Yet the bitterest trial of all was even then hanging over his head, and with a sort of savage sarcasm it came upon him in one of those rare moments when he had an hour of rest and sunshine.
The story of Arnold's treason is easily told.

Its romantic side has made it familiar to all Americans, and given it a factitious importance.

Had it succeeded it would have opened opportunities of disaster to the American arms, although it would not have affected the final outcome of the Revolution.

As it was it failed, and had no result whatever.

It has passed into history simply as a picturesque episode, charged with possibilities which attract the imagination, but having, in itself, neither meaning nor consequences beyond the two conspirators.