Chapter 10

Isak awoke before dawn in the stable where he bedded down in an empty stall. It was freezing cold and his two blankets were not keeping him warm. He decided work would be the best remedy. Stiffness had set in, making it difficult for the big man to move. He fumbled for a lantern. While he was lighting it, he heard the thunder of galloping horses. With his lantern lit, he rushed to the small window that faced the house and wiped off the frost. There was just enough light creeping over the sky to make out three mounted men and Lafayette walking hastily across the road away from headquarters.

"General Lafayette!" one of the horsemen yelled.

The young Frenchman stopped and turned.

"Yes, General Greene?"

"Where are you headed in such a hurry before dawn?" the older general asked.

"To my cabin, sir."

Greene dismounted and gave his horse to an aide and ordered, "Take the horses to the stable and have them fed."

The aides dismounted and led their horses towards Isak. He was going to get the work he was asking for. The black opened the door to greet them. The aide approached, "Stableman--"

"I heard." Isak took the horses and led them into a makeshift corral next to the stables. As he was removing the saddles preparing to groom the beasts, he couldn't help overhearing Greene and Lafayette's conversation. The aides lingered near the corral.

Greene approached Lafayette. "Have you forgotten that you were to serve as major general of the day today?"

"N-no, sir." Lafayette stammered.

"That service is performed at headquarters, General."

"I am aware of that. I will return."

Greene put his fists on his hips and glared at the younger man. "I realize you are concerned about the men under your command, but you are going to have to put the whole army at the foremost of your mind today. Those Virginians are quite capable of taking care of themselves."

Lafayette frowned, but remained quiet.

"I need you to look into the reason why the quartermaster's promised wagons of beef and flour have not arrived. Based on his last promise to me, they were due here two days ago. In my absence, no one in this command has bothered to find out why they are not here."

"Nathanael, the quartermaster department never delivers on anything they promise, but I will look in to that, of course, sir. Will you be out of camp today?"

"I will be at the artillery park. Knox will be demonstrating his weaponry to Jefferson and Henry before they leave for Williamsburg. I expect you to apply yourself to your duties today, General. It seems that you have been quite distracted of late."

"In what way?"

"I don't see that I need to paint you a picture, but if I must…I am speaking of the attention you are giving General Washington's visitor, Mrs. Keating."

"General Washington has asked me--"

"General Washington doesn't intend for this camp to suffer for you to have what amounts to an amour with that woman."

Lafayette's expression showed his surprise at General Greene's accusation. "Nathanael, how could you think such a thing of me? I thought you knew me better than that."

"Yes, I thought I did, but then I've only known you for a short four months. Apparently, your youth is guiding your indiscretion. I suggest you change your tactics young man because I don't think even Washington can save you from that type of scandal especially in light of the current political atmosphere in York. There are many in Congress who want to put Gates at the head of this army. What do you think the news of Washington's favorite French volunteer gallivanting with a prominent married woman would do for those New England Puritans in Congress?" Greene's tone was angry, almost hateful. He made no effort to keep his voice down. Isak glanced at the aides who were standing together with their backs turned to the generals.

Lafayette looked perplexed. "Nathanael, I can't control gossip or what people say who are dead set on such misguided beliefs. I'm sure worse has been said of me by Washington's enemies."

"What you can do about it, young sir, is behave in an irreproachable manner at all times," General Greene said forcibly.

Lafayette hesitated for a moment. His smooth young face stern and angry in the dawn light. "Why all this concern with my behavior? Do you know where General Wayne is right now? You give him enough whiskey he'll tell you all about his steamy little affair with Mrs. Keating."

The aides standing near Isak could not hide their mirth at Lafayette's counterattack. They chuckled. One of them murmured, "Ten on the Frenchman."

"You are changing the subject," Greene said half-smiling as he gazed towards the corral. The two aides quickly returned to their disinterested stance, turning their backs, hiding their smiles.

