“And what are the chances for success?”
“As good as ever. Strangely enough, our army is still possessed of the fighting spirit, in spite of their wretched condition.”
“Ah!” The voice of the other had an eager note deep in it, which attracted the instant attention of Ben Cooper. “I had heard that they were not well conditioned or provided for. Also I hear that the general has found it not at all easy to come by supplies of money.”
“No doubt all have heard such rumors,” said Mifflin; “I, too, have met with them. But as to money being hard to procure, I am not sure. While I was with Washington only a short time ago, the news came that fifty thousand dollars in coin was on its way.”
“Here?” asked the other.
“Here, to be sure,” replied Mifflin.
“Ah!” said the man, and again the eager note in his voice attracted Ben Cooper, “that is interesting.”
“Washington seemed to find it so,” replied Mifflin, drily. Then he added: “And now, sir, if you will pardon me, I think I shall try and get some sleep. I have had a hard day and by all appearance to-morrow will be much harder.”
Thereupon the other, apparently not at all satisfied, judging from his tone, bade the general good-night; Mifflin entered his headquarters, where a light at once appeared, while the other man strode away into the darkness.
Nat Brewster was the first to speak.