ht. It made little difference
where I struck the Delaware; every mile north added to my safety.

The silence of the night, the dull monotony of the landscape, caused my
mind to drift backward over the rapidly occurring events of the past two
days. They all seemed natural enough--merely such a series of adventure
as could occur to any one between the lines of two contending
armies,--and yet a trail of mystery seemed to run through it all,
becoming more and more perplexing. Why should Claire Mortimer have saved
me from capture? What could have caused her so suddenly to array herself
against those who were nearest her in life, to assist a mere stranger?
Who was the girl? Were those few words spoken to me the truth, or were
they intended to deceive? I could scarcely believe the last possible, for
she could have no object in leading me astray. The dividing of families
was nothing new; the very fact that she possessed a brother in arms with
the Colonies was evidence that the younger blood was arrayed against the
King. As to her engagement with Grant I scarcely gave that a second
thought, for I knew she despised him, and was of too determined a
character to surrender at the will of others. She might permit him to
suppose she was compliant, for some object of her own, but there would
surely be an hour of rebellion.

The memory of her arose clearly before me--the smile in those frank blue
eyes, the proud poise of the head, the banter of the soft voice, and the
words spoken. While she had said nothing convincing--merely an expression
of womanly sympathy for the sufferings of the patriot army--yet I could
not drive away the impression left that she was desirous that final
victory perch upon our banners. Otherwise why should she have championed
me, aided my escape, realizing, as she did, my mission in Philadelphia? I
felt a sudden determination to learn the truth, to meet with her again
under pleasanter circumstances. There was but one way in which this might
be accomplished. I would seek out the brother on Lee's staff, the moment
duty would permit. The way of accomplishment appeared to be so clear, so
easy, that I ceased to dream, and began to plan. My horse had fallen into
a long, swinging lope, bearing us forward rapidly. The moon had
disappeared, but the sky was glittering with stars, and I could
distinguish the main features of the country traversed. I was on the
summit of a slight ridge, but the road swerved to the right, lea