She could meet Major Andre and advise him against his plot. If that plan failed, she could make her way to General Washington and advise him of the advance of the British troops. Thus her friends would have no suspicions cast upon them for their intimacy with Barclugh. Then when the plot had been foiled, she could return to Philadelphia and advise Dr. Greydon about Barclugh’s participation in the plot. Mollie Greydon was sitting on the portico at Dorminghurst just after a visit from Mr. Barclugh one warm afternoon in the latter part of August. She had just been receiving the most marked attentions from her lover. He never missed paying his respects to her at least three or four times a week. On this afternoon, Segwuna came tripping down the avenue of hemlocks, and before she got to the portico, Mollie put down her needle-work, and ran to greet her. “Why, Segwuna,” she said, “you have been so mysterious of late, I have not seen you for over two weeks. What has been the matter? I have something to tell you, my dear.” “I have come, my sweetheart, to tell you that Segwuna is going away.” “Going away?” cried Mollie. “What for?” “I am going to New York for General Washington,” replied Segwuna. “His enemies are conspiring to defeat his plans and Segwuna’s duty calls her to go. I have studied out what my duty is and I have worked to get ready to go now. But before I go, I thought that I would come and tell you. “You must not let any one know where I am going, not even your father,” cautioned Segwuna. “Very well, Segwuna. Now I must tell you a secret of mine,” returned Mollie. “Do you know, Mr. Barclugh has asked me to marry him?” “Have you promised him?” demanded Segwuna impulsively, as her face became the picture of solicitude. [Illustration: Mollie put down her needle-work and ran to meet her.] “Why do you look so eager and ask me that question?” asked Mollie impatiently. “But tell me, have you promised? If you have, I know that you would have told me,” argued Segwuna. “No, I have not promised. I asked a month to consider. “I also wish to learn about his family and his business. I believe that he loves me, and I believe that I could love him. He is so handsome, and a perfect gentleman,” continued Mollie. “Very true, my dear Mollie. I know that he loves you. He may be very rich too, but you must know all about his business. He has been in Philadelphia less than a year. He was introduced by Benjamin Franklin, but his business is unsettled. Privateering is very precarious,” argued Segwuna. “Now, my dear Mollie, Segwuna’s life is devoted to yours. Promise me just one thing. Do not give your consent until Segwuna returns. If you promise him in this moon, your life may be unhappy. Wait until the next moon and everything will be clear.”