“I will see to that, sir, and let Mrs. Markham know.�
“Yes, yes, quite right. Now I must be excused.� He rose and shook hands with Tom, and bowed to the officer.
“Come, Tom,� said McLane.
Tom made his best bow and they went out into the cold December night. Then Tom asked: “Who was that general?�
“Good gracious, my boy, I thought you knew. That was General Washington. He might have thanked you more. But that’s his way.�
“I think he said enough, sir.�
McLane looked at the young face, now elate and smiling and then quiet in thought.
The Lieutenant was waiting in the hut when Tom and the Captain returned.
McLane said: “I shall be away for a day or more. Their mother must hear news of these lads. I leave them in your care, Lieutenant.�
“Yes, sir.