He wrote slowly, as though framing his sentences with care, occasionally questioning the aide. Once he paused, and glanced across at Hamilton.
"Colonel, do you know a Dragoon named Mortimer?"
"I have no recollection of ever having met the man, sir. I have written him orders, however; he is a scout attached to General Lee's headquarters."
"Yes; I recall the name. He is the one who brought us our first definite information this morning of Clinton's position. I remember now, you were not with me when he rode up—young, slender lad, with the face of a girl. I could but notice his eyes; they were as soft and blue as violets! Well, an hour ago he came here for a favor; it seems the boy is a son of Colonel Mortimer, of the Queen's Rangers."
"Indeed; Wayne reported the Colonel killed in front of his lines."
"Not killed, but seriously wounded. The son asked permission to take him home to a place called Elmhurst near Laurel Hill."
"I know the plantation, sir," I said, my interest causing me to interrupt. "It is on the Medford road."
"Ah, you have met the lad, possibly, Major," and he turned his face toward me. "The boy interested me greatly."
"No, sir; I endeavored to find him at Lee's headquarters, but failed. I have met his father and sister."
"A lovely girl, no doubt."