In the Irish Brigade:A Tale of War in Flanders and SpainBy G. A. Henty. 

Contents

Preface. Chapter 1: Fresh from Ireland. Chapter 2: A Valiant Band. Chapter 3: A Strange Adventure. Chapter 4: At Versailles. Chapter 5: A New Friend. Chapter 6: An Ambuscade. Chapter 7: In Paris Again. Chapter 8: To Scotland. Chapter 9: An Escape From Newgate. Chapter 10: Kidnapping A Minister. Chapter 11: On the Frontier. Chapter 12: Oudenarde. Chapter 13: Convalescent. Chapter 14: A Mission. Chapter 15: Treachery. Chapter 16: Captured. Chapter 17: An Old Friend. Chapter 18: War. Chapter 19: In Search of a Family. Chapter 20: Gerald O'Carroll. 

Preface. 

The evils arising from religious persecution, sectarian hatred, ill government, and oppression were never more stronglyillustrated than by the fact that, for a century, Ireland, whichhas since that time furnished us with a large proportion of ourbest soldiers, should have been among our bitterest and mostformidable foes, and her sons fought in the ranks of our greatestcontinental enemy. It was not because they were adherents of thehouse of Stuart that Irishmen left their native country to takeservice abroad, but because life in Ireland was rendered well-nighintolerable for Catholics, on account of the nature and severityof the laws against them, and the bitterness with which those lawswere carried into effect. 

An Irish Catholic had no prospects of employment or advancement athome. He could hold no civil appointment of any kind. He could notserve as an officer, nor even enlist as a private, in the army. Hecould not hold land. He was subject to imprisonment, and evendeath, on the most trifling and frivolous accusations broughtagainst him by the satellites of the Irish Government. Not onlycould he not sit in the parliament of Dublin, but he could noteven vote at elections. It was because they believed that thereturn of the Stuarts would mean relief, from at least some oftheir disabilities, and liberty to carry out the offices of theirreligion openly, and to dwell in peace, free from denunciation andpersecution, that the Irish remained so long faithful to theJacobite cause. 

It was not, indeed, until 1774 that the Catholics in Ireland wereadmitted to qualify themselves as subjects of the crown, and notuntil the following year that they were permitted to enlist in thearmy. Irish regiments had enlisted in France, previous to theConvention of Limerick; but it was the Irish army that defendedthat town, and, having been defeated, passed over to France, thatraised the Irish Brigade to the position of an important factor inthe French army, which it held for nearly a hundred years, bearinga prominent part in every siege and battle in Flanders, Germany, Italy, and Spain. A long succession of French marshals andgenerals have testified to the extraordinary bravery of thesetroops, and to their good conduct under all circumstances. Notonly in France did Irishmen play a prominent part in militarymatters, but they were conspicuous in every continental army, andtheir descendants are still to be found bearing honoured namesthroughout Europe. 

Happily, those days are past, and for over a hundred years thecourage and military capacity of Irishmen have been employed inthe service of Great Britain. For records of the doings of some ofthe regiments of the Irish Brigade, during the years 1706-1710, Iam indebted to the painstaking account of the Irish Brigade in theservice of France, by J. C. O'Callaghan; while the accounts of thewar in Spain are drawn from the official report, given in Boyer'sAnnals of the Reign of Queen Anne, which contains a mine ofinformation of the military and civil events of the time. 

G. A. Henty. 

Chapter 1: Fresh from Ireland. 

A number of officers of O'Brien's regiment of foot, forming a partof the Irish Brigade in the service of France, were gathered in ahandsome apartment in the Rue des Fosses, on the 20th of June, 1701, when the door opened, and their colonel entered with a youngofficer in the uniform of the regiment. 

"I have asked you here, gentlemen all, " he said, "to present toyou a new comrade, Desmond Kennedy, who, through the good officesof the Marshal de Noailles, has been appointed, by His GraciousMajesty, to a cornetcy in our regiment. 

"Now, gentlemen, I have known, and doubtless you can all of yourecall, instances where the harmony of a regiment has beengrievously disturbed, and bad blood caused, owing to the want of aclear understanding upon matters connected with a family; whichmight have been avoided, had proper explanations been given at thecommencement. I have spoken frankly to Mr. Kennedy, and he hasstated to me certain particulars, and has not only authorized me, but requested me to repeat them to you, feeling that you had aright to know who it was that had come among you, and so to avoidquestioning on matters that are, of all others, prone to lead totrouble among gentlemen. 

"Beyond the fact that he is a Kennedy, and that his father had tofly from Ireland, two years after the siege of Limerick, owing toa participation in some plot to bring about a fresh rising infavour of King James, he is unacquainted with his family history. He has never heard from his father, and only knows that he madefor France after throwing the usurper's spies off his track, andthere can be little doubt that it was his intention to takeservice in this brigade. There have been several Kennedys in theservice, and I have little doubt that this young gentleman'sfather was the Murroch Kennedy who joined the third regiment, about that time, and was killed a few months afterwards at thebattle of Breda. His death would account for the fact that his sonnever received a letter from him. At the time when he leftIreland, the child was some two years old, and, as communicationwas difficult, and the boy so young, Murroch might very well haveput off writing until the boy grew older, not thinking that deathmight intervene, as it did, to prevent his doing so. 

