tally obscured, so that in places they were obliged to leave the
horses entirely to their own guidance.

"There 's Varenna at last!" said Frank, pointing out some lights, which,
glittering afar off, were reflected in long columns in the water.

"That may still be a couple of miles off," said Ravitzky, "for the
shores of the lake wind greatly hereabouts. But, there! did you not see
a light yonder?--_that_ may be the village." But as he spoke the light
was gone; and although they continued to look towards the spot for
several minutes, it never reappeared.

"They fish by torchlight here," said Ravitzky, "and that may have been
the light; and, by the way, there goes a skiff over the water at a
furious rate!--hear how the fellows ply their oars."

The dark object which now skimmed the waters must have been close under
the rocks while they were speaking; for she suddenly shot out, and in a
few minutes was lost to view.

"Apparently the clink of our sabres has frightened those fellows, too,"
said Frank, laughing, "for they pull like men in haste."

"It's well if it be no worse," said the cadet.

"Partly what I was thinking, myself," said Frank. "We may as well be
cautious here." And he ordered Ravitzky, with two men, to ride forty
paces in advance, while four others, with carbines cocked, were to drop
a similar distance to the rear.

The consciousness that he was assuming a responsibility made Frank
feel anxious and excited, and at the same time he was not without the
irritating sense that attaches to preparations of needless precaution.
From this, however, he was rallied by remarking that Ravitzky seemed
more grave and watchful than usual, carefully examining the road as he
went along, and halting his party at the slightest noise.

"Did you hear or see anything in front?" asked Frank, as he rode up
beside them.

"I have just perceived," said the cadet, "that the boat which half
an hour ago shot ahead and left us, has now returned, and persists in
keeping a little in advance of us. There! you can see her yonder. They
make no noise with their oars, but are evidently bent on watching our
movements."

"We 'll soon see if that be their 'tactic,'" said Frank, and gave the
word to his men "To trot."

For about half a mile the little party rode sharply forwards, the very
pace and the merry clink of the accoutrements seeming to shake off that
suspectful anxiety a slower advance suggests. The men were now ordered
to walk