Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/213

 his features. It was a searching, yet serene sorrow, such as perchance might mark the brow of some guardian angel, who saw the object of his affectionate tutelage, plunging into perdition. He rose as Major Lee entered, and said in a voice whose deep, and manly tones were softened into exquisite modulation—

"Heaven only knows where the treason of Arnold will end. Imputations are cast, through him, upon one whom I hold most pure, and noble. Have you, among your bold, Virginian spirits, any man capable of a daring, delicate, and perilous enterprize? Know you any one willing to risk life, liberty, and what is more, honour, upon a desperate stake, where the chance of success is but as one against a thousand dangers?"

"Did you say that honour must also be thrown into the balance, my General?" inquired Lee. "And what is the counterpoise?"

"The punishment of treason," replied Washington with energy, "the thanks of his country, the friendship of his Chief, perhaps the rescue of an unfortunate victim "more sinned against, than sinning."

"Lee bent his eyes to the earth, in deep thought. Again he raised them, beaming with affection, to his beloved commander. Yet he looked one moment to Heaven, as if for assurance, ere he spoke.

"I do know such a man; and but one. He is a native of my own Loudon county. Though but twenty-four years of age, he does honour to Virginia. He is the serjeant-ma-