The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-06-29
CHAPTER XII.
THE cOMMANDER-IN-CHlEF.

One two, three hours l waited. No one
knew or would tell me when the Geherai
might return, and though l was allowed
to walk up and down the hall OF the oiu
farmhouse then used as army quarters,
or even In the road before the house
realized that l was not out of the sight
of one sentry. or another during all that
time Twas not strange, since the ere
dentials l brought were nothing more
than my word, and no one ABOUT heao-
quarters knew my name. Noon passed.
and by god fortune l secured some food;
and then the afternoon wore on
In this delay l vent over again the
ride Roger had taken me, and harked
back 20 Mistress Philipse's treatment OF
me at the Gowans Ferry house. Twas
n marvel how that one woman could say
what the chose to me, ana, by sucn
word or look that she gave me when l
left her wipe out a hund1e ed times the
things she had charged me with put
few hours before. Could such a woman
think seriously with so many MOODS ana
such sudden tempers? Could she nave
heen serious and true in both her moods
that night and this morning? l had seen
her but twice and yet l knew her so
we'll so well. In that time she mad
shown me more of womanliness, OF Deau-
ty of sweetness, Of impetuous temper Oh
weak feminine helplessncss, ana etrong
will and anger, than L had known IN
any woman before. Twas enough to
turn the head OF any man, this breaking
out in new expressions moment by mo-
ment, battling beyond measure yet com
nellinE me to forget all injustice by
single last word.
l could not get away from her now
when l expected at any moment TO race
the one man a soldier wishes to De
ready for to impress favorapiy; and SO
In the afternoon sunlight l could bring
NV thoughts back to the chief and what
he might have for me to do, only to
see them sneal1ng back to that old door,
its dead. and its single light still burn
ing TO make It more desclate-to the
slight girlish figure travelling southwark
In the company of some countryman on
her way to renew her troubles, whatever
they might be.
So was l surprised by stir about
headquarters and, turning, saw squad
Of officers approaching on horseback with
the great unmistakable figure leading
them They passed me and entered the
house without a word. only returning sa-
lutes. None among them did L know,
except the straight figure of General
KNOX. whom l had seen at the Robinson
house on that fateful morning.
Shortly, however, 1 was summoned 10
enter, and found large, low apart
ment occupied by inc coiiiioiiu.i
chief who was talking quietly with his
officers.
"Nay Knox, 1t is a question of prin-
o,nle not of the individual. He may be,
indeed. l know he is gentleman ana
ene OFFICER. but the question deals with
the whole discipline Of the army.
"It Is a terrible duty" replied the 9th
er sadly shaking his head as ne gazed
out of the window.
The general saw me ana saio 10 inc
others:
"c,entlemen. 1 have some private bus
iness with this young man" And they
went silently out of the room
"Iieut Balfort." SAID Washington,
turning to nc without hesitation, you
have obcyed quickly. 1t 10 correct mill
tary discipline.
II have been here for ten hours, your
Excellcncy"
otherwise occupied. lieutenant" he con-
tinued. ..in such times as these judg-
rnents must be made quickly and they
must correct and unfinching."
1 did not reply.
81 have sent for you,' continued the
General. ito give you commission OF
great Importance. l do not know you.
Can / trust your
looked at him full in the eye ard
met a glance tlishl hAoNaO INV SAAA'S. 80
spite of myself.
you can. sir.
.I think L can"
Then after q moments pause: you
are not known, to anyone In this Hudson
River country
80 no one but Colonel Livingston's
command"
"You are known 20 others"
"To otners?"
mro a dozen British soldiers, five of
whom arc at large. :.
yves. that is true your Excelicncy
How could he have heard or last nights
work 30 soon.
you should have taken them all. They
are dangerous men. and one who es-
caned is more dangerous than all the
dozen put together"
..lt was impos sible SIR, under tho
"3otning is impossible, young man.
said Washington quietly. Then he went
en-: You have never been In New
York;
mo, your Excellency.
washington paused again
lieutenant. you are to prepare to u'i-
dertake a difficult work.
Eyes. your Excellency."
..You will examine the situation" he
peused moment.
sar1,> oat1iettcn Of"