“The Chief will never let you go,” pursued Laurens.  “And as there is no one to take your place, you really should not wish it.  Washington may be the army, but you are Washington’s brain, and of quite as much importance.  You should never forget—­”

“Come out and coast.  That will warm your blood,” interrupted Hamilton.  His own sense of duty was not to be surpassed, but he had rebellious moods, when preaching suggested fisticuffs.

Outside they met a messenger from Lafayette, begging them to repair to his quarters at once.  There they found him entertaining a party of charming women from a neighbouring estate; and a half-hour later the dignity and fashion of Washington’s family might have been seen coasting down a steep hill with three Philadelphian exiles, who were as accomplished in many ways as they were satisfying to look upon.

It was one of those days when a swift freeze has come with a rain-storm.  Hamilton had stood at the window of the office for an hour, early in the day, biting the end of his quill, and watching the water change to ice as it struck the naked trees, casing every branch until, when the sun came out, the valley was surrounded by a diamond forest, the most radiant and dazzling of winter sights.  The sun was still out, its light flashed back from a million facets, the ground was hard and white, the keen cold air awoke the blood, and the three young men forgot their grumblings, and blessed the sex which has alleviated man’s burdens so oft and well.

IV

In June the military ardours of this distinguished young trio were gratified to the point of temporary exhaustion.  The British evacuated Philadelphia on the 18th, and proceeded up the Delaware in New Jersey.  Captain Allan McLane had, as early as May 25th, reported to Washington the enemy’s intention to change their quarters for New York, and Washington’s desire was to crush them by a decisive blow.  At a council of war, however, it was decided merely to hang upon the skirts of the retreating army and avoid an engagement.  Lee was aggressive, almost insulting, in counselling inaction, Washington, much embarrassed, but hesitating to ignore the decisions of the council, followed the enemy by a circuitous route, until he reached the neighbourhood of Princeton.  The British were in and about Allentown.  Washington called another council of war, and urged the propriety of forcing an engagement before the enemy could reach the Heights of Monmouth.  Again Lee overruled, being sustained by the less competent generals, who were in the majority.  As soon as the council broke up, Hamilton sought out General Greene and led him aside, Greene was white and dejected, but Hamilton’s face was hot, and his eyes were flashing.

“I believe that Lee is in the pay of the British or the Conway Cabal,” he exclaimed.  “I’ve always believed him ready at any minute to turn traitor.  It’s a pity he wasn’t left to rot in prison.  Washington must fight.  His honour is at stake.  If he lets the British walk off while we sit and whistle, his influence with the army will be gone, Europe will have no more of him, the Conway Cabal will have the excuse it’s been watching at keyholes for, and Gates will be Commander-in-chief to-morrow.  Will you come with me and persuade him to fight?”