The Golden Flask Read Free

must not be overheard."
    Jake, with a sinking feeling that he was about to become embroiled in the political fallout from the Ticon deroga fiasco, reluctantly bowed his apologies and followed Hamilton through the room. They passed through the ornately worked portal, leaving the faux woodlands on the walls behind.
    Jake had been to the Pastures before the war, and knew its interior passages fairly well. He took Hamilton to the east door, passing down the steps onto the broad brick walkway. They walked onto the lawn, away from the house and the nearby bushes.
    The moon was at its fullest. The two men might have had a proper game of skittles, or perhaps the duel Hamilton had promised, had the situation been different . Both remained silent until they reached a point where eavesdropping was impossible.
    "General Washington must see you immediately," said Hamilton. "It is a matter of the greatest urgency."
    Though softly spoken, the words could not have elicited a sharper reaction in Jake had they been shouted in his ear.
    "I've ridden all day and half the night without stopping , except for fresh horses," continued Hamilton. "The general has removed you from Schuyler's command . You're to report to him immediately. No excuses."
    "I have none."
    "Schuyler is in disrepute for abandoning Ticonder oga without a fight," Hamilton added. "His Excellency had one of his famous fits when he heard the news. Several chairs were damaged."
    "As I have heard it, Schuyler's not entirely to blame. St. Clair neglected to reinforce Sugar Loaf Hill, as he did not think the British could send artillery there."
    "A costly mistake, for which Schuyler will be justly blamed," said Hamilton. "A commander must take responsibility.
    "I haven't heard he's ducking it," said Jake. He was honor-bound to defend his commander, even if his as signment had been temporary.
    "Arnold is being sent north, along with more rein forcements. The matter will be taken in hand. You and I have more pressing problems."
    "More pressing?"
    "Come, we have a long ride before us."
    "Wait." Jake caught Hamilton by the arm as he started away. He was only three years older than Hamilton, but had seen enough danger since the war started to make them seem like decades. "Let me change from this uniform first. And I have to say goodbye to Sarah."
    "No time. Besides, the suit looks quite dashing."
    "The breeches are too damn tight."
    "You can find other clothes after we reach the gen eral. We're to meet him below Newburgh by noon, and even if we start now I'm not at all sure we'll make it."
    "Let me just catch Sarah's eye. And a Dutch friend of mine is here who has proven himself useful in diffi cult situations; the general may want to make further use of him."
    "Colonel — sir." Hamilton's grip on Jake's arm was as powerful as any British grenadier's, but there was a note of respect and even supplication in his voice.
    And something else.
    Ordinarily, Hamilton was happy to rely on the com mander-in-chiefs’ authority and address even major generals as if they were privates. But speaking now to Jake, genuine admiration mixed with fearful worry; his words nearly trembled in his mouth.
    "I would like nothing better than to stay on a few hours myself. But the entire British army has disap peared from the Jerseys, packed themselves into ships, and rode out to sea. If we don't discover their intentions within the next few days, we risk a disaster that will make Ticonderoga look like milk spilt at a maids' picnic. No one must be informed of our business, not even the closest friend. You would know that much better than I."
    Duty having clamped her heavy arm on Jake's shoul der, he nodded and followed Hamilton to the horses without comment.
 
    * * *
 
    The Dutchman whose value Jake had mentioned would have welcomed an interruption. He happened at that moment to be deeply engaged in discussion with Colonel Flanagan. Not in itself unusual, except that he was spending considerably more time