s and the muffled roll of the wheels as they drove
off. I was about to move on with Jones, when I heard the major-domo, a
sergeant of the guard, call out the carriage of Colonel Charles
Gordon, and then I would have drawn back, as I had been forced into
the front rank; for, though I knew that she must be at the ball, I had
not thought to be brought so suddenly face to face with her. But ere I
could do so, she came down the carpeted stairs leaning on her father's
arm, graceful and beautiful, while by her side walked Farquharson in
full Highland costume, eager and attentive. A smile was upon her lips
as she listened, and then her eyes met mine. Her face went pale, and
she was near fainting. Her father caught her as she slightly reeled,
and Farquharson looked fiercely around to see what the cause was. But
I was muffled up, and before he could demand the cause Mistress Jean
was eagerly declaring that it was a mere nothing; and, as if to prove
what she said was true, she hurried on to the carriage.

Farquharson leaned for a moment into the carriage to bid them
good-night, and then it rolled off into the darkness.

CHAPTER XVII

AN EXCHANGE OF COURTESIES

"A narrow escape that for you, Lieutenant," said Jones. "But she was a
plucky lass, and now it is time for us to be looking for cover."

He turned down a narrow, quiet street until we came to a house set
somewhat back in the yard.

Jones now rapped very gently on the door; it swung open as if he was
expected, and a moment later we found ourselves heartily welcomed by
an old Quaker lady in a little room with a bright fire burning.

"I thought thee would come, Brother Jones," said she, "and who is this
braw lad thou hast brought with thee?" And she smiled on me.

"He is one of our Lieutenants, who has a sweetheart in town, and is
willing to risk his neck to see her," said Jones gruffly, but there
was a twinkle in his eye.

This completed my conquest, and the motherly old soul proceeded to
take charge of me.

"Who is thy lady love thou hast come to see?" And when I told her that
she was a Tory she was much distressed, but eager to help me.

"The Good Book says thou must not fight, but it also says thou must
help thy friends and neighbours, so I will help thee."

But at last, after chattering awhile she took a candle and showed us
to our rooms. I was soon lost in the almost blissful comfort of clean
white sheets and a feather-bed.

When I awoke next morni