The Irish standard., 1912-06-15

Clinton In Philadelphia, convinced by
every report received that he was
about to evacNate the city, bent all
his energies toward placing his little
army in At condition for battle. Some
recruits were received, the nelghbor-
Ing militia were drawn upon, and men
were taken from the hospitals, and
put back into the ranks as soon as
strong enough to bear arms. Inspired
by the indomitable spirit Of our com.
mander, the line officers worked inces.
sanity in the welding together Of their
commands. I scarcely knew what
sleep was. yet the Importance Of the
coming movement Of troops held mo
steadfast to duty. Word came to US
early In June that Count d'Estaing,
with a powerful French feet, was APP
preaching the coast. This surely
meant that Clinton would be COM
PEELED to retreat across the Jerseys.
and portion Of our troops We're ad.
vanced SO as to be within easy strik.
Ing distance Of the city the moment
the evacuation took place. The re.
naming commands pressed farther
north, near convenient crossings of
the Delaware. prepared for forced
march across the British line of re.
treat. Maxwell's brigade. with which
was connected, even crossed the
river in advance, cooperating with
General Dickinson and his New Jersey
militia. All was excitement, commo.
ton, apparently disorder, yet even
amid that turmoil of approaching bat.
tie, Hamilton recalled my request, and
granted me two days. leave. His brief
note reached me at Coryelps Ferry,
and. an hour later. I was riding swiftly
across the country to where Leo had
headquarters.
Not once during all those days and
nights had the memory Of Claire left
me. Over and over In my mind had
reviewed all that had ever occurred
between us, striving in vain to guess
the riddle. Now I would see and talk
with her brother. and perhaps obtain
the explanation needed. Yet I have
gone into battle with less trepidation
than when rode into Lees headquar-
ters. and asked his chief-of-staff for
Eric Mortimer. He looked at me
strangely, as put the question.
Il should be very glad to oblige you,
Major Lawrence" he replied gravely,
but unfortunately I have no present
knowledge of the young man."
But he was attached to General
Lees staff"
"Only in wayne was useful to
us as q scout because of his intimate
knowledge Of the Jerseys. His home,
I understand. was near Mount Holly"
What has become Of him?"
All l know is, he was sent out on
. special mission, by Washington's
own orders, nearly month ago. We
have not directly heard from him
since. An Indian brought partial re-
port Of his operations up to that time;
since then we have received nothing"
can Indian" exclaimed. 1.-THE same
who brought in my notes?"
II believe so; yes, now that recall
the matter. had no opportunity to
question the fellow; he simply left the
papers with the orderly. and disap.
peared."
"And you have heard nothing from
young Mortimer since?"
mot word"
"He must be dead, or a prisoner"
The chief smiled rather grimly.
COR deserted" he added sharply. "I
am more inclined toward that theory.
He was reckless young devil, attract
ed to our service more, 1t seemed to
me, by spirit Of dare-deviltry than
patriotism. Lee thought we'll of him,
but was always suspicious. He be-
longed to a family of loyalists, his IA
Their q colonel Of Queens Rangers.
Did you know him, Lawrence?"
"The father, not the son. But am
not willing to believe evil of the boy.
l cannot conceive that treachery is In
the Mortimer blood, sir, and shall have
to be convinced before I condemn the
lad. When did he leave here last?"
About the middle of May"
Would you mind telling me his mis-
sion? Where he was sent?'
The officer glanced keenly into my