Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/397

Rh New York in our own grip before you know it."

"Does n't look very much like it now."

Robert was low spirited. The loss of the forts by the Americans, the burning of Esopus, the confidence of the redcoats, were all to him disheartening. Then, too, his own outlook was not promising. He realized that he was still suffering from the effect of his recent adventure, and the loss of Nero was something not easily repaired. How he was to return to the great commander was a problem yet to be solved. For the present he decided to remain where he then was, and as soon as General Clinton, who had bidden him do this very thing, should learn how it fared with Gates in the north and could find time for other matters, he promised to give his personal attention to the needs of the young express.

Already it was known that a battle had occurred at Bemis Heights (September 19, 1777). But the results had not been decisive. Then had occurred the fight at Stillwater (October 7, 1777); and although victory rested with the sturdy Americans, John Burgoyne's surrender had not as yet been made. Doubtless he was waiting for the arrival of his allies