eturned a verdict
of not guilty against the leaders. I see not how Harriet can change
the attitude of the British commander."

"If she fails will General Washington carry out the execution,
father?" Peggy's lips tremblingly put the question.

"He must, child. He must do what is right at whatever cost to his
feelings. This whole affair hath distressed him greatly, but justice
to the army and to the public require that the measure be carried out
in full. He did not come to his determination without mature
deliberation, and his course hath been sanctioned by Congress, and
supported by the approbation of the principal officers of the army.
The general explained the matter at some length to me last night. It
is peculiarly distressing to us, lass, because the victim happens to
be of kin. Still, however painful the matter is, we must acknowledge
the justice of the proceeding."

"Ye-es, father." But Peggy's voice was very faint, and she looked
white and spent.

Just? Oh, yes; it was just, but granting justice; granting that it was
the method of procedure in warfare, what comfort could that give to
those who loved the boy? Peggy was greatly downcast in spirits when,
as Harriet's figure became a mere speck on the farther shore, she and
her father resumed their journey to Chatham.

Colonel Dayton was greatly pleased over the report from headquarters.

"I hope that the guilty may be brought to punishment instead of this
youth," he ejaculated fervently. "I cannot tell you, Mr. Owen, how
exceedingly distasteful this whole affair is to all of us. If it were
not right and just we could not proceed with it. I believe that I
voice the thought of every American when I say that I hope the sister
will succeed in her efforts. Did the general send any message
regarding the young man's treatment?"

"There is a letter, colonel," exclaimed David Owen, drawing forth the
missive. "I had nigh forgotten it."

"This is most kind of the general," exclaimed the colonel with an
expression of relief as he perused the letter. "I will call the young
man to hear it."

In a few moments an orderly with Clifford in charge entered the room.
The youth greeted his cousins affectionately, and listened attentively
to the officer as he read the epistle:

"You will treat Captain Williams with every tenderness and politeness
consistent with his present situation which his rank, fortune and
connections together with his private estate demand. Further, info