But with a cry, so full of anguish, of heartbreak, that they paled as they heard it, Drayton sank to the floor. “Boy, I loved him too,” spoke Colonel Morgan brokenly. “We were both with him on that march to Quebec. And at Saratoga in that mad charge he made. I loved him——” He could not proceed. Bending over the prostrate lad he lifted him, and with his arm about him drew him from the room. Peggy broke into a passion of tears as Drayton’s wailing cry came back to her: “My general! My general! My general!” CHAPTER XXXII—ON THE ALTAR OF HIS COUNTRY “If you fail Honor here, Never presume to serve her any more; Bid farewell to the integrity of armes; And the honorable name of soldier Fall from you, like a shivered wreath of laurel By thunder struck from a desertlesse forehead.” —Faire Quarrell. For a time no sound was heard in the room but the sobs of the maiden and the broken utterances of the men. The tears of the latter were no shame to their manhood, for they were wrung from their hearts by the defection of a great soldier. The friend of Washington and of Schuyler! The brilliant, dashing soldier with whose exploits the country had rung but a short time since; if this man was traitor whom could they trust? Presently Peggy felt a light touch on her head, and looked up to find General Gates regarding her with solicitude. “My child,” he said, “I am about to ride into Hillsboro’ to confer with Governor Nash. Will you permit me to be your escort? We must find a resting place for you. You must be weary after this trying day.” “I am,” she replied sadly. “Wearied and heart-sick. Thee is very kind, and I thank thee.” She rose instantly, and followed him to the door where the orderly had her horse in charge. What a change had come over the encampment. From lip to lip the tidings had flown, and white-faced men huddled about the camp-fires talking in whispers. No longer song, or story, or merry jest enlivened the evening rest time, but a hush was over the encampment such as follows a great battle when many have fallen. Seeing that she was so depressed General Gates exerted himself to cheer her despondency, leaving her when Hillsborough was reached in the care of a motherly woman. “I shall send Lieutenant Drayton to you in the morning,” he said as he was taking his departure. “He will need comfort, child; as we all do, but the boy was wrapped up in Arnold.” It was noon the next day before Drayton appeared, and Peggy was shocked at the change in him. There was no longer a trace of jauntiness in his manner. There were deep circles under his eyes, and he was pale and haggard as though he had not slept. “John,” she cried, her heart going out to him for his sorrow, “thee must not take this matter so. General Washington is left us.”