Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-03-02


was enough for those to whom 1t was
addressed and was obeyed. When the
men were gone Wharton said:
"Would that could conscientiously
let this matter drop here! My duty
as q soldier and to my country COM
pels me to act. must report your
presence here. Captain Armitage. to
our commander. If you are not here
as spy you have nothing to fear. !
deem It best for your interest that
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 q bow to her. turned. and In an
other moment they heard him mount
and ride away.
It was not long before an orderly
rode up to the house and delivered an
order for John Armitage 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.
II understand. sir" he said to Armi-
tage, "that you have admitted that
you are a captain in the British army.
You are within our lines in citizens
apparel. Will you inform me. sir. why
/ should not order a court martial to
try you on the charge Of being spyT
II can only assure you. general.
that 1 came here in reply to a written
request from Miss Dudley. When |
received It | had no knowledge what
was her motive in asking me to come"
But you know now?"
II do"
The general thought few moments.
then said. ut Is imperative that have
an explanation for your being here:
otherwise ] must treat you as IL spy.
During this brief dialogue Winifred's
feelings were pent up and now burst
forth.
General" she cried in agony. II am
the SOY. There Is another matter be
tween me and Captain Armitage than
conveying information to the British
but this was not my real reason for
summoning him. have been taking
note 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 should be
intercepted | told him that my father
was trying to persuade me to marry
rival-one of your officers. Captain
Armitage had no knowledge whatever
that l had any other motive for sum-
moning him. l have forfeited my life.
Execute me for a 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 looked up at the couple in mute
surprise. After elaboration he said:
Captain Armitage. you cannot be
convicted on this the only evidence ]
have In your case. Had you been
caught with this information on you
nothing could have saved you. But
this lady has been convicted by her
own confession and must suffer the
penalty"
"Oh, general!' exclaimed Armitage
imploringly.
IF Miss Dudley were man." pur-
sued the general, 1T would be my duty
to order court martial. which would
undoubtedly convict her. Since she Is
a woman l shall place her beyond our
lines. where she can do no harm"
But. general" cried Armitage.
what can she. woman. do without
your linesT
"She Gun go with you"
"Her reputation
NEED not suffer-
"How SOP
"Orderlyw cried the general. opening
the door. A soldier appeared. and the
general directed him to 60 for chap
lain. When that person appeared he
was directed to marry the couple. Aft
er the ceremony the general called for
an officer of his staff. to whom he said:
Put these two beyond our lines and
zee that they do not get backshere.'