he captain he was sent to the tent of the General--the younger
Skobeleff,--to whom he related the important information which he had
obtained at so great risk.

"Thank you, my fine fellow," said the General, when Petroff had
finished; "you have done good service--are you badly wounded?"

"No--nothing worth mentioning," replied the scout, but as he spoke a
feeling of giddiness oppressed him. He fainted and fell as he left the
General's tent, and was carried on a stretcher to the rear.

Before the grey dawn had dissipated the mists of morning, the village on
the height was fought for, lost, and won; its dwellings were reduced to
ashes, and those of its inhabitants who had escaped massacre were
scattered like sheep among the gorges of their native hills; but Petko
and Giuana Borronow were safe--at least for the time--with a kinsman,
among the higher heights of the Balkan range.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

TREATS OF ONE OF OUR GREAT IRONCLADS.

While these stirring events were taking place among the mountains, I had
made arrangements to quit the hospitals at Sistova and proceed with a
detachment of Russian troops to the front.

The evening before my departure I received a most unexpected and
interesting letter from my friend U. Biquitous, the effects of which
were so surprising, and I may add unparalleled, that I cannot forbear
quoting it. After a few of those sage reflections in which Biquitous is
prone to indulge, he went on to say:--

"You will be surprised to hear that there is some probability of my
meeting you shortly, as I have become a special correspondent, like
yourself. My paper, however, is an illustrated one, an Irish weekly
of some merit, named the _Evergreen Isle_, which will now, it is
expected, advance to the front rank of such periodicals. I purpose
using the pencil as well as the pen, and, unlike you, and subject to
no restrictions of any kind. I have _carte-blanche_, in fact, to draw
what I like, write what I please, go where I feel inclined, stay as
long as I may, and quit when I must. Veracity is no object. I am
told to keep as many servants and as large a retinue as I find
convenient, and to spare no expense. For the duties of this situation
I am to receive no salary, but am at liberty to pay my own expenses.
The honour of the thing is deemed more than sufficient compensation.

"In virtue of this appointment I went recently to see and take notes
of Her Majes