My Lady of Doubt | Page 5

of the sea, with the setting sun,
and on a wreath the words, "Lucco discendens, ancto splendore
resurgam," while at the top was the General's crest, bearing the words,
"Vive Vale." I have it yet, but as I looked at it then, sitting my horse on
the river bank, and listening to the careless laughter of those about me,
I could think only of that other half-starved army in whose 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.
"These do not greatly change my former plans," he said, "but I am glad
to know I can retain my present staff. There was no special news in
New York, Lieutenant?"
"None of particular importance, I believe, sir. We landed only a short
time ago."
"Yes. I understand. You were fortunate to get through here so
easily--the Jerseys are a hotbed of rebellion. Do you return with me by
water?"
"I believe that was left to my own discretion. I should be glad of a day
or two in Philadelphia."
"Easily arranged. While I shall leave the city to-morrow so as to give
Clinton a fair field, I shall remain on Lord Howe's flag-ship for some
little time previous to final departure for New York. You had better
mess here with my staff. Mabry," turning to the aide, "see that
Lieutenant Fortesque has breakfast, and procure him a pass good
indefinitely within our lines. You will pardon my withdrawal, as the
officers of the garrison promise me an exceedingly busy day. We will

meet again, no doubt."
He clasped my hand warmly, and withdrew, leaving me alone with the
aide, half-ashamed, I confess, of having been compelled to deceive. Yet
the very ease of it all stimulated endeavor, and I conversed lightly with
Mabry over the mess table, and, when the orderly returned with the
necessary pass, I was keen to start upon my round of inspection, utterly
forgetful of having been up, and in saddle, all night. Mabry could not
leave his duties to accompany me, but courteously furnished a fresh
horse, and assigned a private of dragoons to guide me about the city.
By ten o'clock we were off, my only fear being the possible meeting
with some acquaintance.
In this, however, I was happily disappointed, as there were few
civilians on the streets, the throngs of soldiers, off duty for a holiday,
with all discipline relaxed, being boisterous, and considerably under the
influence of liquor. Quarrels between them were frequent, the British
regulars and Loyalists seldom meeting without exchange of words and
blows. The uniform worn, together with my dragoon guard, saved me
from trouble, and I found the fellow sufficiently intelligent to be of
value. I dare not make notes, and yet recall clearly even now the
stations of the troops, together with a clear mental outline of the main
defences of the city. I made no attempt to pass beyond the limits, but,
from statements of the dragoon, and various officers with whom I
conversed, mapped in my mind the entire scheme of defence. Briefly
stated, the line of intrenchments