r master."

"Admit him," said a voice.

The door was opened and I entered. Before me stood an officer in
uniform, with a brace of pistols in his belt and a sword by his side,
evidently prepared for service. I threw open my own cloak to show what
I was, and followed the officer into a well-lighted room on one side of
the passage. Supper was on the table, and another gentleman was in the
room. I instantly recognised him as my companion on my ride from
Hampton.

"Ah, Mr Hurry, I am glad to see you!" he exclaimed in a cordial tone,
stretching out his hand. "I little expected to meet you again so soon.
What brings you here?"

Now I was prepared to warn Miss Carlyon and her lady friends of danger,
but I had no intention of giving information to a stranger of the
movements of the British army. I felt myself placed at once in a
dilemma. I need have had no scruples on the subject, as the enemy often
knew as much about the matter as anybody else. I hesitated before
replying.

"I came to give some information to Colonel Carlyon, on which I expected
that he and his daughter only would act," I answered. "I have never met
Colonel Carlyon. Do I see him now?"

"You do," said the officer to whom I had first spoken. "I am Colonel
Carlyon, and I am glad to welcome you, sir, to thank you for the
inestimable service you have more than once rendered those dearest to
me. Whatever you have to communicate you may say freely before this
gentleman, my most intimate friend."

Feeling that I might trust to them, I, without further delay, told them
the object of my adventure.

"You have not come alone, though," he remarked, after thanking me
cordially for the information I had given him.

I told him that O'Driscoll and Rockets were waiting for me at the boat.
He insisted on sending for them, and in a very short time they made
their appearance, and while the negro took care of my follower, we were
soon pleasantly seated at supper. I, as may be supposed, was hoping
that I might have an opportunity of seeing Madeline. At last I mustered
courage to ask for her. Her father hesitated, I thought, before he
replied. At length he said--

"Yes, she will indeed wish to thank you personally for the risk you have
run, and the exertion you have made for her sake; but I know not whether
your meeting can be productive of advantage to either of you. A wide
gulf separates one from the other. I know not how it can be crossed. I
would r