him. [_To Pasquin_] Bid the sergeant show him the way to me immediately, and put up his horse in my own stable. He is from Philadelphia, a friend and relative of mine. [_Exit Pasquin_ _Arnold_ (_solus_). This is Major Andre, indeed. We have agreed in our correspondence that he shall pass here under the name of Captain Ashton, to prevent suspicion. [_Sergeant introduces Major Andre_ _Arnold._ Captain Ashton, my friend, how are you? Please to draw near the fire and sit. How do our friends at Philadelphia? [_Exit sergeant_] The booby is now gone, and we may talk freely without suspicion. _Maj. Andre._ I am happy at length to see General Arnold, with whom I have corresponded so long at a distance. I hope, my dear general, you are ready to perform your promise. _Arnold._ Undoubtedly the fort shall be yours within three days, upon the conditions I mentioned to you in my last letter. I hope you have apprised Sir Henry of them. _Maj. Andre._ Yes, sir. He is satisfied, and thinks your demand really moderate; but now let us to the point. We must fall upon some plan by which we must act without much danger of miscarriage. Would it not be best that our troops should seem to take the fort by surprise, and thus prevent the world from having any suspicion of treachery in the case? _Arnold._ I have had the same thought, my dear sir. Besides, if we can make this pass, I shall become a prisoner of war to you in appearance, be exchanged after a little time, and so be in a capacity to serve you again; or, pretending the fort not tenable, I may make my escape during your attack, and all this without any suspicion on the part of the Americans. _Maj. Andre._ God grant your scheme may be successful.