aces bronzed
from exposure, their uniforms stained and dust-covered.

"Regulars?" I asked, nodding back across my shoulder.

"Not a man but has seen two-years' service," he replied proudly.
"Hamilton knows the troop, and he picked us out."

"I may need them for a bit of desperate work."

"They'll do it, sir, never fear."

"Good, sergeant; we'll ride hard, and trust to getting fresh horses in
Philadelphia. I'll tell Arnold the story. When we arrive there have your
men get all the sleep they can. I'll attend to rations and ammunition.
You are simply to have the men rested and ready. Cannot we make better
time? The horses seem in good condition."

We passed swiftly over the level country, meeting a few stragglers, but
paying them small attention. Farrell's shop was closed and locked, and we
halted there merely long enough to water our animals. The road was now
clear to the river, although we passed numerous footmen wearily trudging
westward. These were army riffraff, however, few being in uniform. By two
o'clock we were on the banks of the Delaware, and a half-hour later, I
swung down stiffly from the saddle in front of Arnold's headquarters on
High Street.

He was an officer I never greatly liked, with his snapping eyes and
arrogant manner, but he was courteous enough on this occasion,
questioning me after reading the despatch, and offering me a glass of
wine.

"You look tired, Major, and must rest before you start back. I shall have
my report ready by sundown."

"General Arnold," I said, standing respectfully hat in hand, "I have a
favor to ask,--that you will send your report by some other messenger,
and give me a detail for special service."

He looked up in surprise.

"Special service, sir! But you are not assigned to my command."

"That is true, General," I insisted, "but the conditions warrant the
unusual application."

"What service is contemplated?"

"An attempt to kill or capture Red Fagin, and release a scout whom I
believe he holds prisoner."

"You hope to accomplish all this alone?"

"With the assistance of the sergeant and ten dragoons who came here with
me. They are in camp now on the Jersey shore."

He walked across the room, stared out of the window, and then again faced
me.

"By Gad, sir, this is a most extraordinary request. Damme, I'd like to
get hold of Fagin all right, but I need to know more of your plan, and
the reason you have for asking such a detail. It looks foolhardy to