t a business that was! We heard of it long beforehand;
preparations for transport, and the embarkation of the troops. The
fleet left Kamiesch, steering northward, past Sebastopol, and we
thought the latter would be attacked. But lo! next morning the enemy
were not in sight; the fleet had returned to Kamiesch Bay. What did it
mean? It was weeks before I learnt the right story, and then it came
from Paris. General Canrobert had changed his mind. The Emperor had
told him not to send away any troops, but to keep all concentrated
before Sebastopol. So the expedition to Kertch--for it was directed
against Kertch, and the northward move was only intended to deceive
us--all ended in smoke. Can they be going again to Kertch? It is
hardly likely. They have some deeper designs, I feel sure. This would
tally with my latest advice. Let me read once more what the Prince
says."

He took a key from his pocket, opened his desk, and unlocked an inner
receptacle, from which he took a letter in cypher.

"'We have learnt,' he read, fluently, without using any key, 'that the
enemy contemplate a great change in their plan of operations. It is
reported that they propose to raise the siege, or at least reduce it
to a mere blockade. The great bulk of the allied army would then be
transferred to sea to another point where it would take the field
against our line of communications. It is essential that we should
know at the earliest date whether there is any foundation in this
report. Use every endeavour to this end.'

"Yes; there can be no doubt that this surmise is corroborated by the
latest news. But I must have more precise and correct information
without delay. How is it to be obtained? Which of my agents can help
me best? Lavitsky? He works in Woolwich Arsenal--he might know if more
wheeled transport had been ordered. Or Bauer, at Portsmouth--he would
know of any movements in the fleet. Or--

"Of course!" and he slapped his forehead, despising his own stupidity.
"Cyprienne--she can, and must, manage this."

He proceeded to put back the papers into the secret drawer; he
replaced the volume on the shelf, and, taking the telegram he had
written in his hand, left the office, carefully locking the door
behind him.

Hailing a cab, he was driven first to a telegraph-station, where he
sent off his despatch, only adding the words:--

"Other important transactions in the shipping interest will shortly
be undertaken; more precise details will