CHAPTER XXIX
LOVE AND TREASON
When Jack and Solomon returned to headquarters, Arnold and his wife were settled in a comfortable house overlooking the river. Colonel Irons made his report. The Commander-in-Chief complimented him and invited the young man to make a tour of the camp in his company. They mounted their horses and rode away together.
"I learn that General Arnold is to be in command here," Jack remarked soon after the ride began.
"I have not yet announced my intention," said Washington. "Who told you?"
"A man of the name of Henry Thornhill."
"I do not know him but he is curiously well informed. Arnold is an able officer. We have not many like him. He is needed here for I have to go on a long trip to eastern Connecticut to confer with Rochambeau. In the event of some unforeseen crisis Arnold would know what to do."
Then Jack spoke out: "General, I ought to have reported to you the exact words of Governor Reed. They were severe, perhaps, even, unjust. I have not repeated them to any one. But now I think you should know their full content and Judge of them in your own way. The Governor insists that Arnold is bad at heart--that he would sell his master for thirty pieces of silver."
Washington made no reply, for a moment, and then his words seemed to have no necessary relation to those of Jack Irons.