"This is all simple and straightforward enough, and you will, I amsure, have no hesitation in extending the hand of friendship tothe son of a gallant Irishman, who died fighting in the ranks ofthe Irish Brigade, exiled, like the rest of us, for loyalty to ourking. 

"Still, gentlemen, you might, perhaps, wonder how it is that heknows no more of his family, and it was that this question mightbe disposed of, once for all, that I am making this statement toyou on his behalf. He was not brought up, as you might expect, with some of his father's connections. Whether the family were soscattered that there was no one to whom he could safely entrustthe child, I know not, but, in point of fact, he sent him to oneof the last houses where a loyal gentleman would wish his son tobe brought up. We all know by name and reputation--I and yourmajors knew him personally--the gallant James O'Carroll, who died, fighting bravely, at the siege of Limerick. He was succeeded inhis estate by his brother John, one of the few Irishmen of goodfamily who turned traitor to his king, and who secured thesuccession to his brother's possessions by becoming an ardentsupporter of the usurper, and by changing his religion. 

"Why Murroch Kennedy should have chosen such a man as the guardianof his son is a mystery. Whether they had been great friends inearlier times, when John O'Carroll professed as warm an attachmentto the Stuart cause as did his brother James, or whether Kennedypossessed such knowledge of O'Carroll's traitorous dealings withthe Dutchman as would, if generally known, have rendered him sohateful to all loyal men that he could no longer have remained inthe country, and so had a hold over him, Mr. Kennedy can tell usnothing. He was brought by his nurse to Castle Kilkargan, and wasleft with John O'Carroll. It is clear that the latter accepted thecharge unwillingly, for he sent the child to a farm, where heremained until he was eight years old, and then placed him withthe parish priest, who educated him. The lad visited at the housesof the neighbouring gentry, shot and rowed and fished with theirsons. O'Carroll, however, beyond paying for his maintenance, allbut ignored his existence, showing no interest whatever in him, upto the time when he furnished him with a letter of introduction tode Noailles, except that he made him a present of a gun, as soonas he became of an age to use one. He never attempted to tamperwith his loyalty to King James, and in fact, until he sent for himto ask what profession he would choose, he never exchanged tenwords with him, from the time that he was brought to the castle. 

"We can each form our own theory as to the cause of such strangeconduct. He may have given a pledge, to Murroch, that the boyshould be brought up a loyalist, and a true son of the church. Itmay have been that the loyalty of the boy's father formed sounpleasant a contrast to his own disloyalty, and apostasy, that hedisliked the sight of him. However, these theories can make nodifference in our reception of Desmond Kennedy, as a gentleman ofa good family, and as the son of a loyal adherent of the king; andas such, I think that I can, from what I have already seen of him, assert that he is one who will be a good comrade, a pleasantcompanion, and a credit to the regiment. "

The subject of these remarks was a tall and handsome young fellow, some sixteen years of age. He was already broad at the shoulders, and promised to become an exceedingly powerful man. He had stoodsomewhat behind the colonel, watching calmly the effect of hiswords on those whose comrade he was to be, for he knew howpunctilious were his countrymen, on the subject of family, placingas much or even more value than did the Scots, on points ofgenealogy, and of descent from the old families. His frank openface, his bearing and manner, did as much to smooth his way as didthe speech of his colonel, who, when he had been introduced tohim, two days before, had questioned him very closely on thesubject of his family. It had almost been a matter of satisfactionto Desmond when he heard, from the colonel, that the officer whohad fallen at Breda was probably the father of whom he had noremembrance; for, from the time he attained the age of boyhood, ithad been a grief and pain that he should never have heard from hisfather, who, it now appeared, had been prevented by death fromever communicating with him. 

The officers received him cordially. They had little doubt that hewas the son of the Murroch Kennedy, of Dillon's regiment, although, after they separated, some wonder was expressed as tothe reason why the latter had committed his son to the care of sonotorious a traitor as John O'Carroll. 

Desmond had been specially introduced to two of the younglieutenants, Patrick O'Neil and Phelim O'Sullivan, and these tookhim off with them to their quarters. 

"And what is the last news from Ireland? I suppose that theconfiscations have ceased, for the excellent reason that they haveseized the estates of every loyal gentleman in the country?"

"That was done long ago, in the neighbourhood of Kilkargan, and, so far as I know, everywhere the feeling is as bitter as ever, among those who have been dispossessed, and also among the tenantsand peasantry, who have found themselves handed over to themercies of Dutchmen, or other followers of William. At Kilkarganthere was not that grievance; but, although they had still one ofthe old family as their master, they could not forgive him fordeserting to the side of the usurper, nor for changing hisreligion in order to do pleasure to William. Certainly, he canhave derived but little satisfaction from the estates. He seldomshowed himself out of doors, never without two or three armedservants, all of whom were strangers from the north, and he wasoften away, for months together, at Dublin. "

"And what did you do with yourself?"

"I fished, shot, and rode. I had many friends among the gentry ofthe neighbourhood, who would, doubtless, have shown less kindnessthan they did, had it not been for the neglect with whichO'Carroll treated me. His unpopularity was all in my favour. 

"However, I have one good reason for being obliged to him, sinceit was through him that I obtained my commission. He told me that, in his young days, he had been at a French college with the duke. They had been great friends there, and he thought that, in memoryof this, de Noailles would procure me a commission. "

"I suppose the real fact was, Kennedy, that he was glad to get ridof you altogether?"

