first, for the path did not admit
of two abreast. "What grand things these great plains are, traversed by a
fine river, and spreading away to a far distant horizon. What a sense of
freedom they inspire; how suggestive they are of liberty; don't you feel
that?"

"I think I see them coming," said the other. "I saw a carriage descend
the hill yonder. Is there nothing else you have to say--nothing that you
think of, Harry?"

"Nothing. If it should be a question of a funeral, Bob, my funds will
show how economically it must be done; but even if I had been richer, it
is not an occasion I should like to make costly."

"It was not of that I was thinking. It was of friends or relations."

"My dear fellow, I have few relatives and no friends. No man's
executorship will ever entail less trouble than mine. I have nothing to
leave, nor any to leave it to."

"But these letters--the cause of the present meeting--don't you intend
that in case of--in the event of--"

"My being killed. Go on."

"That they should be given up to your cousin?"

"Nothing of the kind ever occurred to me. In the first place, I don't
mean to be shot; and in the second, I have not the very remotest
intention of releasing the dear Sophy from those regrets and sorrows
which she ought to feel for my death. Nay, I mean her to mourn me with a
degree of affliction to which anxiety will add the poignancy."

"This is not generous, Calvert."

"I'm sure it's not. Why, my dear friend, were I to detect any such
weakness in my character, I'd begin to fancy I might end by becoming a
poltroon."

"Is that your man--he in the cloak--or the tall one behind him?" said
Barnard, as he pointed to a group who came slowly along through a
vineyard.

"I cannot say. I never saw Mr. Graham to my knowledge. Don't let them be
long about the preliminaries, Bob; the morning is fresh and the ground
here somewhat damp. Agree to all they ask, distance and everything, only
secure that the word be given by you. Remember that, in the way I've
told you."

As Calvert strolled listlessly along towards the river, Barnard advanced
to meet the others, who, to the number of five, came now forward.
Colonel Rochefort, Mr. Graham's friend, and Barnard were slightly
acquainted, and turned aside to talk to each other in confidence.

"It is scarcely the moment to hope for it, Mr. Barnard," said the other,
"but I cannot go on without asking, at least, if there is any peaceful
settlement possibl