“No, your excellency. I asked him, but he said he preferred seeing you and stating his business direct.”
Washington was thoughtful for a few moments, and then said:
“He is a young man, you say?”
“Yes, your excellency; or rather, I should perhaps have said youth. I doubt if he is more than eighteen or nineteen years of age.”
“H'm,” murmured the commander-in-chief; “I am pretty busy, but will see him briefly. Show him in.”
“Yes, your excellency,” and the orderly withdrew.
He was back again in a few moments, however, and ushered in a handsome, manly-looking youth, at the same time announcing:
“Richard Dare, your excellency.” Then he withdrew, leaving the two alone.
General Washington glanced up as his visitor was announced, and when his eyes took in the handsome face, the fine physique and perfect poise of the youth, he gave a slight start and eyed him keenly and somewhat searchingly, with considerable interest.
“You are Richard Dare?” the commander-in-chief remarked.