"I think that is likely enough. He certainly raised no objection, whatever, to my going abroad, and seemed to think it natural thatI should choose the Irish Brigade, here, in preference to theBritish service. He said something unpleasant about its not beingsingular that I should be a rebel, when I always associated withrebels, to which I replied that it seemed to me that I couldhardly be blamed for that, seeing that my father had been what hecalled a rebel, and that I had little choice in the matter of myassociates; and that if I had been educated at a school inEngland, instead of by good Father O'Leary, I might have had othersentiments. He replied that my sentiments were nothing to him, oneway or the other. He was glad to wash his hands of me altogether;and, at any rate, if I went to France, I could drink the health ofKing James every day without his being involved in my treason. "

"It almost looked as if he wished you to grow up a rebel, Kennedy, or he would hardly have placed you in the charge of a priest. Hemay have reckoned that if there was another rising, you might joinit, and so be taken off his hands, altogether. "

"Whatever the reason was, I have certainly cause for satisfactionthat he removed me from the care of the farmer's wife, with whomhe at first placed me, and arranged with the priest to take chargeof me altogether. O'Leary himself had been educated at Saint Omer, and was a splendid fellow. He was very popular on the countryside, and it was owing to my being with him that I was admitted to thehouses of the gentry around, whereas, had I remained in thefarmhouse in which O'Carroll first placed me, I should only haveassociated with the sons of other tenants. "

"It looked, at any rate, as if he wished to make a gentleman ofyou, Kennedy. "

"Yes, I suppose my father had asked him to do so. At any rate, Iwas infinitely better off than I should have been if he had takenme in at Kilkargan, for in that case I should have had noassociates, whatever. As it was, I scarcely ever exchanged a wordwith him, until that last meeting. He sent down, by one of hisservants, the letter to the Duc de Noailles, and a bag containingmoney for my outfit here, and for the purchase of a horse, together with a line saying that he had done his duty by me, andhad no desire to hear from me in the future. I was inclined tosend the money back to him, but Father O'Leary persuaded me not todo so, saying that I must be in a position to buy these things, ifI obtained a commission; and that, no doubt, the money had beengiven me, not for my own sake, but because he felt that he owed itto me, for some service rendered to him by my father. "

"It was an ungracious way of doing it, " O'Sullivan said, "but, inyour circumstances, I should have taken the money had it come fromthe old one himself. It is, perhaps, as well that it should havebeen done in such a manner that you may well feel you owe no greatgratitude towards such a man. "

"And how did you get over here?"

"There was no great difficulty about that. In spite of theactivity of the English cruisers, constant communication is keptup between Ireland and France, and fortunately I had, a short timebefore, made the acquaintance of one of your officers, who wasover there, in disguise, gathering recruits for the Brigade. "

"Yes, there are a good many agents in Ireland engaged in thatwork. There is no difficulty in obtaining recruits, for there isscarcely a young Irishman who does not long to be with hiscountrymen, who have won such credit out here, and many abstainfrom joining only because they do not know how to set about it. The work of the agents, then, is principally to arrange means fortheir crossing the channel. It is well that the supply is steadilykept up, for, I can assure you, every battle fought makes veryheavy gaps in our ranks; but in spite of that, three freshregiments have been raised, in the last year, partly by freshcomers from Ireland, and partly by Irish deserters fromMarlborough's regiments. 

"But I am interrupting your story. "

"Well, after leaving Mr. O'Carroll, and making my preparations, Ipaid a visit to the cottage where the officer was staying, indisguise, and told him that I wanted to cross. He gave instructionsas to how to proceed. I was to go to a certain street in Cork, andknock at a certain door. When it was opened, I was to say, 'The seais calm and the sky is bright'. 

"'Then', he said, 'you will be taken in hand, and put on board oneof the craft engaged in the work of carrying our recruits acrossthe water. You will be landed at Saint Malo, where there is anagent of the Brigade, who gives instructions to the recruits as tohow they are to proceed, supplies them with money enough for thejourney, and a man to accompany each party, and act as interpreteron the way. 

"I carried out his instructions, crossed the channel in a luggerwith thirty young peasants, bound also for Paris, and, on landingat Saint Malo, took my place in the diligence for Paris; having, fortunately, no need for an interpreter. On my presenting myletter to the Marquis de Noailles, he received me with greatkindness, and treated me as a guest, until he had obtained me acommission in your regiment. 

"Now, when are we likely to go on active service?"

"Soon, I expect, " O'Neil said; "but whether we shall be sent tothe Peninsula, or to Flanders, no one knows. In fact, it is likelyenough that we shall, for the present, remain here; until it isseen how matters go, and where reinforcements will be mostrequired. It is but ten months since we came into garrison, inParis, and we may therefore expect to be one of the last regimentsordered off. 

"For my part, I am in no particular hurry to exchange comfortablequarters, and good living, and such adventures as may fall to thelot of a humble subaltern, for roughing it in the field; where, ashas been the case ever since the Brigade was formed, we get a gooddeal more than our fair share of hard work and fighting. "

"I should have thought that you would all have liked that, "Desmond said, in some surprise. 

"Enough is as good as a feast, " the other said; "and when you havedone a few weeks' work in trenches, before a town you arebesieging; stood knee deep for hours in mud, soaked to the skinwith rain, and with the enemy's shot coming through the parapetevery half minute or so; you will see that it is not all fun andglory. 

"Then, too, you see, we have no particular interest in thequarrels between France and Germany. When we fight, we fightrather for the honour of the Irish Brigade, than for the glory ofFrance. We have a grudge against the Dutch, and fight them asinterested parties, seeing that it was by his Dutch troops thatWilliam conquered Ireland. As to the English troops, we have noparticular enmity against them. Cromwell's business is an oldstory, and I don't suppose that the English soldier feels anyparticular love for Queen Anne, or any animosity against us. Andafter all, we are nearer in blood to them than we are to theGermans, Austrians, or Spaniards, for there are few, even of ouroldest families, who have not, many times since the days ofStrongbow, intermarried with the English settlers. At any rate, there are still plenty of adherents of King James in England andScotland. We speak the same language, and form part of the samenation, and I own that I would rather fight against any foreignfoe than against them. "

"So would I, " Desmond said heartily. "Our only point of differenceis that we don't agree as to who should be king. We want aCatholic king, and the majority of the English want a Protestantking. We have fought on the subject, and been beaten. Next time, we hope that we may succeed. If the king were to land in Englandagain, I would fight heart and soul in his cause; but whether theFrench beat the English, in the present war, or the English beatthe French, will not, as far as I can see, make much difference toKing James; who, Father O'Leary tells me, is, in his opinion, supported here by the French king from no great love for himself, but because, so long as James has adherents in Ireland, Scotland, and England, he is able to play him off against the EnglishGovernment. "

The other young men laughed. 

"For heaven's sake, Kennedy, keep such sentiments as these toyourself. It is a matter of faith, in our brigade, that we arefighting in the cause of King James, as against the Englishusurper. Now that William is dead, and James's daughter on thethrone, matters are complicated somewhat; and if the Parliamenthad settled the succession, after Anne, on her brother, theremight have been an end of the quarrel altogether. But now thatthey have settled it on Sophia of Hanover, granddaughter of Jamesthe 1st, and her descendants, subject to the restriction that theyshall be Protestants, the quarrel does not seem likely to behealed. "

"This priest of yours must be a dangerous man, " O'Sullivan said. 

"Not at all. I can assure you, he is devoted to the king; but, ashe told me, there is no use in Irishmen always closing their eyesto the true state of things. He says that we must rely uponourselves, and our loyal friends in Scotland and England, but thathe is sure the king will never be placed on his throne by Frenchbayonets. A small auxiliary force may be sent over, but, in allthese years, Louis has made no real effort to assist him; and evenif, for his own purposes, he sent a great army to England, andplaced him on the throne, he would not be able to maintain himselfthere for a month after the French had withdrawn, for even arightful king would be hated by the people upon whom he had beenforced, by a foreign power, especially a power that had, forcenturies, been regarded as their chief enemy. If he had been inearnest, Louis would have sent over a great army, instead of a fewthousand men, to Ireland, when such a diversion would have turnedthe scale in our favour. As he did not do so then, he is notlikely to do so in the future. The king is useful to him, here, bykeeping up an agitation that must, to some extent, cripple thestrength of England; but, were a Stuart on the throne, he wouldhave to listen to the wishes of the majority of his people, andFrance would gain nothing by placing him there. Moreover, shewould lose the services of twenty thousand of her best soldiers, for naturally the exiles would all return home, and what is nowthe most valuable force in the French service, might then becomean equally important one in the service of Britain. "

"I am glad that this priest of yours remains quietly in Kilkargan, for, if he were to come here, and expound his views among ourregiments, he might cause quite a defection among them. At anyrate, Kennedy, I should advise you not to take to propagating hisviews in the regiment. It would not add to your comfort, or ours, and there are a good many hot-headed men who would take up theidea that you had been infected by O'Carroll's principles. "

"It would not be well for anyone to say as much to my face, "Desmond said. "Father O'Leary is loyal to the backbone, althoughhe has his own ideas as to the hopelessness of our obtaining anyefficient help from Louis. He thinks that it will be far better totrust to our friends at home, and that, even did Louis carry outhis promises, it would in the long run harm rather than benefitKing James. "

"I am not saying that his view may not be correct, Kennedy. I amonly saying that the view would be a very unpopular one, among theBrigade. We are fighting for France because we believe thatFrance, in turn, will aid in placing our rightful king on thethrone, and if we once entertained the notion that Louis wasdeceiving us, that he had no intention of helping us, and that, ifhe did place James on the throne, he would alienate all hissympathizers at home, we should ask ourselves of what use was it, spending our blood in fighting the battles of France. "

"At any rate, I will take your advice, O'Sullivan, and will keepmy lips sealed, as to Father O'Leary's views. As you see, by mypresence here, he has not convinced me, and as long as there is ahope that, by the aid of a French army, we may yet see our kingcome to his own again, I shall do my best to prove myself afaithful soldier of France. I have chosen my career with my eyesopen. A loyal Irishman cannot obtain employment, still lessmilitary employment, in his own country, and accordingly, we areto be found fighting as soldiers of fortune in every country inEurope. At least there is some chance that we may be benefitingthe royal cause by fighting for the country that gave King Jamesshelter, and rendered him armed assistance in his struggle withthe usurper, and will probably give aid, more or less efficient, when the next attempt is made. In other countries we are butsoldiers of fortune. In France we may regard ourselves as servingour own king by serving King Louis. "

"Do you speak French well, Kennedy?" O'Neil said, changing theconversation abruptly. 

"Yes. Father O'Leary took care of that, for I always said that Ishould take service abroad, as there was clearly nothing else todo for a living, and, consequently, he generally talked to me inthat language, and I speak it as well as I do English or Irish. "

"You have not had much practice with the sword, I suppose?"

"Not so much as I could wish, though I never lost an opportunityof practising. There were several of the tenants who served in theregiment James O'Carroll raised. I used to practise with them, butI shall lose no time in getting the best instruction I can, here. "

"You may want it, Kennedy. We are not particularly liked by theFrench officers, because we are generally chosen to lead anassault, or for other desperate service. Duelling is, of course, forbidden, but that in no way prevents duels from being frequent. As for fighting in action, as far as I have seen or heard, swordsmanship does not go for a great deal. If you press on hardenough, and there are men following you, the enemy give way, generally, before it comes to hand-to-hand fighting. If, on theother hand, they are the more numerous, and hold their position inthe breach, it is the musketry that settles it. It is only whentwo officers happen to meet, in a fierce fight, that swordsmanshipbecomes of importance. 

"We have a good school in the regiment, and there are severalfamous masters of fence in the town, so I should advise you togive a couple of hours a day, for a time, to making yourself afirst-rate swordsman. I have just left off. Our maitre d'armestells me I am too hotheaded ever to make a fine blade; but Ishould fancy, from the way you have been arguing, that you arelikely to be cooler than most of us in a fencing bout. It is thefault with us all that we are apt to lose our tempers, and indeedMaitre Maupert, who is the best teacher here, declines absolutelyto take any of us as pupils, saying that, while we may doexcellently well in battle, he can never hope to make first-classfencers of men who cannot be relied upon to keep their heads cool, and to fight with pointed weapons as calmly as they might fencewith a friend in a saloon. "

"Well, I shall work hard to become a fair swordsman, " Desmondsaid, with a laugh. "I suppose there is plenty of time to spare. "

"Plenty. We have a couple of hours' drill in the morning, andafter that, except when you are officer of the day, you can spendyour time as you like. The colonel and two of his officers attendat the king's levees, when he is in Paris, but, as he spends thegreater portion of his time at Versailles, we are seldom calledupon for that duty. "

A few days after Desmond's arrival, the colonel took him with himto Saint Germain, where James the 3rd, as his supporters calledhim, held a miniature court. The colonel presented Desmond as aloyal subject of His Majesty, and a newly-joined cornet in hisregiment. 

The young prince was a lad of eighteen. He was surrounded by agroup of courtiers, who had accompanied or followed his fatherinto exile, and whose insistence upon treating him with therespect due to a monarch was in no slight degree galling to him, for, as he often declared to the few friends he had about his ownage, he had all the disadvantages of being a king, without any ofthe advantages. 

He was at once taken with the appearance of Desmond Kennedy. 

"Ah, Monsieur Kennedy, " he said, after the ceremony ofpresentation had been completed; "I wish that I had all myfaithful subjects, of the Irish Brigade, across the water with me;and that I could put on a uniform like yours, and fight at theirhead for my rights. "

"I would that you had, Sire. It would be a good day for us all;and believe me, that either in Ireland or Scotland you would soonfind yourself at the head of an army, many times more numerousthan our brigade. "

"They all tell me that I must wait, " the young prince said, with asigh, "but I have been waiting a long time now, and it seems nonearer than when I was a child. However, the King of France haspromised me that it cannot be much longer; and that, whenMarlborough is defeated, and his army driven back across the sea, he will send a fleet and an army to place me on my throne. "

"We shall all rejoice, indeed, when that time comes, Sire; and Iam sure there is not a man in the Irish Brigade who will notfollow you to the death, and serve you as faithfully as many ofthem did your royal father. "

"I hope you will come here often, Monsieur Kennedy. I am sure thatI shall like you very much, and I think that you would always saywhat you thought, and tell me the real truth about things. "

"Sire!" one of the older men exclaimed, reproachfully. 

"I mean no reflection on anyone, Dillon. You all say what I amsure you feel, but you have grown accustomed to waiting, and allthink of what is politic, and complain that I speak too frankly. Monsieur Kennedy comes straight from Ireland, and he is not oldenough, yet, to have learned to measure his words, and will not bealways afraid that anything he may say will be carried to theking. 

"How I wish that the king would send me with Marshal Tallard!"

"That would never do, Sire. The English are your subjects, andthey would never forgive you, if you were to appear in the fieldwith a French army, fighting against them. "

"But the Irish Brigade fight, Dillon?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, but they are in the service of France, and, bythe terms of the treaty of Limerick, were allowed to expatriatethemselves, and to enter the French service. We have, in fact, renounced our nationality, with the consent of the English, and, if taken prisoners, could only be treated as captured foes, andnot as traitors. Of course, when Your Majesty ascends the throne, we shall again become British subjects. "

"I trust that that may come soon, Dillon, and for your sake, rather than my own. When the time comes, you will not find mebackward, but this weary waiting tries me sorely, and, were it notfor those who have remained faithful to our cause, I would gladlyresign such chances as I have of succeeding to the throne ofEngland, and take a commission in the Irish Brigade. "

Dillon and some of the elder men shook their heads. 

"Can you wonder?" the young prince said, passionately. "Here isMaster Kennedy, who is younger than myself, though a free life andexercise have made him a man, in comparison to me. He has his lifebefore him. He will bear his part in many a pitched battle, and, doubtless, in many a private adventure. He is his own master, and, as long as he does his duty, there are none to say, 'you must notdo that; you must not say that; you must preserve your dignity;you must speak softly and discreetly; you must wait patiently. '

"I envy you, Master Kennedy. I envy you, from the bottom of myheart! Come often to see me. You will always be welcome;" and, turning abruptly away, he left the chamber hurriedly, to concealthe tears which filled his eyes. 

His counsellors shook their heads solemnly, but Colonel O'Briensaid, warmly:

"What the king says is natural, for a man of his age; and, for mypart, it has increased my respect for him. I say it withoutoffence, but what could be duller than the life this lad leadshere? He has been brought up, literally, without a pleasure. Hislate Majesty, heaven rest his soul! was absorbed in his religiousexercises, and nothing could have been more trying, to a boy, thana court in which the priests and confessors were practicallysupreme. Since his father's death, things have been but littlebetter, and now I see that, at heart, the young king has plenty ofspirit and energy, I can feel that his life has been that of acaged hawk, and I am not surprised that he occasionally breaks outinto revolt against it. It would, methinks, do him a world ofgood, had he a few companions about his own age, like EnsignKennedy. I would even say that, although I can quite understandthat, as King of England, he could not well take a commission inone of our regiments, he might at least be placed with one of ourmost experienced and honoured colonels, in order to learn militaryexercises, and to mix with the officers as any other noblemanmight do, when attached to the regiment. "

Murmurs of dissent arose among the counsellors. 

"Well, gentlemen, " the colonel went on, "I have no desire tointerfere with your functions, but, in my opinion, it is good thata king should also be a general. Did anyone think any the worse ofDutch William, that he was able to command his army, personally?None of us can believe that King James will ever succeed to theinheritance of his fathers, without fighting; and it would bewell, indeed, that he should not appear as a puppet, but as onequalified to command. It was the fault, or rather the misfortune, of his father, that he was unfit to lead his troops in the field. Had he been able to do so, he would, in all probability, have diedKing of England, instead of as a fugitive and a pensioner of KingLouis. In one way, it grieves me to see that the young king feelshis position acutely; but, on the other hand, I am rejoiced to seethat he is in no way lacking in spirit, and that he longs to beout of his cage, and to try his wings for himself. 

"Well, gentlemen, having had my say, I will take my leave of you, as duty calls me back to my regiment. I trust that the franknesswith which I have spoken will not be misunderstood. "

So saying, with a bow to the courtiers he left the room, followedby Kennedy. 

"They mean well, " he said, after they had mounted, and ridden offat a gallop; "but it is a pity that these gentlemen, all loyal andhonourable men as they are, should surround the young king. Theysuited, well enough, to the mood of his father, who was alwayswanting in spirit, and was broken down, not only by the loss ofhis kingdom, but by the conduct of his daughters; and, what withthat, and his devotion to religion, he was rather a monk than amonarch. He believed--but most mistakenly--that he had a geniusfor politics, and was constantly intriguing with his adherents athome, notably Marlborough and other lords, from whom he obtainedfair words and promises of support, but nothing else. But thoughhe could plan, he did not possess a spark of energy, and was oneof the most undecided of men, though, like most undecided men, hecould be extremely obstinate; and, unfortunately, the more wronghe was, the more obstinately he held to his course. 

"However, all this can make no difference in our devotion to theStuart cause. But I hail, with satisfaction, the prospect that, inhis son, we may have one to whom we may feel personally loyal; forthere can be no doubt that men will fight with more vigour, for aperson to whom they are attached, than for an abstract idea. "

"I have heard Father O'Leary say the same, sir. His opinion wasthat, had the late king possessed the qualities that commanded thepersonal admiration and fidelity of his followers, and excitedsomething like enthusiasm among the people at large, he wouldnever have lost his throne; nor, could he have led his armies, asdid Gustavus or Charles the 12th of Sweden, would William ofOrange ever have ventured to cross to England. "

"It was a bad business, altogether, lad. His cause was practicallylost, from the day that William set foot upon English soil. Hehad, in reality, no personal friends; and those who would haveremained faithful to the cause, were paralysed by his indecisionand feebleness. Charles the Martyr made many mistakes, but he hadthe passionate adherence of his followers. His personality, andhis noble appearance, did as much for him as the goodness of hiscause; while his son, James, repelled rather than attractedpersonal devotion. I trust that his grandson will inherit some ofhis qualities. His outburst, today, gave me hope that he will doso; but one must not build too much on that. It may have been onlythe pettishness of a young man, sick of the constant tutelage towhich he is subjected, and the ennui of the life he leads, ratherthan the earnestness of a noble spirit. 

"Of course, Kennedy, I need not tell you that it would be well tomake no mention, to anyone, of the scene that you have witnessed. "

"I shall certainly make no mention of it to anyone, sir. I amsorry, indeed, for the young king. His life must be a dreadfulone, conscious of the impossibility of breaking the bonds in whichhe is held, and knowing that his every word and action will bereported, by spies, to the King of France. "

For three months, Desmond Kennedy worked hard at drill and swordexercise. He became a general favourite in the regiment, owing tohis good temper, high spirits, and readiness to join in everythingthat was going on. 

He went over, several times, to Saint Germain. At first, theking's counsellors looked but coldly upon him, and he would haveceased to come there, had it not been for the unaffected pleasureshown by the king at his visits. In time, however, two of theprincipal men at the little court requested him to have aconversation with them, before going into the king's chamber. 

"You will understand, Mr. Kennedy, " one of them said, when theyhad seated themselves in a quiet spot in the garden; "that we, standing in the position of His Majesty's counsellors, are in aposition of great responsibility. His Majesty, as we admit is butnatural, chafes over the inaction to which he is condemned bycircumstances; and is apt, at times, to express his desire foraction in terms which, if they came to the ears of King Louis, aswe have every reason to believe is sometimes the case, would dohim and the cause serious injury. Naturally, we should be glad forhim to have companions of his own age, but it behoves us to bemost careful that such companionship should not add to ourdifficulties in this direction; and we should view withsatisfaction a friendship between the young king and one who, likeyourself, is nearly of his own age and, as we can see, full ofspirit and energy. In these matters the king is deficient; but itwould be better that he should, for the present, remain as he is, rather than that he should, in acquiring more manly habits, growstill more impatient and discontented with his position. 

"We have naturally taken some little trouble in finding out howyou stand in your regiment, and we hear nothing but good of you. You are much liked by your comrades, pay the greatest attention toyour military exercises, and are regarded as one who will, someday, do much credit to the regiment; and we feel that, in mostrespects, your influence could not but be advantageous to theyoung king; but the good that this might do him would be more thanbalanced, were you to render him still more impatient than he isfor action. You may well suppose that we, exiles as we have beenfor so many years from our country, are not less impatient than hefor the day of action; but we know that such action must dependupon the King of France, and not upon ourselves. We would gladlyrisk all, in an effort to place him on the throne of England, torepair past injustices and cruel wrongs; but, were we to movewithout the assistance of Louis, instead of achieving that objectwe might only bring fresh ruin, confiscations, and death upon theroyalists of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Are you of ouropinion?"

"Completely so, sir. Of course, I know but little of what ispassing, save in the neighbourhood where I have been brought up;but I know that there, even among the king's most devotedadherents, there is a feeling that nothing can possibly be doneuntil France lends her aid, in earnest. The English army is farstronger than it was when we were last in arms, and when Williamhad to rely, almost entirely, upon his Dutch troops and Dutchgenerals; while the friends of the Stuarts are almost withoutarms, without leaders, and without organization. "

"That is good, Mr. Kennedy; and, if we were to sanction KingJames's forming an intimacy with you, can I understand that wecould rely upon your not using your influence to add to hisimpatience for action, and discontent with his present position?"

"Certainly, sir. Being so recently from Ireland, I could assurehim that even his most devoted adherents, there, are of opinionthat no rising could be attended with success, unless backed byFrench arms, and especially by the aid of the Irish Brigade, whichhas already won such renown for itself, and whose appearance wouldexcite the greatest enthusiasm among all Irishmen. "

"In that case, Mr. Kennedy, so far from throwing any difficultiesin the way of His Majesty seeking your companionship, we shallencourage him, and shall be glad to see you here, as often as yourmilitary duties will permit. "

Chapter 2: A Valiant Band. 

The permission was not attended with the result that the youngprince's counsellors had hoped. For a time, James showed a livelypleasure when Desmond rode over to Saint Germain, walked with himin the gardens, and talked to him alone in his private apartments, and professed a warm friendship for him; but Desmond was not longin discovering that his first estimate of the prince's characterhad been wholly erroneous, and that his outburst at their firstmeeting had been the result of pique and irritation, rather thanany real desire to lead a more active life. Upon the contrary, hewas constitutionally indolent and lethargic. There were horses athis command, but it was seldom, indeed, that he would take thetrouble to cross the saddle, although walking was distasteful tohim. Even when speaking of his hopes of ascending the throne ofEngland, he spoke without enthusiasm, and said one day:

"It is a pity that it cannot be managed without fuss and trouble. I hate trouble. "

"Nothing can be done worth doing, without trouble, Your Majesty, "Desmond said sturdily. "It almost seems to me that, if everythingcould be had without trouble, it would not be worth having. "

"How do you mean, Mr. Kennedy?"

"I may illustrate it by saying, Sire, that no true fisherman wouldcare about angling in a pond, close to his house, and so full offish, that he had but to drop a baited hook into the water tobring up one immediately. The pleasure of fishing consists largelyin the hard work that it demands. It is, perhaps, miles to astream across the hills, and a long day's work may produce but ahalf dozen fish; but these the angler prizes in proportion to thetrouble he has had to get them. I think that, were I born heir toa throne, I would rather that it should cost me hardship, toil, and danger to obtain it, than walk into a cathedral, a few daysafter my father's death, and there be crowned. "

"I do not agree with you, at all, " James said, shortly. "Ifanything could not be had without toil, hardship, and danger, asyou say, I would willingly go without it. "

"Then, Sire, I can only hope that the toil and danger may be borneby your devoted followers, and that you may be spared them, personally. "

James looked sharply up at his companion, to gather whether thewords were spoken sarcastically, but Desmond's face, thoughflushed, was calm and serious. Nevertheless, indolent as he was, James felt that the words were a reproof; that, although he had atfirst liked him, there was in reality little in common between himand this energetic young fellow; and the next time he came, hereceived him with much less cordiality than before; while Desmond, who was beginning to tire of the companionship of one who lacked, alike, the fun and humour, and the restless activity of hiscomrades, Patrick and Phelim; and who saw that the professions ofJames's friendship were but short lived, came over to SaintGermain less frequently, until, at last, he only rode over withhis colonel, or when some duty called him there. 

