The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-03-20
MADGE LEES GUEST.

"
oampment at Valley Forge.
Within this humble home Madge Lee,
girl of tender years, sat by the bedside o
her feeble grandfather, trying to divert hi
mind from the unpleasant news they hat
received that morning.
Word was sent that Allen Lee had beer
arrested on the serious charge of intending
to reveal plans of the American army tt
the enemy Lee Indignantly denied thu
charge but his word was not sufficient tt
enable him to escape Imprisonment ant
| the trial he would have to undergo nexl
day. He proved gallant soldier, and had
gained the good will Of General Washing
ton, but tho documents found on his per
son made very dark outlook for him.
1t was n long, dreary day for the prison.
er at Valley Forge and very sad one fol
Madge and her grandfather.
my son arrested for being traitor!"
moaned the old man. ooh, l can't believe
it 1t is too dreadful to endure!' and ho
wrung his hands in despair.
'Yes, grandfather, it Ia hard for us"
said Madge as she brushed the silvery locks
from the wrinkled brow. "But do not
worry know father is not traitor, for
something tells me that his name will yet
be cleared"
"Heaven bless you, Madge, )" replied tho
old man as he raised his eyes. "Let us
pray for the justification of your father 8
good name. 1t can't be that he must die
traitor-my son, so brave and true"
''No, no." assured Madge. "He will
not"
The old man closed his weary eyelids,
and it was not long until the regular
breathing told Madge that he slept.
As sho rose and moved to the window
she seemed filed with light and strength,
and her rapid thoughts flew hither and
thither, seeking to plan way to help her
father.
III could sec General Washington,
thought Madge, she might listen to me
and help father"
II will CO." she said resolutely to her.
self. Grandfather will be likely to sleep
while am gone" she continued as sho
glanced on the careworn features. at
would kill him If father were condemned
to die, and then should die too" Madgo
was naturally timid girl, but there was
unfaltering decision now in all her quick
actions.
Wrapping her cloak about her, she quiet.
ly descended the stairs and passed into the
clear light of the bright afternoon.
She hurried along the frozen path which
led across the fields to Valley Forge
Twice she slipped and fell but, filled with
her great purpose, she went dauntlessly on.
At length she came in sight of the en-
campment. How cheerless was the scene
The very atmosphere was gray with cold,
and the sound that came to her seemed
like the voice Of winter.
Madge went hurricdly to the door and
was at once hidden to enter General
Washington rose and acknowledged her
courtesy by low bow of his stately head.
She did not know how fair she looked
that afternoon. The sharp wind had
brought vivid color to her cheeks, and
the crystals of snow shone through her
curls like glstening dewdrops She was
much frightened and endeavored to keep
from trembling as she heard the generals
voice when he asked how he could serve
her.
II came, sir, to speak with you Of tho
case of my father" faltered Madge
What Is your name my ohilds" asked tho
commander in chief. "Madge Lee" she
replied, "And your father isl "Allen
Lee, ahlu Mauge quickly.
Washington 8 brow wrinkled, he lowered
his eyes and his firm lips pressed closer.
"Oh, SIR" said Madge beseechingly,
will you not save my father? know he
Is not traitor, for there is no drawer SOL
der, no truer American in the world"
The pathetic tremor of the young girls
voice affected Washington. my child"
said he as he looked in her wide, shining
eyes, II give you my promise that will
do all can to aid your father. 1t may be
that he is innocent, but the papers found
in his possession cast dark suspicion over
him. Perhaps there is some mistake"
continued the general encouragingly. II
will look into the case at once.
"Oh, thank you, sir" said Madge as
she stepped from the door and hurried
homeward with the good news.
She held the vision Of his face and state
ly form constantly before her, and when
the bugle call rang forth in the distance
her lips trembled with happiness.
1.-The father of such daughter cannot
be very bad, no matter how dark is the
suspicion cast ca him." remarked Wash
ington to himself as he watched Madge
hurrying on in the distance "There must
be some mistake l will investigate the
case without delay"
Meanwhile the old man slept, and when
Madge reached her home she quietly en-
tered and crept softly up the stairs. She
found her grandfather seated in low
chair by tho window His eyes were closed
and his chin was tipped high, showing the
lines of distress about his mouth.
At the sight Of the pallor of his face
Madge lightly crossed the room, and, kneel-
ing beside the chair, threw her arms about
him. He felt her warm lips upon his brow
and opened his eyes.
Grandfather, she cried, 81 have seen
General Washington and he has promised
to help father"
Nladge' gasped the old man, and his
wasted frame trembled with emotion
The next day Madge received letter
bearing a large red seal. She quickly
opened the note and read the following:
Miss LEE-Your fathers case has received
my attention, and am pleased to inform you
that he is innocent Of the crime cruelty charged
against him. Tho real traitor has been dis
covered. 1t was this fellow, jealous Of your
father S success, who concealed the papers on
him and brought about his arrest. OF your
fathers promotion l need not speak, for he
VIII be with you soon to tell you all May the
great blessing Of peace and joy rest on tho Lee
household. GEORGE WASHINGTON.
isn't he kind grandfather"
Noble" replied the old man Us he
claspcd his hands in thanksgiving.
No American ever cherished the memory
Df the great commander in chief duurer
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