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venom of a snake found at the tip of South America I have long wished to experiment with," said Dr. Keen. "It can be used to paralyze portions of the body quite selectively. I know of no antidote."
    "Your first target should be the man's tongue. He talks enough for a shire's worth of parsons."
    "Perhaps we should experiment on him, regardless of his allegiance."
    Bacon's expression did not change. "I would not want a member of our department harmed. But if he met with an unavoidable accident, well, even that would be understandable, depending on the circumstance."
    Keen nodded.
    "If they are what they say, I would not like anything to happen to our Dr. Gibbs. I would consider recruiting him myself — he has a sharp mind."
    Bacon gave Keen a brief but precise description of both men, their weapons, and their clothes, then turned back to his desk. He reached into a bottom desk drawer, where he retrieved a small wooden case. Using a key that hung from around his neck, he opened the box and removed a thin, ruby-hilted knife, his fingers caressing the gem gently before laying it on the desk.
    "You are to leave immediately," said the general.
    "I would be comfortable doing nothing less."

 
     
     
    -Chapter Five-
     
    Wherein, Jake proves his loyalty to the wrong cause.
     
    F rom the instant on the porch when Busch pocketed his pipe, there was little doubt in Jake's mind that he would forgo his chance at a full night's sleep and keep his appointment with the Tory. While Busch's questions regarding the chain may not have been related to any specific plot against it, the importance of the waterborne defense meant no chance could be taken. Besides, an opportunity at smashing a traitors' nest was not presented on such an attractive platter every day. Jake recognized in the man's smooth manner a particular ability that could do the Americans great harm if not quickly checked.
    He realized, however, there was a chance this small detour could delay his moving on to Albany and General Schuyler, who was awaiting word on Howe's intentions. Not to mention the fact that there is always a possibility in secret operations for misfortune, and even if Jake were to consider this night's mission but the light amusement of a few sleepless hours, precautions must be taken.
    And so he pressed upon van Clynne the importance of his continuing on to Albany in the morning, with or without him.
    "On what grounds am I being abandoned? Have I not done good service?" demanded the Dutchman, standing in the middle of the upstairs bedroom where Jake and he had been led. "Who helped you escape New York City?"
    "As I recall, it was the Sons of Liberty. You spent the passage sleeping."
    "I had been knocked unconscious, sir, having taken a blow in the line of duty. My head, as it were, was put to an important use by the Cause, diverting a villain's attention. Undoubtedly my intervention saved you, and this is the thanks I get — to be cast aside like an unwanted scrap."
    Van Clynne had taken off his breeches and hose, and stood before Jake in his shirt and a pair of brilliant red drawers. These last were a rather remarkable item, as they included not merely a portion to cover the legs, but extended to the chest as well; a hibernating bear was not so warmly covered. But we will leave the fashion discussion to others more versed in the science.
    "I'm not abandoning you, Claus. Someone has to go on and deliver the message to Schuyler that we have accomplished our mission."
    "While you stay here and take all the glory. Surely, sir, I deserve better treatment. My competence is beyond question."
    "Who questioned it?" Jake turned to the small stand where he had set the candle, and blew it out. It was not quite midnight, and he intended a brief nap for refreshment. "When you leave in the morning, take the Post Road north. Don't delay. I should catch up with you by Fishkill, or perhaps Rhinebeck."
    "We're an inseparable team," protested van Clynne. "I thought you intended