“Governor Wentworth, this is the feller ’bout whom General Schuyler wrote, an’ who is now known as Ira Le Geyt.”
The twelve committeemen turned their eyes upon the newcomer, and he on his part gazed earnestly at them. Several he knew by sight, though he had no personal acquaintance with them; the others were strangers, save him at the foot of the table. As Ira’s glance fell on this man he recognized him as a citizen whom he had met when on a former visit to the town, and he understood by the look given him, that the recognition was mutual. A slight shake of the head, however, gave this patriot to understand that the lad did not wish to be known, and then Ira listened to the governor, who now said:
“Though unknown to us, young man, we cannot doubt your faithfulness to the Cause we represent. The endorsement of General Schuyler alone is sufficient for us, and when to that is added the service you have already rendered, I, speaking for the others, may say that besides our welcome, you have our gratitude.”
“He is not unknown to me,” broke in the committeeman at the other end of the table. “Although not at liberty to declare his name, I can vouch for his patriotism. No one of us loves the Cause more than he.”
“No one ever yet doubted your word, Master Whipple,” the chairman replied, “and we shall not do so now. Still, does not the work this young man has voluntarily taken upon himself tell, as no other words can, of love for country?” and he looked around upon his companions in a way which told he believed the matter of the young scout’s standing was settled.
As no one contradicted him, he turned again to Ira, asking:
“What can you do for us, my young sir?”
“In the matter of the coming raid?” the lad questioned. “I cannot prevent it, sir.”
“We would not have you do that,” was the quick reply.
“I am glad,” the boy went on; “but I think I can control the time of that raid, and the size of the raiding force. At least, I am to report to General Burgoyne on those two points, and have reason to believe my words will have weight with him.”