Question

read the excerpt from \tools of the spymaster.\

both the british and the americans frequently used horseback riders to carry messages, and both sides tried to capture the riders and get the messages. the rider who lost one of washingtons important messages was tallmadge himself. it happened when tallmadge and some of his men were attacked by british troops near the connecticut-new york border. tallmadge escaped unharmed but lost a saddlebag full of secret papers.

luckily, tallmadges code did not fall into british hands. but among the papers was a letter from washington in which he carelessly gave the name and address of an agent, george higday, saying that he was a man who would probably \convey intelligence to me.\ higday was arrested, but he had managed to destroy all evidence of spying. that move probably saved him from hanging.

what evidence in the excerpt suggests that being a spy for the americans could be deadly?

• the british and the americans both sent secret messages by horseback riders.
• tallmadge lost some of washingtons important messages.
• tallmadge escaped unharmed from an attack by the british.
• higday probably saved himself from hanging when he destroyed all evidence of spying.

Explanation:

Analyze the question prompt

The question asks for evidence from the excerpt showing that being a spy for the Americans could be deadly.

Evaluate the text for evidence of danger

The text states that George Higday, an agent whose name was exposed, managed to destroy all evidence of spying, and "That move probably saved him from hanging." Hanging is a lethal punishment, which directly supports the idea that spying could be deadly.

Match with the multiple-choice options

The fourth option states: "Higday probably saved himself from hanging when he destroyed all evidence of spying." This matches the textual evidence perfectly.

Answer:

• (A) The British and the Americans both sent secret messages by horseback riders.
• (B) Tallmadge lost some of Washington's important messages.
• (C) Tallmadge escaped unharmed from an attack by the British.
• (D) Higday probably saved himself from hanging when he destroyed all evidence of spying. (Correct answer)