Headquarters were in a single-roomed cabin at the edge of a ravine. A squad of cavalrymen were in front, their horses tied to a rail fence, but within Washington was alone, except for a single aide, writing at a rude table in the light of a half-dozen candles. He glanced up, greeting us with a slight inclination of the head.
He wrote slowly, as though framing his sentences with care, occasionally questioning the aide. Once he paused, and glanced across at Hamilton.
"Colonel, do you know a Dragoon named Mortimer?"
"I have no recollection of ever having met the man, sir. I have written him orders, however; he is a scout attached to General Lee's headquarters."
"Yes; I recall the name. He is the one who brought us our first definite information this morning of Clinton's position. I remember now, you were not with me when he rode up--young, slender lad, with the face of a girl. I could but notice his eyes; they were as soft and blue as violets! Well, an hour ago he came here for a favor; it seems the boy is a son of Colonel Mortimer, of the Queen's Rangers."
"Indeed; Wayne reported the Colonel killed in front of his lines."
"Not killed, but seriously wounded. The son asked permission to take him home to a place called Elmhurst near Laurel Hill."
"I know the plantation, sir," I said, my interest causing me to interrupt. "It is on the Medford road."
"Ah, you have met the lad, possibly, Major," and he turned his face toward me. "The boy interested me greatly."
"No, sir; I endeavored to find him at Lee's headquarters, but failed. I have met his father and sister."
His grave face lighted with a sudden smile.
"I sometimes imagine, Colonel Hamilton," he said quietly, "that this unhappy war might be very pleasantly concluded if we could only turn our young officers over to the ladies of the enemy. Would such a plan meet with your approval, Major?"
"I should prefer it to the present method."
"No doubt, and Mistress Mortimer?--But let that pass, until we hold council of war upon the subject. Just now we shall have to be content with the more ordinary plans of campaign. I gave the boy permission to remove his father, and they are upon the road ere this. I would that all the British wounded had homes close at hand. You have informed the Major of his mission, I presume, Hamilton, and there is nothing I need add."