The Cairo bulletin., 1912-05-31
A perilous Mission.
CHAPTER I.


and the dreadful winter passed-iis-
cussing the improved condition of our
! troops. the rigid discipline Of Baron
/ de Steuben, and specializing on what
would probably be attempted now
that Sir Henry Clinton had succeeded
| to the command of the forces oppos-
| ing us. | remember Maxwell joined
| us, together with Knox of the artil-
! lery, each man with different theory
/ of campaign, but alike agreeing that,
In spite OF all we had endured during
those months of suffering and priva-
ton at Valley Forge, the time to
strike once again was near at hand,
| although our numbers were barely
| half that Of the enemy.
It must have been midnight when |
| crept into a bunk, and even then
found sleep absent, my eyes gazing
! out through the open door to where
the embers Of the fire glowed red, and
a sentinel paced back and forth in
regular monotony. Suddenly he halt
ed, and challenged hoarsely, Ringing
| forward his gun. There was an indis-
tinguishable answer, and as straight
ened up the figure of a man blotted
out the doorway.
Major Lawrence?"
Yes What Is it?" | swung to the
floor, unable to recognize the voice.
The mans hand rose to salute.
81 am Colonel Gibbs orderly. Cen
eral Hamilton wishes you to report
at once at headquarters"
1.-THE Potts house?"
Eyes, sir"
/ dressed hastily, my pulses throh-
bling with eagerness, Whatever the
message meant, there was certainly
some purpose of vital importance in
sending for me at this unusual hour.
and was boy enough still to welcome
any form of active service No duty
Of the war had so tried me as the long
winter Of waiting. Yet, rapidly as I
moved, the orderly had disappeared
before | got outside, and | picked my
way as best | could alone through the
darkness, along the rear Of McIntosh's
/
runding the Potts house. Here a sem
tinel challenged, calling the corporal
of the guard, and In his company
tTudged up the path to the front door.
There was light showing through
the window to the left, although the
shade was closely drawn, and a guard
stood within the hall. At the first
sound Of our approach, however, side
door was flung open, letting forth q
CLEAN of illumination, and / perceived
the shoSt, slight figure of Hamilton,
as he peered forward to get better
glimpse of my face.
1"All right, corporal" he said terse-
~, gripping my hand. Come in, ma
jor; your promptness would seem to
indicate a readiness to get into serv-
Ice once more"
Il had not yet fallen asleep" ex-
planned, but we are all eager enough
for action of any description"
He smiled cheerily.
"You will soon be busy. never fear"
He closed the door behind us, and,
with a glance, ! viewed the room and
its occupants. 1t was q small, low
ceiiinged apartment, containing a
table. few chairs and a high com
mode. A few Goals glowed In the
wide fireplace, and the walls were
dingy with smoke. Three candles, al
ready burning low, gave tltful illumi.
nation, revealing four occupants, all
known to me. At an open door to the
glancing back curiously at my en-
trance, and whipped off my hat bow
Ing low. Once before had seen her,
Mistress Washington. and welcomed
the gracious recognition In her eyes.
Colonel Gibbs stood before the fire.
place motionless, but my glance swept
past him to the calm, uplifted face
, above the pile of papers littering the
table. He was not looking at me, but
, his eyes were turned toward his wife.
TT is not necessary for you to re-
tire" he said quietly. I'VE shall not
detain this gentleman except for few
, moments"
'Tt Is not because Of the majors
coming withdraw" she replied pleas
antly, "but the hour is late, and am
very tired. Good night, ALL"
Washington's eyes were upon the
door until 1t closed; then he turned
slightly, facing me. Before he spoke
again, Hamilton broke in:
This is the officer, sir, recommend
ed by General Maxwell-Major Law.
renee of the Maryland line"
bowed silently, and the command
er rose to his feet, extending his hand.
mo doubt we have met before" he
said slowly. "You have been with us
for some timer"
MY first action was at Harlem,
SIR"
You could not have been at Valley
Forge during the past winter, how
ever?"
Il was with the Marquis de la Fay
cite at Albany"
All yes" his face clouding at the
recollection. "A young officer, Hamil
ton, but capable, no doubt. You have
used him before, you said?"
Yes, at Long Island, and he en-
tered New York once at my request :
I, Washingtons gray eyes were still