camp I had been the evening before, and of those scenes of suffering
witnessed during the past winter at Valley Forge--the shoeless feet, the
shivering forms, the soldiers dying from cold and hunger, the snow
drifting over us as we slept. What a contrast between this foolish boy's
play, and the stern man's work yonder. Somehow the memory stiffened me to
the playing of my own part, helping me to crush back bitter words that I
might exhibit the same spirit of recklessness shown by those about me.

"A fine conceit, indeed," I confessed, "and if the pageant be equal to
its promise 'twill be well worth the seeing. What is the purpose,
gentlemen?"

"To give Sir William fit farewell," returned André, pleased at my
unstinted praise. "And now that the Lord has sent us a fine day, I can
promise a festival worthy the herald. But, Fortesque, if you would have
audience with Howe, I advise you to get on, for he will have few spare
moments between now and day-dawn to-morrow."

We parted with much bowing, Craig and I guiding our horses through the
crowded streets, being kept too busy avoiding accidents to exchange
conversation. Howe's headquarters on High Street were not pretentious,
and, except for a single sentinel posted at the door, were unguarded. I
was admitted without delay, being ushered into a large room containing
merely tables and chairs, the latter littered with papers. An aide took
my name, and within a very few moments Sir William himself entered
through a rear door, attired in field uniform. He was of imposing figure,
fully six feet in height, well proportioned, and with a thoughtful,
kindly face. He greeted me with much affability, glancing hastily over
the papers handed him, and then into my face.