come up the river past the fort at its entrance,
of which our papa is the commandant. We heard a great deal of firing
yesterday evening, and were very anxious to know what it was about; but
were assured by Herr Groben, our brothers' tutor, that some English
vessels, which were attacking it, had been beaten off, and that no harm
could have happened to the defenders; indeed, three of our war-steamers
went out from the river, and we of course supposed assisted to put the
English to flight. You have, I hope, therefore, come up with a flag of
truce? Surely Herr Groben could not have been mistaken. Can you give
us any tidings of our papa?"

"I am very glad to be able to assure you, young lady, that when I had
the pleasure of seeing him he was perfectly well, though somewhat vexed
at the loss of his fort, which we were under the painful necessity of
capturing, as also the man-of-war steamers which came out of the harbour
to assist him," answered Higson.

The young ladies spoke to each other for several minutes in Russian, so
that Higson and Tom could not understand what they said.

"Though we have no enmity against the English, you bring news which is
painful to us, as we know that our papa will grieve for the misfortune
which has happened to him," said the elder of the young ladies. "We
are, however, obliged to you for informing us of his safety, and should
be glad to do our best to supply your wants."

Higson and Tom had been all this time standing with their caps in their
hands, in front of the window. While the lieutenant was addressing the
eldest of the two ladies, Tom was turning an admiring glance at the
youngest, who still held the little boy in her arms, while he had thrown
his round her neck, and was every now and then taking an alarmed look at
the strangers.

"I am afraid that he is frightened at us," said Tom. "I must really
apologise for our intrusion; I can assure you that it was not
intentional, and we should have retired at once had we not stopped to
listen to some delightful singing. Was it you or your sister we heard?"

"It was my sister; but we both sing," answered the young lady, "and we
shall be very happy to sing to you by and by if you wish it."

Of course Tom thanked her very much, and felt quite at home in a minute.
The elder sister then invited them to come in and sit down, while she
ordered some supper to be prepared for them and their men. While she
was absent, and the younger lady