In the story’s first passages, the author explains why Sam Fraunces feels motivated to help save General Washington’s life. The author portrays Sam’s desire for American independence as part of his broader sense of justice and rationality: He knows that Black Americans such as himself will gain little from the revolution but supports it anyway. His discussion with Phoebe about the plight of enslaved Black people in America teaches young readers about the terrible conditions for Black people during this period. Phoebe ponders the irony of Washington fighting for “freedom” while depriving other people of theirs: “How could a man lead an army to win freedom if he himself owned slaves? For George Washington did own slaves” (15). This adds realism to the story, as the author does not romanticize Washington, America, or the cause of independence. The conversations between Sam and Phoebe about America and their place in it also establish the story’s theme of Loyalty and Sacrifice During Times of Conflict, as Sam and Phoebe set the injustice they experience as Black Americans aside to support a cause they view as broadly moral. 

Sam’s explanation of soldiers for hire adds detail to this theme. He laments that many people are not loyal to any particular cause but simply act out of selfishness. He portrays these soldiers as dangerous, as they can be paid to commit violent acts: “Some are only out for money. To them it makes no difference what side they’re on. They’d even take money from the enemy and do anything they’d ask. Some such scoundrel might be paid to kill the general” (11). By portraying Sam and Phoebe as principled and loyal Patriots, the author contrasts them with mercenaries who fight for the highest payer, clearly identifying Sam and Phoebe as the heroes of the story and opportunists without ideological commitment as the antagonists.

This connects to the story’s theme of Developing Courage Through Responsibility. At first, Phoebe is scared to become a spy, wondering how she could possibly help such a powerful and important man. The author writes, “Phoebe was very frightened. […] And what if she failed?” (12), the rhetorical question hinting that Phoebe fears the responsibility of the role as much as the danger of it. When Phoebe arrives at Mortier House, she is still afraid about her job, as well as homesick for the tavern and her father: “At the thought of her father Phoebe rocked back and forth on the cot in despair, still clutching her bundle […] She could not do it. Her father had asked too much” (20). Phoebe’s fears and doubts make her a more nuanced and realistic character who reluctantly becomes a hero as she accepts the responsibility her father has given her. This sets up Phoebe’s character arc, as she soon becomes braver as she commits herself to this great responsibility.

Phoebe’s transformation from tavern helper to political spy also adds to the story’s theme of The Overlooked Heroism of Ordinary People. Initially, Phoebe views her comparatively low social status as a liability, reflecting, “General Washington was a great soldier! How could she save his life, if his whole army could not?” (12). However, the novel quickly establishes that both Phoebe and her father are able to gather so much information because of their roles as servers. In comparison to those they are serving, they are socially invisible, allowing them to eavesdrop discreetly on their customers. The author writes, “Phoebe closed her eyes, seeing her father moving like a shadow amongst his guests, gracious, smiling, pouring wine and exchanging greetings. It was so easy for him to hear secrets without seeming to listen!” (11). By comparing Sam to a “shadow,” the author captures the customers’ disregard for Sam due to his role as a tavern owner and server. 

Phoebe is similarly underestimated. Being young, female, Black, and employed as a housekeeper means that most people do not take Phoebe very seriously or take great notice of her presence. Being part of the Mortier House staff means that she can easily listen to the residents’ conversations. The author’s descriptions of Sam suggest that his daughter Phoebe will also be overlooked by the people she serves, foreshadowing that she is perfectly positioned to be a successful spy. More broadly, this depiction of heroism suggests that wars are often won not through bravery (and bloodshed) on the battlefield but rather through the support of ordinary citizens, whose everyday actions can swing the conflict one way or the other.