The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1915-02-25

we're turning to leave the house when
the closet door was thrown open and
a man in citizens dress stepped forth.
ST. cannot permit any one to bear
false witness in my behalf" he said.
''This person. pointing to the citizen,
SIS correct. At nightfall left the tav-
ern and came here to call upon Miss
Dudley at her invita- tion.''
Captain Wharton turned his eyes
from the Englishman to Winifred, then
back to Wharton.
"Who are you, sir?" he asked.
Captain John Armitage Of the Brit
ish army"
"And in our lines in citizens clothes!"
miss Dudley will bear me out that
came upon her invitation
''For what purpose?' asked the citi-
zen. ..a.s --
''That does not concern you. l did
not come for military information"
You need not remain here any long
err" said Captain Wharton to the
searching party. II will be RESPONSE
BILE for this gentleman"
This order, coming from an officer,
was enough for those to whom it was
addressed and was obeyed. When the
men were gone Wharton said:
would that 1 could conscientiously
let this matter drop here! My duty
as soldier and to my country COM
pels me to act l must report your
presence here, Captain Armitage, to
our commander If you are not here
as a spy you have nothing to fear.
deem it best for your interest that l
report the matter privately to General
Washington. Give me your parole that
you will remain here till you hear from
me-" ~:--
ut is given with thanks
While this scene was being enacted
Winifred. terror stricken for her lover,
was crouching beside him. Wharton
with bow to her, turned, and in an
other moment they heard him mount
and ride away. =
1t was not long before an orderly
rode up to the house and delivered an
order for John Ar1nitage and Winifred
Dudley to proceed to headquarters
Winifred. having protected herself
against the cold. with her lover de-
scended the side of the hill on which
Morristown is built. then assembled the
slope that led to General Washington's
headquarters They were conducted
into his private Office in rear of the
building. The general rose to receive
them. then closed the door. shutting
out all but himself and them
81 understand, SIR he said to Armi-
tage, that you have admitted that
you are captain in the British army.
You are within our lines in citizens
apparel. Will you inform me, sir, why
i should not order court martial to
try you on the charge of being spy?''
II can only assure you. general,
that came here in reply to a written
request from Miss Dudley. When l
received it l had no knowledge what
was her motive in asking me to come .
"But you know now?''
II do"
The general thought IL few moments,
Hthen said. 1T is imperative that have
an explanation for your being here;
l must treat you as a spy"
During this brief dialogue Winifred}' s
feelings were pent up and now burst
forth
General" she cried in agony, II am
:the spy. There is another matter be-
utween me and Captain Armitage than
conveying information to the British,
but this was not my real reason for
him. have been taking
Enote Of the troops gathered here and
"other matters pertaining to your army
and sent for Captain Armitage to come
and carry the information to General
Howe. But lest my letter sheuld be
intercepted l told him, that my father
was trying to persuade me to marry 4
TbvaI-One of your officers. Captain
Arlnitage had no knowledge whatever
that had any other motive for sum-
naening him. l have forfeited my life.
Execute me for spy. No trial is need
ed; here is the evidence"
She handed General Washington the
notes she had made and which she had
intended to send by Captain Armitage
to General Howe He scanned them.
then locked mp at the couple in mute
surprise. After deliberation he said:
'.Captaia Ar1nitage. you cannot be
convicted sap this the only evidence !
nave in gaylr case Had you been
caught VITA this information on you
nothing could have saved you. But
this lady has .heen convicted By Der
own confession and must suffer the
penalty
"Oh. general!'. exclaimed Armitage
imploringly
IF Miss Dudley were Il man." pur
sued the general. lit would be my duty
to order court martial. which would
undoubtedly convict her. Since she is
a woman l shall place her 'beyond onE
lines, where she can do nc harm :
But. general" cried Armitage
what can she. woman,> do w5thep'
your lines?'
She can go with you"
Her reputation
Need not suffer-
How soy