The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-04-27
CHAPTER l.
q psriiou, MI.s,on.

A psriious Mission.
Several Of 10 had remained rather
ate that evening about tho cheerful
are in front Of my hut-for tho nights
we're still chilly, although 1t was May.
and the dreadful winter passed-dis.
cu1sing the improved condition of our
troops, the rigid discipline Of Baron
DC steuben, and speculating 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
str1ke once again was near at hand,
although our numbers were barely
half that Of the enemy.
1t must have been midnight when I
crept into q 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
sentinel paced back and forth in
regular monotony. Suddenly he halt.
ed, and challenged hoarsely, finging
Forward his gun. There was an indis.
tinguishable answer, and as straight
ened up the figure Of q man blotted
put the doorway.
Major Lawrence?"
Yes. What is it?" I swung to the
door. unable to recognize the voice.
The mans hand rose to salute.
Il am Colonel Gibbs orderly. Gen.
eral Hamilton wishes you to report
pit once at headquarters.''
"The Potts house?"
Eyes, SIR"
I dressed hastily, my pulses throb-
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 I picked my
way as best could alone through the
darkness. along the rear of McIntosh's
hut", until reached the low fence sur
runding the Potts house. Here a SEN
t1nel challenged. calling the corporal
Of the guard, and in his company
trudged up the path to the front door.
There was a light showing through
the window to the left, although the
shade was closely drawn, and guard
stood within the hall. At the first
sound of our approach, however, side
door was flung open, letting forth a
CLEAN Of illumination, and I perceived
the short, slight figure Of Hamilton,
as he peered forward to get better
glimpse Of my face.
"All right, corporal" he said terse-
", gripping my hand. "Come in, ma
tor; your promptness would seem to
indicate readiness to get into serv-
Ice once MORE"
IT 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.H
He closed the door behind us, and,
with glance, viewed the room and
its occupants. It was a small, low
ceilinged apartment, containing a
table. few chairs and 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 fitful illumi.
nation, revealing four occupants, all
known to me. At an open door to the
right stood a sweet-faced woman,
glancing back curiously at my en-.
trance. and whipped off m. 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
bis eyes were turned toward his wife.
1T is not necessary for you to re-
lire" he said quietly. I'VE shall not
detain this gentleman except for a few
moments"
1T 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 it 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.
eir."
"You could not have been at Valley
Forge during the past winter. how