“A separate command,” said he, musingly. “And not only that, but a command that is to be pushed forward to immediate conquest. The conquering of Canada has been the ambition of many of our generals. And to have an opportunity of doing what so fearless and able a soldier as Arnold failed to do, is a very great temptation.”
“You think, then,” quavered Mr. Claflin, “that Lafayette will not be strong enough to resist?”
Ben shook his head.
“No,” said he, “I think just the reverse of that.”
Lieutenant Claflin looked at Ben keenly.
“From your manner I would say that you know something that we do not know,” said he.
Ben did not reply to this, but continued:
“If it were preferment Lafayette sought, he would have remained at home, for there all the honors he could desire were at his hand. No; his ambition is much higher than mere personal advantage; and the command of an army will not tempt him.”
“He is to meet them here,” said the young lieutenant. “They are to have a dinner, a private dinner—and then they are to spread their net.”
“When is this to be?”