"No, General," answered George, the blood tingling to his fingers' tips. "My relatives are all in England, except an aunt and sister." "Ah!" was the answer. The gray eyes had gleamed brightly. "Your enlistment, sir?" "For the war, General." "Your hand, my lad," said the Commander-in-Chief. The butt of George's musket rang on the ground. George thought he had never grasped so large and firm a hand before. "You are a soldier and a gentleman," said Washington, with a kindly smile. "We have need of such." He passed on. At that moment a great surge of feeling came over the young soldier; his knees trembled with excitement. He would go to death for a man like this. Ah! if his brother William were only here beside him. Thinking of this brought back the old scenes at Stanham Mills. It seemed most strange that he should be standing with his musket at his side, armed and arrayed to fight the forces of the King. As these thoughts ran through his mind he was ordered to fall out and take a position as sentry at the edge of the green, where the crowd pressed close upon the group of officers. As he did so a familiar voice sounded behind him. Without turning he recognized that it was Carter's father speaking--Colonel Hewes--then a member of Washington's staff. "We must be aggressive," said Colonel Hewes. "Take Canada, by Jove! Build a fleet and threaten the shores of England; not wait here as if we wished to parley." "Your ideas are advanced, Colonel," replied another voice. "Yes, that's what they said three years ago when I predicted this war--ay, and cast cannon and saved money for it," said Colonel Hewes, bitterly. The two speakers passed out of hearing, and soon the order was given for the regiments to pass in review. On they came; first his own, marching well and steadily. The chills of delight ran up and down George's spine; regiment after regiment, the country's bravest and best. Many hearts surged with pride that day. At last there came a company from New Jersey, and in front of it marched Carter Hewes, a Lieutenant's epaulet on his left shoulder. It was some months now since the boys had seen one another, and in the mean time Carter had been at Bunker Hill, and had been promoted for bravery to be a Lieutenant at eighteen. After the parade had been dismissed George sought the headquarters of the New Jersey regiment, eager to see his friend and hear the news. As he turned about a corner the pounding of hoofs was heard, and a cavalryman rushed by, his sword clanking against his horse's flanks. As he passed a group of officers seated on a porch, he drew up slightly. "The British fleet has entered the Narrows," he called, and dashed along. The booming of the guns was heard coming from the southward. Governor Tryon's floating fortress was hailing the new-comers. Now the drums were rolling and despatches were being sent about the city. George gave up all idea of finding Carter that night, and hastened back to his command.