Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/153

Rh were current, and the frequently expressed determination on the part of many to select him for the governor of the new "state," were easily explained, Robert thought, as he stood looking into the face of George Clinton and listening to his words.

"The letter you brought me, young man," said the general kindly, "more than makes up for the loss of the other. I do not fancy that the redcoats will obtain much information from the one they took from you, but the one you had is very valuable, very valuable indeed. Have you any knowledge of its contents?"

"No, sir."

"It matters little. It will be put to a good use. Now tell me all you know of affairs in New Jersey."

Thus bidden, Robert once more respectfully related the tale he had already told of the advance into the state of the detachments from New York, of their landing at Amboy and holding of Brunswick, and how they had again and again failed in their attempts to draw Washington, who had followed the British and yet kept within the security of the hills, into an engagement.

General Clinton smiled and his face beamed