"It is impossible, sir, absolutely impossible. My orders are positive; the general cannot be seen on any account."
"Present, sir, my humble duty to his excellency, and tell him that Dr. Griffith waits on him with secret and important intelligence, and craves an audience of only five minutes' duration."
This conversation could be plainly distinguished by those within the tent, but so engrossed was the commander with his writing that he apparently heard no word of it. He looked up in surprise, not unmingled with disapprobation, when the officer of the guard entered.
The visitor's message was repeated, and the commander-in-chief said almost impatiently:
"Admit him, major; admit him."
Enoch believed that he ought not to remain if the business to be transacted was "secret;" but General Washington's orders had been for him to lie in that place, and he did not dare suggest that he should retire.
The visitor entered hurriedly, and with no slight confusion.
He was dressed in civilian's garb, but gave a soldierly salute, and introduced himself by repeating that which he had told the sentinel:
"I am, your excellency, Dr. Griffith, chaplain and surgeon of the Virginia line, and apologize for my intrusion, which would be unwarranted but for information which has come to me in strictest confidence. My informants are men of the highest character as citizens and patriots, and they have stated positively that, of their own knowledge, General Lee has made such arrangements with Clinton that he will avoid any serious engagement to-morrow, if it be possible. I am convinced of the correctness of this statement, your excellency, and beg you will give it your closest attention."
Then saluting, and without waiting for a reply, Dr. Griffith left the tent.