The Washington times., 1902-06-15
Lieutenant BalfOr Washington ou obeyed quickly

before. T was enough to turn the heat
expressions moment by moment. battling
beyond measure. yet compelling me t
forget all injustice by single last word
l could not get away from her nov
when l expected at any moment to fac.
the one man soldier wishes to be read,
| for. to impress favorably; and so in tht
afternoon sunlight could bring m,
thoughts back to the chief and wha
he micht have for me to do, only tc
see them sneaklng back TO that old man
sion by the ferry, with its open door
| Its dead. and its single light still burn
ing to make It more desolete-to the
slight girlish figure travelling south
ward in the company of some country
man on her wa- to renew her troubles
whatever they might be.
So l was surprised by stir about
headquarters. and, turning. saw a squad
OF officers approaching on horseback
with the great unmistakable figure lead
ing them. They passed me and entered
the house without a word. only return
ing salutes. None among them did
know. except the straight figure Of Gen
eral Knox. whom had seen at the Rob
inson House on that fateful morning.
Shortly. however. l was summoned to
enter. and found large low apartment
occupied by the commander-in-chief. who
was talking quietly with his officers.
Nay. Knor. 1t is question OF prin-
ciple, not OF the individual. He may be.
indeed. know he is a gentleman and a
fine officer but the question deals with
the whole discipline OF the army. not
with the case of a single man"
at is a terrible duty" replied the
other, sadly shaking his head as he eazed
out of the window.
The general saw NE and said to the
Others:
Gentlemen. have some private busi-
ness with this young man" And they
went silently out of the room.
Lieutenant Balfort." said Washing
ton. turning to me without hesitation
you have obeyed quickly. 1t is correct
military discipline"
Il have been here ten hours. your ex-
cellency."
Il know" said he. "I was. however.
otherwise occupied. Lieutenant" he
continued. lin such times as these. iudg-
ments must be made quickly. and they
must be correct and unfinching."
! did not reply.
Il have sent for you continued the
general. Ito give you a commission of
great Importance. do not know you.
Can | trust you?"
looked him full in the eye. and met
a glance that made me shiver in spite
of myself.
You can. sir"
"I think l can
Then after a moments pause: You
are not known to anyone in this Hud-
son River country"
ITO no one but Colonel Livingstones
You are known to others"
ITO others?'
"To a dozen British soldiers. five of
whom are at large"
"Yes. that is true. your Excellency.'
How could he have herd OF last nights
work so soon?
you should have taken them al.
They are dangerous men. and one WHO
escaped is more dangerous than all the
dozen put together"
1T was impossible. sir. under the
Nothing is impossible, young man.
said Washington quietly. Then he vent
on, You haze never been In New !
York;"
mo your Excellency."
Washington paused.
Lieutenant. you are to prepare to un-
lertake difficult work"
Yes, your Excellcncy."
You are to go to New York at once"
Yes. your Excellency."
"You will examine the situation" he
paused a moment.
THE situation Of