who was suspected of carrying messages and other matters to the rebel
headquarters at Valley Forge. He had left his horses and the wagon in
the market place, and disappeared. No one remembered letting him out on
his pass. It might be that he was still hiding in the town.

"There has been too much of this carrying back and forth," declared the
sergeant. "It is time there was a sterner hand at the helm, and not so
much pleasuring."

There were reasons why Captain Nevitt said nothing to his little sister
about the matter, and she was strictly forbidden to suggest it. The
Wetherill household had not seen Andrew, as he had watched his
opportunity to slip in unaware; consequently, nothing was gained by
questioning them.

"They would certainly have known if he had come in our absence," said
Madam Wetherill with an air of interest. "Of course we must be sorry to
have him in danger, but we will not lay the matter before Primrose."

There were stirring events on both sides. On the 7th of May the news
reached the Continental army of the recognition of France. The warmer
weather and the replenishment of food and clothing had inspirited the
men. Many new enlistments from the country around had come in. On this
morning they were assembled for prayers and thanksgiving. General
Steuben had drilled them until they presented a really soldierly
appearance. But their enthusiasm broke bounds when the salutes were
fired.

"Long live the King of France!" ran through the army with a shout.
Another salute was fired. "Long live the friendly European powers." And
the third, "The American States," was received with the wildest joy.
They all forgot the suffering of the long, dreary winter.

After a discourse by one of the chaplains, there was a collation. When
the General and Mrs. Washington retired the soldiers lined the way with
the cry of "Long live General Washington!" "Long live Lady Washington!"
a title that seemed to follow her, and that had been given her before by
Colonel Hancock.

It was supposed the campaign would open almost at once. But General
Howe's army had been demoralized more by dissipation than the
Continentals by hardships, and weakened by numerous desertions. The
officers had been in one round of gayety, and the city recalled their
charms long afterward. They had made the theater a reputable place of
amusement, and the higher-class balls had been well patronized by the
Tory ladies.

But the farewell to General Howe