The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1912-08-02
CHAPTER |.
A PeriIous Mission.

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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
rs. together with Knox Of the artil.
lery, each mar 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 e at hand
although cur numbers ERE barely
half that 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 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 a man blotted
out the doorway.
Major Lawrence?"
Yes. What is it," I 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"
THE Potts h~ouse?"
"Yes, sir"
| dressed hastily, my pulses throb-
bling with eagerness. Whatever the
message meant, there was certainly
som 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 | got outside, and | picked my
way as best could alone through the
darkness, along the rear of McIntosh's
huts, until | reached the low fence sur
runding the Potts house. Here a SEN
tinel 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 a guard
stood within the hall. At the first
sound Of our approach, however, a side
do0f was flung open, letting forth a
gieam Of Illumination, and l 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-
E, gripping my hand. Come in, ma
jor; your p%romptness would seem to
indicate a readiness to get into sery-
Ice once more"
I had not yet fallen asleep" I 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 and
Ts occupants. 1t vas a small, low
cellinged apartment, containing a
table, a few chairs and a high com.
mode A few Goals glowed in the
(. Ml0n Nrnnlnan and fhn ryoIIr ~~z.o
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
night stood a sweet-faced woman,
slancing back curiously at my en-
rance, and l whipped off my hat bow
ing low. Once before l had e her,
Mistress Washington, and welcomed
the gracious recognition in her eyes.
colonel Gibbs stood before the fire.
place m%otionless, but my glance swept
past him to the calm, upllfted face
ABOVE the pSe of papers littering the
uoie. He was not looking at me, but
OILS eyes were turned toward his wife.
II is not necessary for you to re-
uFep" he said quietly. I'VE shall not
detaln this gentleman except for a few
moments"
Tt is not because Of the majors
coming withdraw" she replied pleas
muy' but the hour is late, and l am
very tired. Good night, ALL"
Washington's eyes were upon the
ooor until 1t closed; then he turned
alghtly, facing me. Before he spoke
Raln, Hamilton broke in:
This is the officer, sir, recommend.
N General Maxwell-Major Law.
sace Of the Maryland line"
bowed silently, and the command.
rose to his feet, extending his hand.
no doubt we have met before" he
AiO slowly. You have been with us
'f some timer"
MY first action was at Harlem.
sir" "'
lou could not have been at Valley
eyer?". ~ No~
! was with the Marquis de la Fay
e,e at Albany"
an yes" his face clouding at the
"iecton. "A young officer, Hamil-
ns Dut capable, 10 doubt. You have
'eS MIN before, you said?"
les, at Long Island. and he en-.
n new York once at my request "
"~asnington's gray eyes were stiIl
sname" massachusetts
rot exclusively" I returned, "as
Oranch are virginians."
ass stern lines about the mouth
e1sed into a smile.
s.a ueed; from the eastern shore,
recall now having once met
asa Lee" whose Wne
NJ father, SIR
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