"I am not, sir! This is the very subject."

"General Lafayette, you have placed yourself in the position of favored adopted son of Washington and this country. You represent France, if not in official capacity, by association. You do not have the freedom that General Wayne enjoys as the not-so favored thorn in the commander's side."

"Then send me away."

"What?"

"Send me on a foraging mission. I will find those missing wagons and bring them here myself."

Greene shook his head.

"Nathanael, what better way to put an end to the gossip about me and Mrs. Keating?"

Greene chuckled. "Gilbert, major generals do not lead foraging expeditions. Major general's do paperwork, track supplies and send others on foraging expeditions. If you wanted to be skirmishing in the field you should have volunteered to be a captain."

Lafayette dropped his head in frustration. "I may just have to do that."

"I think your father-in-law might be a bit disappointed if you acted in such an impetuous manner and gave up your generalship. No, my dear boy, you can't run from this gossip. You must counter it by proper behavior."

"I have behaved properly. When have I not?" Lafayette exploded angrily.

"I dare say you are leaving this house this early because of some improper encounter with the lady."

Lafayette looked stunned and hurt.

General Greene turned about and walked away towards headquarters. Lafayette took two frustrated paces as if to follow him, then turned abruptly and continued on his way towards his cabin.

Elizabeth awoke, drowsy and uncomfortable. There was a hulking dark form at the fireplace in front of her. She sat up startled but then realized in the dim light filtering through the drawn drapes that it was only the woodsman come to replenish the firewood. He finished loading an armful of wood in the box then lit the fire and used the bellows to hasten it.

"Thank you," Elizabeth said.

The man turned. She could barely make out his features.

"It's my job, Miss," he said and returned to his work.

"Are you a local man?"

"Aye, Miss. That I am. Lived here all my life."

"Have you family?"

"I did. They're all dead now."

"Oh. I'm sorry. I'm an orphan myself."

The man did not reply.

"I suppose you are thankful the army showed up on your doorstep?"

The worker shrugged.

"Do they pay you well?"

"Aye, Miss." The man turned his head but did not look at her. "It's not my place to discuss such things with ye Miss. I'm forbidden from carryin' on any discussions of my work with anyone."

"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean--I mean I surely do not want to get you in any kind of trouble. I guess I'm just a bit bored and I'm always interested in other people's stories. Aren't you?"

"I mind my own business, Miss. It's best that way."

Elizabeth sighed. She was going to tell Jeremy he was barking down the wrong foxhole with his notion of these simple working people plotting murder. She had to return to her room. General Washington would be downstairs soon. She didn't want to explain why she was here. She stood up, folded the coverlet neatly, and returned it to the back of the divan. The man at the fireplace did not turn around to see her leave. As she left the office, General Greene startled her. He was standing in the entry with an aide scanning a dispatch in the light by the window. Greene didn't look up. The aide turned and tipped his hat. "Morning, Miss."

"Good morning."

Greene still didn't acknowledge her. Elizabeth looked down at her feet and realized she was embarrassingly dishabille. She hurried upstairs and stepped quietly to her bedroom door. Opening it, she saw Julie sprawled under the counterpane; her long hair covered her face. The gracious lady was not particularly fashionable in her sleep thought the young spy. The ambitious paramour must have been upset and cried herself to sleep. Sitting on her own bed, Elizabeth looked around in the dawn light filtered through the drapery. Where did Julie hide those papers?

The visitor's trunks had all been carried out. There was only the small carpetbag she kept her toiletries in. It sat on the dresser near the window at the foot of Julie's bed. Elizabeth took a deep breath and walked quietly to the dresser. She watched for a moment the quiet rise and fall of the sleeping woman's breast in the mirror. She quickly opened the clasp on the bag and there were the papers. They had reappeared--three packets, folded and loosely wrapped with ribbon. She worked to get one loose keeping an eye on Julie in the mirror. The sound of General Washington leaving his room made her jump and freeze. She watched Julie, as the general's footsteps receded down the stairs, but the slumbering woman didn't move. The teenager managed to free two of the papers. She quickly dressed and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. She didn't know what the papers were, but she had to get them to Jeremy.

