Together they went to the bedside of the faithful scout. The General took his hand. Margaret put her lips close to Solomon's ear and said:
"General Washington has come to see you."
Solomon opened his eyes and smiled. Then there was a beauty not of this world in his homely face. And that moment, holding the hand he had loved and served and trusted, the heroic soul of Solomon Binkus went out upon "the lonesome trail."
Jack, who had been kneeling at his side, kissed his white cheek.
"Oh, General, I knew and loved this man!" said the young officer as he arose.
"It will be well for our people to know what men like him have endured for them," said Washington.
"I shall have to learn how to live without him," said Jack. "It will be hard."
Margaret took his arm and they went out of the door and stood a moment looking off at the glowing sky above the western hills.
"Now you have me," she whispered.
He bent and kissed her.