American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-07-25
CHAPTER I.
A perlIous Mission.

A PerlIous Mission.
Several of us had remained rather
late that evening about the cheerful
fire in front Of my hut-for the nights
we're still chilly, although 1t was May,
and the dreadful winter passed-dis'
cussing the improved condition OF our
troops, the rigid discipline OF Baron
de Steuben, and spec lating on what
would probably be attempted now
that Sir Henry Clinton had succeeded
to the command Of the forces oppos-
ing us. l remember Maxwell Joined
US, together with Knox Of the artil-
lery, each man with a 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 hat of the enemy.
1t 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 m%onotony. 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 a mar blotted
out the doorway.
major L~awrence?"
eyes. What is it," I swung to the
floor, unable to recognize the voice.
The mans hand rose to salute.
81 am Colonel Gibbs orderly. Gem
eral Hamilton wishes you to report
at once at headquarters"
"The Potts house?'
eyes, sir"
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 |
moved, the orderly had disappeared
before l got outside, and l picked ny
way as best l could alone through the
darkness, along the zeal of McIntosh's
nuts, until / reached the low fence sur
rundfng the Potts house. Here a sen.
tinel challenged. calling the corporal
or the guard. and in his company |
trudged up the path to the front door.
There was a light showing through
he 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. a Size
door was flung open. letting forth q
CLEAN OF illumination, and I perceived
the short, slight figure of Hamilton.
as he peered forward to get a better
glimpse of my face.
= All right, corporal" he said terse-
ly, gripping my hand. Come in. ma.
jor; your promptness would seem to
indicate a readiness to get into serv.
ice once more"
1 had not yet fallen asleep" l 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. l viewed the room an6
its occupants. 1t was a small. low
ceilinged apartment, containing 3
table. a few chairs and a high com
mode. A few Goals glowed in thu
wide fireplace. and the walls wer,
dingy with smoke. Three candles. al
ready burning low. gave fitful illumi
nation, revealing four al
known to me. At an open door to tn,
right stood a sweet-faced woman
glancing back c~uriously at my en-
trance. and l whipped off my hat bow
ing low. Once before l had seen he,
Mistress Washington, and welcomes
the gracious recognition in her eyes
Colonel Gibbs stood before the fire
place motionless. but my glance sven
past him to the calm, uplifted fac
above the pile Of papers littering tn
table. He was not looking at me. blu
his eyes were turned toward his wife
1T Is not necessary for you to r.
tire" he said quietly. we shall no
detain this gentleman except for a fe,
moments"
1T is not because of the major
coming l withdraw" she replied plea.
antly, but the hour is late, and 1 ar
very tired. Good night, all"
Washington's eyes we're upon tn
door until it closed; then he turne
slightly. facing ne. Before he spok
again, Hamilton broke in: