e from,
and I had sent in my resignation; but after what you have said,--things
I knew nothing of,--I shall go."

There was a murmur of approbation. And one voice said, "Ah! I was sure
of it!" and that was all. But it was quite enough to prove to Daniel
that he had chosen the only way to save his honor, which had been in
imminent peril. But, simple as the whole scene was in itself, it was
very extraordinary, in view of the usual reserve which prevails among
sailors. And, besides, does it not happen almost every day, that an
officer ordered to some station requests and obtains leave to exchange
with some one else, and nothing is said?

Daniel felt that underneath the whole affair there was some diabolic
intrigue. If Miss Brandon had really procured this order to active
service, was it not likely that she would have taken her measures, so
that he could not possibly avoid going? Were all these men in citizen's
dress whom he saw there really navy officers? The young man who had
asked Lieut. Dutac to go on in his story had disappeared. Daniel went
from one to the other, inquiring who that clever young man was, but in
vain. Soon a summons came for him to appear in the superior's office. He
hastened there; and, as he opened the door, he said,--

"I'll follow your advice, captain. In three days I shall be on board
'The Conquest.'"

The captain's stern face cleared up, and he said approvingly,--

"All right! You did well to change your mind; for your business began to
look very ugly. The minister is very angry with you."

"The minister? And why?"

"_Primo_, he had charged you with a very important duty."

"To be sure," stammered Daniel, hanging his head; "but I have been so
severely suffering!"

The fact is, he had totally forgotten that unlucky work.

"_Secundo_," continued the old officer, "he was doubtful whether you
were in your right senses, and I agree with him, since he has told me
that you yourself have solicited this appointment on foreign service in
the most urgent terms."

Daniel was stunned, and stammered out,--

"His Excellency is mistaken."

"Ah! I beg your pardon, M. Champcey; I have myself seen your letter."

But already a sudden inspiration had, like a flash of lightning, cleared
up the mystery in Daniel's mind.

"Ah! I wish I could see it too! Captain, I beseech you show me that
letter!"

The old officer began almost to think that Champcey was really not in
his right mind. He answered,--