ing absconded? Why, I wrote you five days ago a penitential
letter, and a full, true, and particular account of the rascal's
moonlight flitting; if, as it seems, you had never received my apology,
I wonder you didn't shut your door in my face; but you _are_ the best
fellow in the world."

"Nonsense," was the blunt reply; "drink that glass of mulled wine, John,
I insist upon it, and then come with me. I must know all, that we may
see what's to be done, and do it at once."

I saw little more of Laurie that evening; their voices might be heard
through the thin wall in earnest talk. Then he went out into the town
with a brow full of care and thought. He would not let young Popham go
with him, but ordered him off to bed, observing.

"We will start early if I can obtain to-night from the authorities a
pass into the Turkish dominions. My Cattarese servant, a sharp fellow,
will soon find us horses and a guide for the journey."

"Then you are going with me? God bless you, Laurie," said John Popham,
earnestly.

"Of course I am," growled your uncle.

With an aching heart, I put the finishing touches to Laurie's travelling
gear, then went to bed, but not to quiet or refreshing sleep. There is
generally something depressing, I think, in a very early setting out; my
heart sinks now as I recall the breakfast by lamplight; faint, bluish
dawn just marking the square outline of the window; the horses' tread,
as our man servant walked them up and down before the doors--the last
words and directions hastily given by the travellers. Laurie found a
moment to take me aside and say: "Cattie, I think we shall be back very
shortly; Scutari, whither we can trace Jones, is but a few miles distant
and our journey attended with little or no risk, as we are well armed,
fairly mounted, and provided with a passport in due form. I have
letters too to the Pasha which _may_ induce him to assist us in our
search after that rascal."

"Have you much hope of catching him?" I asked.

Laurie shook his head. "I confess I have very little," he said; "yet it
seems worth the attempt at all events; Johnnie is bent on making it, and
I can't let him go alone, poor boy! Ah, had his letter reached me four
days ago, as it would have done had he trusted it to fitting hands, we
should have had a much better chance;" and he fairly stamped his foot
with vexation.

Well, they started; it was a Tuesday, and several days dragged their
slow length along, w