nd turbulent mutterers of stifled treason,
Who lurk in narrow places, and walk out
Muffled to whisper curses to the night.
Disbanded soldiers, discontented ruffians
And desperate libertines who lurk in taverns."
--BYRON.

A bright, warm day, some hours after sunrise. A man of rather
gentlemanly appearance, well, though not handsomely dressed, is riding
leisurely along the public highway. He wears a broad-brimmed straw hat
as a protection from the sun, and a linen duster somewhat soiled by the
dust of travel. He has a shrewd though not unkindly face, and a keen
grey eye whose quick glances seem to take in everything within its range
of vision.

It is a lonely bit of road he is traveling and he moves with caution
evidently on the alert for any appearance of danger.

Presently he perceives another solitary horseman approaching from the
opposite direction, and at the sight lays his hand on the pistols in
his belt concealed by the duster, to make sure that they are ready for
instant use; but at the same time keeping steadily on his way.

The new comer is a slender boy of eighteen or twenty, not at all
dangerous looking.

As the two near each other each lifts his hat with a courteous, "Good
morning, sir," the lad at the same time carelessly sliding his right
hand down the left lappel of his coat.

The movement, slight as it was, had not escaped the watchful grey eyes,
and instantly their owner replied by sliding his left hand in the same
manner down the right lappel of his coat.

The lad then ran his fingers lightly through his hair; the other
imitated his action; the lad opened his coat and seemed to be searching
for a pin; the man opened his, took out a pin and handed it to him with
a polite bow.

"Thanks! all right sir; I perceive you are one of us," said the boy,
drawing a paper from his pocket and presenting it to the man. "Miller's
Woods!" and touching his hat he galloped away.

There was a twinkle in the grey eyes as they shot one swift glance after
him; then the paper was opened and examined with minute care.

On it was a half moon with several dates written in different places
about it, and that was all; yet its new possessor regarded it with great
satisfaction, and after a careful scrutiny bestowed it safely in his
breast pocket.

"I'll be on hand without fail," he said, in a low, confidential tone,
perhaps addressing his horse, as there was no one else within hearing.
"To-night! they're late servi