“Hamilton,” said Washington, finally, “you are as much in my secret thoughts as I am myself.  If I attempted to deceive you, you would divine what I withheld.  It is a relief to speak frankly to you, I dare not demand these troops from Gates, because there is more than a possibility he would defy me, and that the Congress and a large part of the army would sustain him.  He has given sufficient evidence of his temper in sending me no official notice of the battle of Saratoga.  But unless I am to meet with overwhelming disaster here, I must have reinforcements.  It may be possible to extract these by diplomacy, and I have selected you for the mission, because I feel sure that you will not forget the issues at stake for a moment, because you never lose your head, and because you will neither be overawed by Gates’s immediate splendour, nor will you have any young desire to assert the authority which I give you as a last resort.  There is another point:  If you find that Gates purposes to employ his troops on some expedition, by the prosecution of which the common cause will be more benefited than by their being sent down to reinforce this army, you must suspend your consideration for me.  God knows I am tender of my reputation, and I have no wish to be disgraced, but we are or should be fighting for a common cause and principle, and should have little thought of individual glory.  However, I do not believe in the disinterestedness of Gates, nor in his efficiency on a large scale.  But I leave everything in your hands.”

Hamilton stood up, his chest rising, and stared at his Chief.

“Sir,” he said, after a moment, “do you appreciate that you are placing your good name and your future in my hands?” For a moment he realized that he was not yet of age.

“You are the only being to whom I can confide them, and who can save this terrible situation.”

“And you have the magnanimity to say that if Gates has a chance of other victories to let him go unhindered?” He had one of his moments of adoration and self-abnegation for this man, whose particular virtues, so little called upon in ordinary affairs, gave him so lonely a place among men.

Washington jerked his head.  There was nothing more to say.  Hamilton’s head dropped for a moment, as if he felt the weight of an iron helmet, and his lips moved rapidly.

“Are you saying your prayers when your lips work like that?” asked Washington, crossly.

Hamilton threw back his head with a gay laugh.  His eyes were sparkling, his nostrils dilating; his whole bearing was imperious and triumphant.  “Never mind that.  I’ll undertake this mission gladly, sir, and I think I’ll not fail.  My old friend Troup is his aide.  He will advise me of many things.  I’ll bring you back those regiments, sir.  One way or another a thing can always be managed.”

The light in Hamilton’s face was reflected on Washington’s.  “You are my good genius,” he said shortly.  “Take care of yourself.  You will have to ride hard, for there is no time to lose, but be careful not to take cold.  I shall give you orders in writing.  Come back as soon as you can.  I believe I am not lacking in courage, but I always have most when you are close by.”