Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/24

8 Hudson, or to the army in the north, with the letter that was to be placed directly in the hands of the northern commander, and likewise to receive from him the word which in turn he was to hear back to the anxious leader in the Jersey hills.

Among the men assigned to the latter task was young Robert Dorlon, who already had twice made the journey and now was well advanced on his third. The need of haste on his part had been most impressively emphasized by the commander when he had set forth, and the recollection of his kindly words and confidence was even now, despite his weariness, strong in the thoughts of the young rider. It was General Maxwell who had selected him for the task and had commended him to Washington, confident alike in his strength, his discretion, and his energy. And a chance observer would speedily have declared that all these qualities were marked in the young man's bearing. His physical strength was apparent in every movement he made, his face at once begat confidence, and his manner was dignified despite the twinkle and the mischief that lurked only partly concealed in the dark eyes of young Robert. A frolic or a "rough and tumble" was his delight, and