Solomon. Some of the boys gave in and
were set free on parole, and there was one, at least, who went to work
in the ranks of the British.

There is a passage in a letter of Jack Irons regarding conditions in
the jail which should be quoted here:

"One boy has lung fever and every night I hear him sobbing. His sorrow
travels like fire among the weaker men. I have heard a number of cold,
half-starved, homesick lads crying like women in the middle of the
night. It makes me feel like letting go myself. There is one man who
swears like a trooper when it begins. I suppose that I shall be as
hysterical as the rest of them in time. I don't believe General Howe
knows what is going on here. The jail is run by American Tories, who
are wreaking their hatred on us."

Jack sent a line to the rector of the Church of England, where he had
seen Preston and Lady Howe, inviting him to call, but saw him not, and
no word came from him. Letters were entrusted to Mr. Pinhorn for
Preston, Margaret and General Sir Benjamin Hare with handsome payment
for their delivery, but they waited in vain for an answer.

"They's suthin' wrong 'bout this 'ere business," said Solomon. "You'll
find that ol' Pinhorn has got a pair o' split hoofs under his luther."

One day Jack was sent for by Mr. Pinhorn and conducted to his office.

"Honor! Good luck! Relief!" was the threefold exclamation with which
the young man was greeted.

"What do you mean?" Jack inquired.

"General Howe! You! Message to Mr. Washington! To-night!"

"Do you mean General Washington?"

"No. Mister! Title not recognized here!"'

"I shall take no message to 'Mr.' Washington," Jack answered. "If I
did, I am sure that he would not receive it."

Mr. Pinhorn's face expressed a high degree of astonishment.

"Pride! Error! Persistent error!" he exclaimed. "Never mind!
Details can be fixed. You are to go to-night. Return to-morrow!"

The prospect of getting away from his misery even for a day or two was
alluring.

"Let me have the details in writing and I will let you know at once,"
he answered.

The plan was soon delivered. Jack was to pass the lines on the
northeast front in the vicinity of Breed's Hill with a British
sergeant, under a white flag, and proceed to Washington's headquarters.

"Looks kind o' neevarious," said Solomon when they were out in the jail
yard together. "Looks like ye might be grabbed in the jaws o' a trap.
Nobody's name is signe