Washington in Danger

The American army was encamped near West Point the British forces being some distance away. Many nearby landowners were patriots, and they delighted in a chance to entertain the gallant lender of the army of the people. There was one man who was particularly profuse in his expressions of patriotism. With this individual, whom Washington frankly trusted, he frequently dined, and to all appearances was the most welcome of visitors. It was therefore with grief that the general received word that his genial host was a traitor. The general's informant was a little darkey boy, a slave in the employ of the traitor, who by a happy chance had been able to overhear his master dickering with a British officer. According to the darkey, Washington was invited to dine with the traitor at 2 P.M., and while he was at table, a British force would suddenly appear and capture him. Circumstantial proof came in the shape of the invitation, but still Washington hesitated, and at last decided to make a thorough test before he acted. The general was on hand for his dinner engagement, but he was half an hour ahead of time, much to the surprise of his host. The latter entertained Washington in conversation, waiting and watching for the soldiers of the king to appear. Finally, to his joy, they marched in. He dropped his deferential manner, and turning to Washington said: "General, you are my prisoner." "I believe not," was Washington's stern reply, "but sir, I know that you are mine. Arrest the traitor, officer!" At the general's command, the "British" removed their military cloaks and the traitor saw, to his horror, that they were Continentals of the commander's bodyguard. The general's ruse secured his safety, and the humble darkey, no longer a slave, lived many years happy and well-to-do, and always commanded the high regard of the Father of his Country. - IMDb