The City Tavern, a Philadelphia icon, sat on the corner of Second and Walnut, a brick building with white windows and shutters, built like many of the dwellings that lined the city streets. It was owned by Barnabas Stone, a man large in height and girth with a shock of black and gray hair, ably assisted by Dolly Clarke, barmaid and part owner. A widow with graying hair, she was the usual companion of Patrick Blaine for dinner or walks along the riverfront. But often for much more.
“You showed a lot of courage,” Barnabas said after Ian described what he saw at Trudruffrin, including his escape. He sat at a table at the front of the tavern, huddled with Ian and Patrick. They were alone—it was just before 7 a.m.—and the tavern had not yet opened, its curtains fully closed.
“I knew Congress
