General Washington! Tom had not, as yet, laid eyes upon the great Virginian, so he waited near by. As it happened, Lafayette heard his voice at the door, and sent an officer out to bid him enter. Tom obeyed with a beating heart; the French officer stood by the table in the centre of the room, and in the background were grouped a number of distinguished Americans and Frenchmen. But it was the figure at the table that took the young scout’s attention; it was that of a large man with a calm, noble face, and the air of one who commanded by natural right. His hands rested upon the table before him, and his eyes were fixed upon a youth who stood opposite him, under guard. Tom could not restrain a cry of surprise at sight of him. The youth was Mark Harwood! At the cry Washington looked toward Tom, inquiry in his quiet eyes. Lafayette stepped forward. “Pardon me, general, but this is the youth of whom I have already spoken to you.” “Ah, yes.” Washington’s face lit up with one of his rare smiles. “I am pleased to meet so brave a soldier,” said he, addressing Tom. “I have heard of your service with Generals Marion and Greene; and also of what you have done since you joined General de Lafayette. Believe me, your country is proud of such sons; and while she has such she is unconquerable.” The young man’s face burned with pleasure; praise from Washington was praise indeed, and as he noted the smiles of the officers gathered about, he felt that they, too, thought the same. After a few moments, the commander-in-chief turned to a captain who stood at Mark Harwood’s side. “Captain Lacey,” said he, “take this man away.” “Will you not use my information, then?” cried young Harwood, his face going pale. “It is accurate; it will be of great service to you. I was trusted by Lord Cornwallis and I can tell you his positions; I can tell you how----” “Enough,” Washington waved his hand. “Have you no shame--have you no manhood? You were trusted by General Cornwallis, and now that you fancy him on the verge of defeat, you come to me and offer to betray him. Captain Lacey, take him away.” “Wait!” Mark sprang toward the table at which Washington sat. “I can prove to you--to all here--that my information is worth your while.” “I never deal with traitors,” returned General Washington, sternly. Mark’s face grew even more white as he saw the expression in the American general’s eyes; in desperation he turned to Tom. “Tom Deering, tell them who I am. You know me; you know whether I have Cornwallis’ secrets or no.” Washington looked with sudden surprise at Tom. “Do you know this person?” he asked. Tom flushed. “I answer with shame,” said he, “he is my cousin.” “There,” cried Mark, “did I not say he knew me. Ask him about my likelihood to have valuable information; he can tell you.” “Silence!” broke in General de Lafayette, angrily. “He is my cousin,” repeated Tom, steadily. “He is a Tory and was a companion of Clarage, Fannin and Gainey in Carolina.”