The Crisis of the Revolution

              32
and go in advance.1 The other five now joined them—perhaps summoned by
the agreed-on musket shot. Paulding said: " We have taken a prisoner,2
searched him, and found papers in his boots, and don't know what to do with
him."8 "Take him to General Washington," advised Yerks.8 Possibly as a
compromise, it was agreed that he be taken to the nearest outpost, which was one
of Sheldon's Dragoons. The whole party accordingly started, but not before
Andre had vainly repeated his offer of ten thousand guineas. At this point he
surrendered his silver watch, saying " it was their prize,"4 and the party began
their march for the Romer house, which they had left that morning.
8 The law allowed captors in such cases, all the prisoners property found on him. It was restored to him at Tappan, by Washington's order. The sixpence he haa given to Sally Hammond seems to have been the only small change he had with him. At Tappan he told Bowman that they robbed him of the few guineas he had.   Of course he did not know that the law permitted it.
1  Verks says Paulding led the horse up the hill.
2 The news was soon spread, for that afternoon "a runner passed our house, stopping a moment to say to my
father, ' They have taken a spy at Tarrytown.' "—Jesse Thome, see p. 24.
8 Yerka must have thought the Chief was at Arnold's quarters, instead of at Hartford.
* Williams.    (Abraham Williams, See and Romer appear to have been minor figures.)   Yerks says Paulding demanded it.