is the case, we shall be able to exchange the colonel for Mr Higson and
Tom."

"I would rather get them back without having to do that," said Jack;
"the colonel is to be liberated on his parole; but, should we find it
necessary, we shall be able, as a last resource, to recover them as you
propose."

On arriving at the house they were met by Madame Paskiewich and her two
daughters. Jack, fortunately recollecting the colonel's message,
delivered it to his wife, who expressed herself very grateful for the
kind treatment he had received, and assured them how grieved she was
that, notwithstanding all her precautions, the Cossacks had captured the
two officers. Jack, in reply, expressed his conviction that it was from
no fault of theirs, and comforted them greatly by telling them that
probably in the course of the day the colonel would be enabled to return
to them.

On hearing of their want of a guide, Madame Paskiewich at once consented
to allow her eldest boy to show them the way the Cossacks had gone,
though she believed that by this time they were far beyond pursuit Herr
Groben's pupils soon made their appearance, and the eldest, Ivan, who
spoke English very well, without hesitation undertook to guide them, and
to make inquiries on the way as to where any troops were stationed, so
as to prevent them from being surprised. Jack, though perfectly
sensible of the risk he ran, resolved to persevere; and, accompanied by
young Ivan, at once set off at the head of his party, who, as they were
well armed, had no fear of the result should they meet three times their
number.

They had gone some distance, when Jack learned, from Ivan's inquiries,
that the Cossacks were already a long way ahead; he at length began to
despair of recovering his first lieutenant or Tom; he felt, too, the
imprudence of advancing farther into the enemy's country, when, before
he could secure his retreat, the foe might gather between him and the
boats. He was at last obliged unwillingly to confess that he must give
up the pursuit.

"I am very sorry for it, sir," said their guide; "the English midshipman
and I had become great friends; and though I don't think he will be
treated ill, yet he will not like to be kept away from his ship.
However, when my father returns, I promise to do my best to get him set
at liberty."

"Thank you," answered Jack warmly; "I will trust you."

He now gave the order to his men to face about, and they began to
ret