Elizabeth slipped downstairs and saw General Washington at his desk as she went to retrieve her cloak and boots. The front office was buzzing with the aides arriving for their day of work. General Greene was speaking with Colonel Hamilton as she hurried unnoticed out the front door and towards the stable.

Isak was brushing down horses in the corral as they fed from buckets of oats hung from their heads when Elizabeth appeared.

"Good morning to you, Miss Elizabeth. You are out and about mighty early this morning."

"Isak. I have the proof."

Elizabeth came closer and the blacksmith could see she was nervous and disturbed and appeared to have not slept. Her eyes were intent, her spare form quivered.

"Of course," he said. "Let's pay a visit to Jeremy."

Isak took the feed buckets from the horses and led them to the watering trough. He lifted the top bar that served as a gate to the corral and hurried out. They walked down the trail that led beside the creek.

Isak said, "Elizabeth, General Lafayette left early this morning for his cabin. It seems there's some gossip going around that he and Mrs. Keating are having an affair. At least that's what General Greene accused him of in the middle of the road this morning. Lafayette seemed perplexed and dismayed at that news."

Elizabeth frowned. "Oh, Isak. The evidence I'm bringing Jeremy about Mrs. Keating is going to far out shadow any accusations of misconduct on the part of General Lafayette. I do fear for the general though. I believe her designs upon him are not appropriate."

"Really?" Isak said.

"I've told you how she was when she arrived. She asked me those questions and I shan't go into detail--just take my word for it. She is infatuated with General Lafayette in the most unhealthy way."

At Lafayette's cabin, Isak knocked on the door and gained entry.

Elizabeth quickly handed Jeremy the papers she brought. The spymaster unfolded them and laid them out on the table before Sergeant Boggs.

"This map is a plan of the fortifications and roads at this camp," Boggs said. "The letter is from General Washington to congress in which he complains of the lack of supplies and the miserably inept quartermaster's department."

"I'm sure General Washington would be dismayed if these fell into British hands," Jeremy said.

"I'm sure the British spies have already relayed this information to the British command without need of these papers as proof."

Jeremy rose and leaned on the table before Boggs, his eyes intensely focused on the older man. "So you think it should not be of concern? That we should not disturb headquarters with this news?"

"I didn't say that," said the sergeant. "Perhaps it would be best if I gave them to the general on your behalf?"

"Why? So I can avoid his reprimand and his right fist meeting my jaw?" Jeremy asked.

Boggs smirked. "Suit yourself then. You won't find him at headquarters though."

"What?" Jeremy asked.

"He left early with his guard. He said he was going to check the progress on the new outer redoubt."

"He took his whole guard to do that?" Jeremy asked.

Boggs shrugged. "Probably just giving them something to do."

"Jeremy," Isak said, "I overheard a conversation this morning outside headquarters between Greene and Lafayette. It seems there are rumors going around that Lafayette and Mrs. Keating are having a flourish. Greene was yelling at Lafayette to do something about it. The Frenchman was visibly upset after that encounter. He is supposed to be serving as major general of the day and he wasn't supposed to leave headquarters."

"See, Elizabeth?" Jeremy said.

"Jeremy, that does not mean anything. Rumors are just that!" Elizabeth said.

"Elizabeth," Jeremy said, "Greene wouldn't be saying anything like that if he didn't know something was wrong. I think Lafayette needs our help as well as Washington. We can't let this woman leave this camp with what she has in her possession. She may be trying to divide Lafayette and Washington or attempting to create a scandal involving Lafayette in order to destroy him and thereby Washington. Maybe she resents Washington's control of her wealth. Sergeant Boggs, what can we do?"

