g Jack and Solomon called at General
Washington's headquarters.

[Illustration: Jack Irons and Solomon Binkus with General George
Washington.]

"General, Doctor Franklin told us to turn over the bosses and wagons to
you," said Solomon. "He didn't tell us what to do with ourselves
'cause 'twasn't necessary an' he knew it. We want to enlist."

"For what term?"

"Till the British are licked."

"You are the kind of men I need," said Washington. "I shall put you on
scout duty. Mr. Irons will go into my regiment of sharp shooters with
the rank of captain. You have told me of his training in Philadelphia."

3

So the two friends were enlisted and began service in the army of
Washington.

A letter from Jack to his mother dated July 25, 1775, is full of the
camp color:

"General Charles Lee is in command of my regiment," he writes. "He is
a rough, slovenly old dog of a man who seems to bark at us on the
training ground. He has two or three hunting dogs that live with him
in his tent and also a rare gift of profanity which is with him
everywhere--save at headquarters.

"To-day I saw these notices posted in camp:

"'Punctual attendance on divine service is required of all not on
actual duty.'

"'No burning of the pope allowed.'

"'Fifteen stripes for denying duty.'

"'Ten for getting drunk.'

"'Thirty-nine for stealing and desertion.'

"Rogues are put in terror, lazy men are energized. The quarters are
kept clean, the food is well cooked and in plentiful supply, but the
British over in town are said to be getting hungry."

Early in August a London letter was forwarded to Jack from
Philadelphia. He was filled with new hope as he read these lines:

"Dearest Jack: I am sailing for Boston on one of the next troop ships
to join my father. So when the war ends--God grant it may be
soon!--you will not have far to go to find me. Perhaps by Christmas
time we may be together. Let us both pray for that. Meanwhile, I
shall be happier for being nearer you and for doing what I can to heal
the wounds made by this wretched war. I am going to be a nurse in a
hospital. You see the truth is that since I met you, I like all men
better, and I shall love to be trying to relieve their sufferings . . ."

It was a long letter but above is as much of it as can claim admission
to these pages.

"Who but she could write such a letter?" Jack asked himself, and then
he held it to his lips a moment. It thrilled him