"I studied the list a moment, bending down closer to the nearest candle"
"The earlier the better. I will furnish passports through our lines, and hard riding will put you across the neutral ground by daylight."
"One moment, Major," interrupted Washington quietly. "You were doubtless acquainted with our late Inspector-General?"
"Yes," my face darkening.
"He is now in Philadelphia, and it might be safer were you to avoid meeting him."
"General Washington," I said frankly, "I have been loyal to you through all this controversy, but, nevertheless, have retained my friendship with General Conway. I believe the misunderstanding between you is entirely personal, and in no way affects his loyalty to the cause. Whatever his present relations may be with the British commander, I have the utmost faith that he would not betray me to either death, or imprisonment."
"I am glad to hear your words," and the kindly face instantly brightened. "This entire controversy has been most unfortunate, with wrong no doubt upon both sides. Unquestionably you are right, yet I felt it my duty to warn you of his presence at Clinton's headquarters. God bless you, my boy, good-bye."
I grasped the hand extended across the table, and followed Hamilton from the room, Gibbs still standing motionless and silent before the fireplace.