"I've seen women swoon and faint over him--I've pulled them out of his tent in the middle of the night and booted them out of the camp," Boggs said. "Why should this one be any different? The woman is infatuated with him and Washington probably wants him to play it up to the hilt for the money. Is it foreign to what I know about the man? Yes. I thought he loved his wife, but things can change, Jeremy. With him this far from home, maybe he and she are having some differences. They barely know each other. He hates his father-in-law. But the simple fact is Lafayette would do it for Washington."

Jeremy was shocked at the very idea that Washington would stoop to such a thing. "Make a paramour out of Lafayette? A plaything for a wealthy married woman?" His exasperated sigh made Boggs roll his eyes.

"It may not be at all what you are thinking," Boggs said. "Lafayette can entertain a lady without resorting to sex."

Jeremy turned to see Elizabeth in tears. "Bess? What's wrong? Is this talk--"

"I fear I can no longer hold my tongue. I haven't told you everything I know. I thought it improper--"

Jeremy took hold of Elizabeth's arms and turned her towards him. "Elizabeth, you know I care greatly for General Lafayette as I believe you do as well. If you think he is in danger, now is the time to speak."

Elizabeth tearfully confessed her knowledge of Julie Keating's late night visit to Lafayette's room. "I don't think he wants her advances in any way. General Washington is pressuring him to please the woman but surely, this is not what he means. I can't believe that of Washington. He loves Lafayette like a son. I've seen it in his eyes, heard it in his voice. It has to be a huge misunderstanding between them."

"All right," Boggs said, "well I suppose he is perfectly capable of using sex to entertain as well if that's what the lady wants. I still don't see that it is any of our business."

"Daniel, I don't believe Lafayette would go that far with her," Jeremy said. "A lot of things would cross his mind before he dared to commit adultery with that particular woman in that house. Besides if it were true, don't you think he would be the happiest man in camp right now?"

Boggs lifted his hat and scratched his sandy head. "Aye, I suppose you have a point there. He is terribly moody and withdrawn. That is not the sign of a man that is rogering-- pardon my language, Miss Elizabeth."

Jeremy stared at Elizabeth.

She shook her head. "Oh, no, Jeremy Larkin, I am not going to spy on General Lafayette in any way. I have told you more than I should have as it is."

"Of course not Elizabeth. I only mean for you to keep your eye on this lady's movements after everyone has gone to bed. She may be a spy, or just a jolted lover. Is she doing anything else? Is she meeting someone near headquarters and passing these papers to them? How is she getting the information out of the camp?"

"All right," Elizabeth said. "So I am to return to headquarters now? Who is to give those papers to Lafayette? I cannot very well do it."

Jeremy threw back his head and exhaled a deep breath. "We should all go to headquarters. We must find and hold the remaining servants. I fear we are letting the probable attacker of General Washington have too much time, too much space…"

"What came of the butcher and baker?" Isak asked.

"They were each eliminated by Slake. They were set free and promptly appeared before Colonel Tilghman to complain of their ill-treatment by Lafayette."

"Something else for General Washington to berate Lafayette about," Elizabeth said. "So that leaves the rubbish man and his son, the laundress, the woodsman and the barber"

"I think it is safe to say the laundress is not a suspect," Henry said. "She is a widow with no children. One of the doctors knew her. She has been doing his laundry and grousing about the maid at headquarters recently promoted to a lady's companion."

"Does she mean me?" Elizabeth asked, her mouth open in disbelief.

Henry smiled. "Don't worry Elizabeth, she is harmless. Apparently, she and the cook worked themselves into a little tizzy over you and have spread it all over the camp. It is nothing but jealousy. There is nothing dishonorable about being a lady's companion."

"At the rate gossip spreads around this camp," Elizabeth said in a huff with her hands planted on her small hips, "you would think everyone would know exactly who intended to kill General Washington."

"Boggs, what do you know of the rubbish hauling and the wood fetching at headquarters?" Jeremy asked.

