My Lady of Doubt

gh it was May, and the dreadful winter passed,-discussing the improved condition of our troops, the rigid discipline of Baron de Steuben

but alike agreeing that, in spite of all we had endured during those months of suffering and privation at Valle

e the embers of the fire glowed red, and a sentinel paced back and forth in regular monotony. Suddenly he halted, and challenged hoarsely

r Law

floor, unable to recognize the voi

eneral Hamilton wishes you to r

otts h

s,

rderly had disappeared before I got outside, and I picked my way as best I could alone through the darkness, along the rear of McIntosh's huts, until I reached the low fence surrounding the Potts house. Here a sentinel challenged, calling the corporal of the guard, and in his company I trudged up the path to the front door. There was a

hand. "Come in, Major; your promptness would seem to

xplained, "but we are all eager en

led ch

y with smoke. Three candles, already burning low, gave fitful illumination, revealing four occupants, all known to me. At an open door to the right stood a sweet-faced woman, glancing back curiously at my entrance, and I whipped off my hat bowing low. Once before I had seen her, Mistre

he said quietly. "We shall not detain t

hdraw," she replied pleasantly, "but the hour

it closed; then he turned slightly, facing

mmended by General Maxwell-Majo

e commander rose to his

," he said slowly. "You have

tion was at

at Valley Forge during

Marquis de la Fa

ion. "A young officer, Hamilton, but capable,

and he entered New Yor

ay eyes were st

s a Massach

returned, "as our b

bout the mouth re

I recall now having once met a Judge

ather

my shoulder, as his gl

ill find the papers in the second drawer. Please e

ng the eyes that still regarded us. Hamilton opened the drawer designated,

en selected because of previous successful efforts of a similar nature, b

he service," I answered sincere

New York to Sir William Howe in Philadelphia. The prisoner was brought here, and on examination proved to be Lieutenant Edgar Fortesque of the 42nd Regiment of Foot. These troops came over with the last detachment, and arrived in New York less than a month ago. On searching Fortesqu

ing the paper o

nces of the city. We require also information regarding the division of troops under Sir Henry's command-the proportion of British, Hessians, and Tories, together with some inkling as to Clinton's immediate plans. There is a rumor abroad that Philadelphia is to be evacuated, and that the British forces contemplate a retreat overland to New York. Ci

e despatch by an officer who shall i

rcely probable he is known personally to any of the present Philadelphia garrison. There is a risk, of course, but in this case it would seem to be small." He p

rm meant my condemnation as a spy, if discovered, and a death of disgrace. I had been within the lines of the enemy often before, but always as a scout, wearing the homespun of the Maryland Line, but this was to be a masquerade, a juggling with chance. I was not greatly afraid of being unmasked by the officers of the garrison, but there were those then in Philadelphia who knew me-loyal

me to go

ment, bending down close

orts through our lines, and hard riding will

gton quietly. "You were doubtless acqua

y face d

and it might be safer were

ith General Conway. I believe the misunderstanding between you is entirely personal, and in no way affects his loyalty to the cause. Whatever

s been most unfortunate, with wrong no doubt upon both sides. Unquestionably you are right, yet I fel

followed Hamilton from the room, Gibbs still sta