"What is impossible? Simply announce your defection; accept the terms of
His Majesty's government; and invite Adams, Franklin, Jefferson,
Hamilton and Washington to meet you. There is the assurance of all save
complete independence."

"I shall wait."

"For what? The court-martial will be against you from the start. Mark my
words. You will be found guilty, if not actually, at least technically.
They are determined upon revenge and they are going to have it. You saw
the paper?"

"I did."

"You read the list of charges?"

He did not answer. He had sunk into his chair and his hands were clasped
before him. He was engaged in a detailed series of thought.

"How many of them were artificial? Except for the first, that about the
pass, none are worth the reading, and the first never can be proved.
They have no evidence apart from the fanatical ravings of a drunken
Catholic. But wait! You shall be adjudged guilty in the end. See if I am
not correct."

"I have the right to question the composition of the court!"

"What matter! You know the people detest you. They have hated you from
the moment you set foot in this city. Every issue of the paper found
some new grievance against you. And when you married me the bomb was
exploded. You yourself know that it was the mere fact of your
participation in this scheme that quelled it. They loathe you, I tell
you. They hate you."

Silence reigned in the room as she finished. His eyes were closed and he
gave every appearance of having fallen into a deep sleep. His mind was
keenly alert, however, and digested every word she uttered. At length he
arose from his composure and limped to the window at the further end of
the room.

"I shall ask for a new command," he said quietly, "and we shall be
removed for all time from this accursed place. I shall do service
again."

"Better to await developments. Attend to your trial first. Plan for the
future later."

"I shall obey the wishes of the people."

"The people! A motley collection of fools! They have eyes and ears but
no more. They know everything and can do nothing."

"I don't know what to do. I...."

"I told you what to do," she interrupted his thought and finished it for
him. "I told you to join Anderson. I told you to go to New York and make
overtures to General Clinton. That's what you should do. Seek respect
and power and honor for your old age."

"That I shall not do. Washington loves me and my people will not desert