What makes a man turn spy and betray his country? Benedict Arnold was such a man, and his name is synonymous with infamy.

From early boyhood, Arnold was obsessed by dreams of wealth. He fought his way to prosperity and became the owner of a fleet of trading ships. When the King's taxes became oppressive, Arnold joined the Continental Army not to save his country but to save his ships. Though his motives were selfish, he became one of the great heroes of the Revolution. With Ethan Allen he forced the surrender of Fort Ticonderoga; captured a British sloop, patrolled and controlled Lake Champlain, halted the advance of the British fleet. At the decisive battle of Bemis Heights, Arnold's bravery brought him world fame. A military genius trusted and honored by George Washington, he became Commander of West Point.

But it was rumored that Benedict Arnold became rich at public expense, and he was involved in smuggling. Embittered by what he called slander but greedy for more money, Arnold secretly switched his allegiance to Britain and for the sum of $50,000 agreed to reveal information leading to the capture of West Point and the betrayal of George Washington.

Here is a thrilling true story of espionage, intrigue and adventure—of how a man and his beautiful wife played a dangerous game that could have cost our country its independence—of how the prophecy of Indian Chief Natanis came true: "The dark eagle will soar aloft to the sun. Nations will behold and sound his praises. Yet when he soars to the highest his fall is most certain..."

Benedict Arnold fell, but his country, united and inspired by his treachery, rose to victory. Dying in exile he said, "Bring me my American uniform. I wish I had never changed it for another."

From the dust jacket