l prove my innocence."

"They are in the General's possession; I cannot get at them to show
you them."

"If we had them here, I would soon prove to you that it is impossible
for me, with my wretched handwriting, to imitate the fine and regular
hand of my father. What is your opinion, Mr. Leopold?"

"I believe what you say," I answered.

"Ah, that's a relief; it does me good!" he murmured, his eyes filling
with tears. "My father has been accustomed to spend his leave in
fashionable watering-places; is it not possible for him there to have
made the acquaintance of some wretch wicked enough to serve him such
a turn?"

"For the last few years the General has not been from home, except
one winter which he spent in Arnheim."

"Can Rolf have done it?"

"No, don't suspect Rolf; he never had any education, but he's the
honestest man living, and he would pluck out an eye rather than cause
the old General any trouble."

"Then I don't know whom to suspect. Now take these notes, Francis--they
are real, I assure you; take them as a proof you still believe
my word."

"I believe you, Rudolf; but I think you have more need of them than
I have."

"Never mind me; I have a good position now: first rider in the Great
Equestrian Circus of Mr. Stonehouse, of Baltimore, with a salary
of two hundred dollars a month--is it not splendid? You see I have
not lost my old love for horses. Formerly they cost me much money;
now they bring me in a living."

"Well, Rudolf, you might have sunk lower; your business demands
courage and address. But I will not accept your money; I never take
back what I have given. To-morrow morning we shall see each other
again. You need not jump from the balcony and scale the garden wall;
I will let you out myself."

"Ah! you wish to make sure of my departure----"

"I have already said I would trust to your promise. Good night,
gentlemen."

CHAPTER XXVIII.

She was scarcely out of the room, when Rudolf, who had drained the
bottle, began in his usual tone of banter--

"I don't know whether I ought to congratulate you, Mr. Leopold,
but I am firmly convinced our charming Major has found her colonel."

I only shrugged my shoulders; for I felt a repugnance to making
Francis a subject of conversation with such a fellow.

"Do you imagine I have no eyes? I know the women, I can assure you. I
have come across all sorts, and all sizes and colours, in my vagabond
life; and my niece, though she