neral!" she said. "The crack is over-narrow
for such doings!"

"There is no one but Washington!" breathed Andy, and he lifted his head
proudly.

"Yes, there are others," whispered Ruth, misunderstanding, "and if you
run your eye up and down the crack quickly, you can catch a sight of
them. The crack is wider in some parts."

"Heaven save us, lass!" (Ruth's head had come in violent contact with
Janie's chin). "You have loosened my teeth!"

"They are going to drink a toast!" said Ruth, not heeding the accident,
but thrilling with excitement. "Andy, 'tis no wrong we are doing. The
General's voice can be heard distinctly, and I vow there are a dozen
heads at every window opening on the porch. The crack is fine down here.
I can see everything!"

Andy stood still.

"He is raising his glass!" said Ruth near the floor.

"With my heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you all.
Most devoutly wishing that your latter days may be as prosperous and
happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable."

"His eyes are full of tears!" almost sobbed Ruth, and the eyes of them
in the little room were dim. Glasses clinked together, then the full
voice went on:

"I cannot come to each one of you and take my leave, but I shall be
obliged if you will come and take my hand." They needed no second
bidding those comrades, tried and true. One by one, feeling no shame in
their manly show of sorrow, they grasped their General's faithful hand
and parted from him with bowed heads.

"They are going out!" panted Janie. "Now, Andy, for the hall. We must
meet him at the door."

As he came from the banquet room, Washington and his officers met the
three. He knew Andy at a glance, and then recognized Janie. He took
them by the hand, and bowed in courtly fashion.

"Patriots all!" he smiled. "You well deserve your hard-earned peace."

They joined the throngs which followed Washington to the river. They
stood upon the Battery until the barge which bore the gallant figure
away faded from sight. So lost were they in admiration that for a moment
none of them noticed a tall figure approaching dressed in Continental
uniform. Then Janie saw him. Her face flushed like a girl's.

"Andy!" she whispered, pulling her son's sleeve, "see, here is your--"

"Father!" greeted Andy, and stretched out a welcoming hand.

Back to the lonely pass the four went, Janie and Martin on ahead.

"And now," questioned Ruth in a soft whisper, "wh