Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-04-11

this view. II he mad net Dee0 intense
ly patriotic why did he make himself
the trouble of this hard service? no,
do net believe that the wish for mere
personal fame was alone behind it,
know. whatever his detractors may say,
and what great fame is without its de-
tractors ?-that there was patriotism
animating most this cool, intellectual
mind; that really he would have pre-
ferred the quiet of his Virginia estate,
- the esteem a rich proprietor al
ways has-after all mere comfortable
than any fame however great.
Now he coolly regarded the POSSIBLE
tiles of the situation. He saw instant
ly. knowing human nature, that l told
all | knew: more than this, the i'm
portance of keeping the matter quiet,
that the full extent of the plot might
be found. l knew in America only two
names, Won Wadom's and Berner's. l
told him. too, that the plotters doubt
less had held General Arnold in their
power; but that | did not believe he
knew the plan.
If" he began, as il weighing his
words, and looking me over with crit
ical GOODNESS, you have decided to be-
tray your comrades, why did you not
decide sooner when this scandal of West
Point almost surrendered might have
been avoided?"
hung my head; and, then, answered
boldly, resolved TO leave myself not
single extenuation; and in this l really
was tactful.
I moe arI
lency."
Being q, coward. how did you at last
become brave enough TO defy your pa
irons?
Because, when it was put to mel
could not do it."
And why did you let Won Wadom es-
cape?" he said continuing the inquisition.
Even had I wished. l knew nothing could
escape those calm, blue eyes.
Because like him. I believe him very
vain man: and that offended vanity let
TO the position
Like Arnolds case.-that, and debt" he
Acknowledged But it is not eXtenuaung.
As it is. an English gentleman and Off
Ger. Major Andre.-who was but obeying
his superiors orders.-doubtless will have
TO suffer for Arnold. Debt seems to make
a deal of dishonesty, Captain de la Renne.'
He paused as if in deep meditation;
stepped othe window and looked out. 1
thought I could hear my heart-beats.
"You. too, should suffer" he said, turn
ing about.
Il am quite ready. Your EXcellency."
But you doubtless saw that could not
punish you now. You dobtless intend TO
make terms for yourself"
Your Excellency." I cried passionately;
and then as calmly as he; sir, my bed l
have made and I will lie on it. That is
all that is left. the only way l have to vim
dcate the name my father gave
Yes. YOU have abused that name. de la
Renne. But-now you can be useful to
me-"
IF I may be-
You must not utter a word OF this,-to
a soul"
Can you believe my word?'
81 can" he said simply."I understand
your nature now"
Il thank Your EXcellency."
''You need not thank me,-only my self
interest; which tells me that, in the time
of the publication of General Arnod's plot.
the other must not so much as be suggest
ed. Besides. my knowledge of it will en-
able me to watch for the unknown hands
in it.-individuals 1 believe you do not
know"
THANK your. Your Excellency."
In fact. Captain de la Renne, no ne
shall know fthis,-eXcepdng you and me;
not even Colonel Hamilton.-not the Mar
quis or General Knox. who know now OF
the Arnold incident. But you will be de-
tached from your temporary position of
aide-de-camp. You will receive some duty
and every moment you may be sure you
shall be watched. No, you need not thank
me. II is but expediency. Were it not for
that YOU should be courtmartialed, and
probably shot; but now.-as 1t Isl am
rather in your power. Your part Is
simply not to breathe a word of that you
know: and to do what may be assigned you
as well as you may. Incidentally. you see,
my circumstances give you small chance
of redeeming yourself.
bowed humby.
IN the meantime you are apparently
what you seemed when you came here.
more than when I came here, Your EX-
cellency.'
yes, think, more than when you came
here" he assented coldly.
\ knock interrupted.
81 Hamilton
presently" Washington said; and then
continuing to me, Il will tell you this
much. This conspiracy leaves me doubt
full of many in high places. l must sift.
and eXamine.-mu know better how far
it reaches. And so, Monsieur de Ia Renne,
DESPITE your past treachery, I am COM
PEELED to make an ally Of YOU
Heaven smiled. as suddenly he extended
his hand. He had OWNED my nature eX-
actly as I say; he read that despite my
past he now could be sure of me. Yet now
in reviewing these incidents, 1 saw how
policy enters into jlsustice; how cXpedi-