ng Jones had already departed on his mission,
leaving me a note telling me where to meet him the next night on our
return to camp.

All that day I kept close to the house, for I did not dare to venture
forth in the broad day, as I was known to many, and it would not have
gone well with me if I had met with those I knew.

But at last the night began to fall, and, bidding my kind hostess
good-bye, I made my way through the streets to the Tory's house.

I soon found it--a square brick structure in a quiet street. I
noticed, as I approached it, several dark alleys just at the right
places for a rapid retreat if the worse should come to the worst.

Then my hand was on the knocker, and its fall startled me as the
clatter echoed far down the street and seemed to wake the very dead.

A slave opened the door, who, though he glanced at me suspiciously,
told me that his mistress was at home.

Then in a moment my storm-coat was off, and I stood in the door of the
drawing-room.

It was a beautiful picture, the great strong Highlander on his knees
at the feet of Mistress Jean begging for her hand, which she seemed to
be denying him, for he was growing more and more passionate.

For a moment, as I stood there, I could feel my hair grow gray, but
the tumult and the conflict within me were short and I turned to go,
for it seemed to me that she could not but care for so gallant a
gentleman.

But her eyes met mine, and then for a moment there was terror in them,
and a cry broke forth from her lips.

Farquharson, startled by her gaze, turned also, and, seeing me, was
quickly on his feet, his face aflame with passion.

"Sir," said he, advancing toward me, "do you not know the fate of
eavesdroppers"--and then for the first time noticing my uniform,
added, "and spies?"

"I know the fate of those who call a gentleman by such names," I
retorted coolly.

"A gentleman?" and he laughed. "I will have you hanged for a dog of a
spy before sunrise."

"Pardon me, sir, but you are my prisoner until it shall suit me to let
you go free."

At this he laughed merrily.

"Well said, Sir Rebel," he cried; "but permit me to pass before I spit
you on my sword." And he drew and advanced upon me.

"Permit me, sir, to use another argument;" and I drew my pistol and
covered him. "Advance another step and I will blow your brains out."

He glanced at me for a moment, but did not advance. "And further, let
me suggest that we are in the presence