"The trash is burned because of the potential for secrets residing in unfinished letters. The people involved are closely watched and cleared for their duty. I believe the rubbish man resides at the forge. I have no idea where to find the woodsman. He spends his days cutting trees and chopping wood for headquarters. He could be anywhere in the woods up or down the river."

"I hope the general thought to have that trapdoor nailed shut," Jeremy said.

"Yes, he did," Isak said. "He sent Hamilton out to fetch me. I took care of it. No one will be coming into headquarters by that means. They would have to pass a guard or a locked door."

"Still, I am not at ease where the safety of General Washington is concerned and I don't believe General Lafayette is either," Jeremy said.

"If Lafayette is serving as major general of the day, why did he leave headquarters?" Boggs asked no one in particular. He had obviously been thinking on that question since Isak had shared his observations.

"Greene ordered him to find out what happened to some missing wagons of supplies," Isak said, "but he told him not to leave headquarters, too. He said it wasn't for major general's to go on foraging parties. Major generals were to direct others to do so."

"Ah, damn that boy!" Boggs yelled as he stood and slapped the camp table bouncing papers into the air and onto the floor.

"Sergeant?" Jeremy asked surprised. He had never heard Boggs express anger towards his commander.

"He's gone off after those missing wagons of beef and flour. He'll get in a skirmish with a British patrol for sure. I have to go after him." The sergeant grabbed his coat and hat.

"But, Sergeant, isn't that completely impractical? You don't know which way he went?"

"I can find out from the pickets."

"Daniel, why the sudden concern?"

"You've convinced me he's upset and distracted and I don't like the idea of him leaving this camp in that frame of mind. He'll get himself killed out of spite."

Jeremy chuckled. "Out of spite?"

"Well…he's oblivious to his own safety on a normal day…"

"Surely, he won't go far if he has told General Greene that he will obey his orders," Isak said.

"Did you hear him say that?" the sergeant asked.

"Yep." Isak chuckled. "He just didn't say exactly when he would obey them and Greene didn't ask."

"That's just like that young--to use a loop-hole in an order, to justify what he wants to do. General Washington is going to have my hide for letting this happen."

"Sergeant, we need your help," Jeremy said. "We can't let this assassin continue to have free access to the commander-in-chief.

The sergeant slipped his sheepskin lined buckskin coat on. He sighed and shook his head. "Your right, Captain. I will go with you. We will all return to headquarters and wait for General Lafayette. If he doesn't show up within the hour though I'm sounding a general alert."

The group left the cabin and headed for headquarters by foot.

At headquarters, Elizabeth's friends and Sergeant Boggs went to talk to Captain Gibbs, the commander Washington's life guard, about the remaining servants. She did not see Lafayette in the house. Washington's aides were busy writing as usual in the front room. She stepped back to Washington's office and found the door open. The general was seated at his desk with his back to her.

"Elizabeth?" he asked.

"You must have eyes in the back of your head."

Washington chuckled. "That would be a useful thing for a man in my position, don't you think?"

"Aye, sir, it would be at that."

Washington returned his quill pen to its inkwell. He stood and turned to gaze upon Elizabeth. His face was sad like the face of a man in mourning.

"Come in, dear. Please sit with me for a moment." He gestured towards the red divan.

After she was seated, the general pulled up an armchair and sat down across from her. He looked as if he had a purpose in speaking with her. She worried about what he thought of the noise heard in the house the night before.

"Are you all right, my dear? I fear I have put an unusual load upon you in addition to the duties you took upon yourself in coming here."

Elizabeth bit her lower lip. "I'm fine, sir. I am quite enjoying my stay here."

"You have been most welcome and a delightful house guest. You've been out and about I suppose meeting with your friends?"

"Yes, sir."

The general dropped his head. Elizabeth noticed how well groomed the man was. His hair was perfectly combed and powdered. There was never a button missing, or a speck of lint on his uniform. His boots were polished to perfection, his nails manicured--the barber was here in her absence.

