prepared for them. A remarkably pleasant evening was spent, and the
commandant, expressing a hope that the war would soon be over, invited
them, as soon as that happy event should occur, to his country-house,
which he told them was only a few miles off up the river. They all
promised gladly to avail themselves of the invitation, should
circumstances allow them to do so.

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

AN EXPEDITION UP THE RIVER--ATTACK ON THE MAGAZINES--BURNING STOREHOUSES
AND VESSELS--HIGSON AND ARCHIE HAVE TO RUN FOR IT--PULL DOWN THE RIVER--
HIGSON AND TOM HAVE TO RECRUIT THE INNER MAN--RUSSIAN NIGHTINGALES--
HOSPITABLE RECEPTION--HIGSON SUCCUMBS TO BEAUTY--THE OLD TUTOR--PROVES
TO BE ONE OF GREEN'S FRIENDS--UNPLEASANT INTERRUPTION BY COSSACKS.

At early dawn the two boats, as had previously been arranged, shoved off
from the side of the _Tornado_, on the proposed expedition up the river,
for the purpose of destroying any Government stores or munitions of war
which could be discovered.

"It is lucky we didn't attempt to come in till we had silenced the
guns," observed Higson, pointing to the strong walls which frowned above
them, from which the guns had been removed.

The country on one side was level; on the other, hills, some of
considerable elevation, rose from the bank of the river, which twisted
and turned, forming several short reaches, and prevented those going up
from seeing to any considerable distance ahead.

"We must be prepared for anything that may happen," shouted Higson to
Green; "for what we know we may meet another steamer coming down to look
after her friends, or we may fall in with a troop of Cossacks or other
soldiers, who may give us a somewhat warm reception, if they suspect
what we are about."

"I suppose we shall board the steamer if she appears," said Green.

"Depend on that--and take her too," answered Higson; at which the men
laughed, as if they thought there was no doubt about the matter. The
boats pulled on, passing some pretty-looking country-houses, surrounded
by gardens, and backed by orchards or vineyards planted on the hillside.

"A good style of country this to live in," observed Higson to Archie; "I
always have my eye on pleasant spots, and amuse myself with the idea
that I shall some day come and settle down there, when I have had enough
of a sea-life. After knocking about for the best part of his days, a
fellow longs to find himself quietly settled on shore."

"But surely