The times., 1897-04-11

i was desperate, Ruu d iOoi. 1 pSSe'it'N
of band of conspirators-"
''And you tell me this because you are
betraying your comrades to
mo, MOTTO gain my own pardon. Wheha
man puts his hand in the fire, he must expect
to he burned"
He looked at me intently 81 believe
you,'' he said at last, AT least you are a
brave man. But-go on with your story"
i went on-telling all; explaining word
for word, detail by detail Many times he
interrupted with question making no
expostulation, listening gravely. 1t mad
dened me that he said nothing / had eN-
pected Yet though he had my measure
and despised me, he did not show MS feei-
ing. He was debating the situation, and
deciding with that evenness of mind winch
was | believe, the main reason of his
success. He had extricated himself from
many difficult situations, first and last,
by this extreme dispassionateness. But
he had l think, the least resentment for
personal affront of any man l ever
knew; if he possessed vanity he sub
ordinated it to his Judgment. Back OF
all he had first faith in his cause, in
himself; that broad patriotism was ttle
main motive governing all his acts,
believe firmly. The plot later when ne
was offered the crown (which believe
he might easily have worm bears out
this view If he had not been intense
ly patriotic, why did he make himseif
the trouble of this hard service? No, L
do not believe that the wish for mere
personal fame was alone behind 1t.
know, whatever his detractors may say
and what is great fame without its de-
tractors?-that there was patriotism ami
mating most this cool, intellectual mlnd
that really lie would have preferred the
quiet of his Virginia estate, and the es-
TEEN a rich proprietor always has -after
all more comfortable than any fame how
ever great.
Now he coolly regarded the possibilities
of the situation. He saw instantly, know
ing human nature, that / told all knew;
more than this, the Importance OF Keeping
the matter quiet, that the full extent OF
the plot might be found. knew in America
onlytwo names, Won Wadom' and Perners
/ told him, too, that the plotters doubt
less had held Gen. Arnold in their power,
hut that | did not believe he knew the plan.
If he began, as if weighing his words,
and looking me over with critical coolness,
'.you have decided to betray your com
rades, why did you not decide sooner,
when this scandal of West Point almost
surrendered might have been avoided?'
Ihunr my head and then answered boldly,
resolved to leave myself not a single eXtenu-
alton: and in this1 really was tactful
Because [ was coward, your excel
lency."
Being Il coward, how did you at last
IN, inP atrpf1
Because when it was put to me-I
could not do it,
And why did you let Won Wadom es-
cape?'' he said, continuing the inquisition
Even had l wished, knew nothing could
escape those calm, blue eyes.
"Recausc | like him. 1 believe him a
very vain man land that offended vanity led
to the position"
Like Arnold's case-that and debt" he
acknowledged. But it is not eNtenuating.
A s it is, an English gentleman and officer,
Major Andre-who was but obeying his
superior's orderS-doubtless will have to
suffer for Arnold. Debt seems to make a
deal OF dishonesty, Capt de la Renne'
He paused as If i'll deep meditation;
stepped to the window and looked out. |
thoughtI 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 doubtless in
tend to make terms for yourself
Your excellency," l cried passion,
ately: and then as calmly as he: Sir, my
bed l have made, and l Will lie on it
That is ali that is left, the only way have
TO vindicate the name my father gave"
"Yes, YOU have abused that name, De
la Renne But-now you can be useful to
me-
"If 1 may be-
You must not utter a word OF this-to
a SOUL
can you believe my word?'
| u can,'' he said. simply Il understand
your nature now"
II thank your excellency.''
You need not thank me-only my self
| interest; which tells me that, in the time
| of the publication of Gen. Arnold's plot
| the OF her must not so much as be suggested
| Besides my knowledge of it will enable
me to watch for the unknown hands in it
| individuals l believe you do not know"
THANK you, your excellency."
"In fact, Capt de la Renne, no one shall
know of this, excepting you and me; no
| even Col. Hamilton, not the marquis o
Gen. Knox, who know now of the Arnol'
incident. But you Will be detached from
your temporary position of aide-de-camp
You will receive some duty, and ever
moment YOU may be sure you SHAH b.
watched. No, you need not thank me
tits but eXpediency. Were 1t not for tina
you should he court-martialed, and proba
bly, shot, but now, as it is, l am rather i
your power Your part is simply not t
breathe a word of that you know; and t
do what may he assigned you as well a
you may. Incidentally, you see, my cir
cumstances give you a small chance of re
deeming yourself" ;" .
l bowed humbly.
| ''In the meantime you are apparentl
what you seemed when you came here. "
More than when l came here, your eX
cellency."
Yes, 1 think. more than when yol
came here" he assented coldly.
a knock Interrupted.
a. Hamilton"
"Presently,'' Washington said; and the
continuing to me, Il will tell you this much
This conspiracy leaves me doubtful ofman
in high places l must sift, and examine
must know better how far it reache
And SO, Monsieur della Renne, despite you
past treachery, l am compelled to make g
ally of you
Heaven smiled, as suddenly he extende
his hand. He had OWNED my nature e'
actly as say; he read that despite my pas
he now could be sure of me. Yet now i
| rnvi wing these Incidents | saw hOy