"Then you have seen and smelled the horrendous condition of this camp?"

"I didn't notice it being all that bad, sir. I've only been to General Lafayette's quarters."

"Ah, of course, at least General Lafayette has encouraged and demanded better behavior of his men. I'm afraid the situation is becoming quite dire and dangerous to the health of young ladies."

Oh, he is worried about me visiting the cabins. "Well, I did overhear the aides talking about camp sicknesses taking lives at a rapid rate," Elizabeth said.

"Yes. Our lack of supplies and medicine is starting to take a great toll on the men and the animals. I know you are a lover of animals and--"

"Sir, you needn't worry about me. I grew up on a farm. I'm not a city girl."

Washington smiled. "That fact shows in your healthy skin and bright hair my dear. All the same, I want you to return home no different from the day you arrived. I was thinking about taking a carriage ride out from camp to avail myself of a fresh perspective. I thought you and Julie might benefit from it as well. Julie seemed quite fatigued and sad this morning. She's upstairs. Have you seen her?"

"Not awake, sir. I left very early this morning. A carriage ride would be lovely, but--"

"But?"

"I think my friends expect me to be here today to assist them in their endeavors to identify the person who is plotting to harm you. They are very close to identifying the guilty party."

Washington sighed. "Oh, yes, that would be your mission wouldn't it? How is that going by the way? No one bothers to keep me briefed on the matter and I'm the supposed victim."

"Well, sir, my friends have determined that it is likely one of the servants. A man who's son was shot for desertion."

The general's eyes widened. "That is a concern then because it would seem to endanger all of my guests as well."

"My friends are working very hard to identify the specific man. Pardon me, sir, I couldn't help noticing that you had your hair powdered this morning. Are you well acquainted with the barber? Is he a local man?"

"It's hard not to be acquainted with your barber," Washington said with a smile. "Mr. Arnold Evans is his name and no he is not local. He and his family traveled with us from Whitemarsh as refugees. His children are mere toddlers. Does that eliminate him as your suspect?"

Elizabeth sighed in relief. "Aye, sir. That eliminates him. I suppose you don't know anything about the rubbish man or the woodsman?"

Washington shook his head. "Sorry. Captain Gibbs arranged their services. I hardly notice them. They are very careful to stay completely out of my sight it seems."

"Are you disappointed in me for wanting to stay here?" Elizabeth asked.

"No. I could never be disappointed in you, young lady. I will suffer your absence if I must." The general leaned back in his chair. He was an imposing man, even seated. He smiled kindly and said, "Elizabeth, I wish Patsy could meet you. She would very much enjoy your company as much as I. You have brightened this house with your presence and your sweet charm. I know General Lafayette has enjoyed your company just as much as I. That morning you arrived and sang at the service in front of headquarters. I was singularly struck by your voice and your choice of music. I thought I was hearing an angel. The song brought tears to my eyes. It was a favorite of my deceased brother--the man who left me the care of Mount Vernon. You will be missed and never forgotten when you return home."

A deep sadness stole over Elizabeth's heart. Tears welled in her eyes, which she fought to keep contained. She wished to God she could pour out her heart to this man and tell him what she thought Julie Keating was doing, but… "Sir, it is an honor to serve this Cause, your Cause, in any small way I might be useful."

Washington reached over and laid his hand on hers. His grip was warm and firm. "It is our Cause my dear. I am your servant. I won't keep you. Please stay in the company of your friends in my absence and use the greatest caution and prudence in regards to your own safety. The camp may be quite unpleasant, as General Knox will be demonstrating his big guns today for Mr. Jefferson and Governor Henry. Don't be frightened at the noise." He patted her hand, then stood up and returned to his desk and what she supposed was a mountain of correspondence and a river of anxiety for the men under his command.

Elizabeth arose and treaded lightly out into the hall. She shook with emotion as she climbed the stairs slowly trying to regain her composure before meeting Julie in their room. She saw out of the corner of her eye, Colonel Hamilton standing below watching her. She wondered what he thought was going on around here, but she dared not ask him.

Alexander Hamilton stood with a paper in his hand that required Washington's signature. He had not wanted to disturb the general while he was speaking with the young visitor, Miss Coates. When she disappeared to her bedchamber upstairs, he heard his commander yell, "Alex!"

The young colonel hurried into Washington's office. "Yes, sir?"

"Have you seen General Lafayette this morning?" Washington asked perturbed.

"Why, no sir. Shall I check upstairs?"

"I already have. He left early this morning. I heard him leave."

"Oh. I have no idea where he went. Shall I make a search for him?"

"No. He knows my wishes regarding his presence here this week and yet he has this way of disappearing just when I expect him to be here."

"I'm sure it is not intentional, sir."

"What makes you so sure of that?"

"Ah, well that is just not General Lafayette's nature, sir. Perchance he is at his cabin taking care of some paperwork. Sir, you know General Lafayette can not sit idle."

Washington grunted. "Well, I am not going to wait for him to appear or go searching for him. I wish to leave the camp now. Please have the carriage readied. Mrs. Keating will be accompanying me."

"Well, sir, that shall require mustering of all the guards--"

"So, what of it?"

"I shall get right on it, sir."

"I want you and Colonel Laurens to accompany us in the carriage as well."

Hamilton was surprised at that request. "Yes, sir. I will notify John. We will be ready with the carriage in about half an hour. I should notify the major general of the day so that he can place guards here in our absence."

"Thank you."

Hamilton hurried out and back into his own office. "Laurens, did you hear that?"

"Aye. A day in the country is it?"

"Who is supposed to be in charge around here today?" Hamilton asked.

"I believe that would be Lafayette."

"Really? Then his whereabouts are of concern."

"Why?"

"We are taking all the guards with us. There will be no guards--"

"What do you mean no guards?" a gruff voice barked from the doorway.

Hamilton turned to see General Greene.

"General Washington wishes to take a carriage drive into the country sir. I was lamenting the fact that we must take all the guards with us on such short notice."

"Where is Lafayette? He is supposed to be major general of the day. He should order his own guards to headquarters."

"Ah, sir--" Hamilton had a bad feeling that he was about to be an accessory to his friend being caught in Greene's merciless dogged attention to camp orders and discipline. Why could no one just leave Lafayette alone for one day? Then he remembered the gossip shared by the cook and realized Greene must have heard it.

"You don't know I take it? He hasn't returned?" Greene asked.

Hamilton looked at Laurens who shrugged his shoulders.

Greene huffed loudly. "How am I to keep this camp in order when I can't even get the generals to do what they say they will do?"

General Wayne walked in on the conversation with raised dark eyebrows. "What are you bellowing about, Greene? I am here. I will fill in for Monsieur Lafayette for whatever time he requires."

"You are going with me to observe Knox's artillery demonstrations that he has arranged for mon-SURES Jefferson and Henry. I'll be damned if I'm going to spend the afternoon alone with those political piranhas."

Wayne threw his head back and laughed. "No, I don't see you ever comfortable with the politicians, my friend. I'm sure the young Frenchman is at his cabin or on his way here. I shall fetch him."

"You will do no such thing. If he chooses to leave headquarters empty without leadership on the day that he is assigned to provide it then so be it. Let him deal with the consequences."

"Nathanael, come now--"

Greene turned and stomped out of the room and out the front door, leaving General Wayne staring puzzled at Hamilton and Laurens who were staring puzzled at him.

"General Wayne!" Greene yelled from outside.

"Good day, boys," Wayne said, "I do envy yours." Wayne hurried out to his waiting horse.

"Hamilton, we must find Lafayette. Greene is setting him up."

"I agree, John, but I--we--haven't the time. Come we must prepare the carriage and the guards at once or we shall be strung up for slackers."