"So you have been a failure, Master Kennedy, " the counsellor whohad first spoken to him said, one day, when the change in theking's manner became evident to them all. 

"I am afraid so, sir, " Desmond replied with a smile. "I have nodoubt that it was my fault. Perhaps I was not patient enough withhim; but, indeed, my efforts to rouse him to take exercise, topractise in arms, and so on, were so ill received, that I felt Iwas doing more harm than good. "

"I was afraid that it would be so, " the other said, regretfully. "You see, during his later years, his father gave up his timealmost entirely to religious observances; and, consequently, thelad's life was very dull and monotonous. Constitutionally, heundoubtedly takes after his father, who, with all his virtues, wasat once indolent and undecided. We have observed, with regret, hisdisinclination to bestir himself in any way. Seeing that we, whowere his father's companions, are too old, or too much disheartened, to be lively companions for him, we had hoped that the talk of oneof spirit, and of his own age, might have roused him to make someexertions to overcome his disinclination for anything like activeexercise. I think now, however, that we were wrong; that the tonicwas too strong; that he could not but feel that your abundance ofspirits, and life, were too much for him; and that the companion heneeds is one who could, to some extent, sympathize with him, andwho could, perhaps, make more allowance for the manner in which hehas been brought up. 

"We do not blame you at all. I am sure that you have done yourbest. But it is evident that the contrast between you and himselfhas been too strong a one; and that, feeling he cannot hope toemulate your soldierly activity, he has come to resent it, as asort of reflection upon himself. "

Desmond was, by no means, sorry at being relieved of the necessityof paying frequent visits to Saint Germain. In the first place, hebegrudged the time that was taken from his fencing lessons, atwhich he had worked enthusiastically; and in the next, he hadfelt, after two or three visits, that between himself and theyoung king there was really nothing in common. Full of life andspirits himself, it seemed to him nothing short of disgracefulthat one, who aspired to rule, should take no pains whatever tofit himself for a throne, or to cultivate qualities that wouldrender himself popular among a high-spirited people. And, as hecame to understand James more thoroughly, he had found his visitsincreasingly irksome, all the more so, as he felt their inutility. 

"Thank goodness, " he said, to his two friends, when he went homethat day, "I have done with Saint Germain. I am as warm anadherent as ever of the cause of the Stuarts, and should beperfectly ready, when the time comes, to fight my hardest forthem; but I would vastly rather fight for the king, than conversewith him. "

"I suppose, by what I have seen of him, that he must be somewhatwearisome, " Phelim O'Sullivan said, with a laugh. "Fortunately, wit and gaiety are not essential qualities on the part of amonarch; but I must own that, treasonable as it may sound, I fearHis Majesty is lacking in other qualities, far more essential in amonarch. I should say that he is kindly and well disposed, hewishes to be fair and just, and may turn out a wise ruler; but heis altogether deficient in energy. I suppose there is no occasionfor a king, safely seated upon a throne, to be energetic; but aprince in exile should possess the qualities that exciteenthusiasm, and bind men to him. Possibly, the qualities KingJames possesses would be highly valued by the Scotch, but theywould certainly fail to inspire our people. "

"Yes, " Patrick O'Neil agreed. "His father did more to ruin hiscause, in Ireland, than all William's Dutch generals and troops, together. It was disheartening to be risking life and possessionsfor a man who would do nothing for himself, whose indecisionparalysed our leaders, and who, the moment a reverse came, soughtsafety in flight, instead of taking his place among the men whowere devoted to his cause. I can understand that, in England, where the majority of those who professed to be devoted to himwere betraying him, and were in secret communication with William, he should be by turns obstinate and vacillating; but in Ireland, where every man who surrounded him was risking his life in hiscause, he should have shown absolute confidence in them, listenedto their advice, set an example of personal gallantry and courage, and, at least, remained among them until all was definitely lost. It was the desertion of James, rather than the loss of the battleof the Boyne, that ruined his cause. 

"Well, I am glad you are out of it, for it was a pity that youshould be going without your work at the salle d'armes, when youwere making such progress that, the master reported, in a fewmonths you would become one of the best swordsmen in theregiment. "

There were, in Paris, many Irish officers besides those belongingto Colonel O'Brien's regiment. These were, for the most part, menwho had been severely wounded in the preceding campaign, and whonow remained in the capital with the depots of their regiments. These were constantly recruited by fresh arrivals from Ireland, bywhich means the Irish Brigade was not only kept up to theiroriginal strength, in spite of the heavy losses they suffered, inthe engagements in which they had taken part, but largelyincreased its force, new regiments being constantly formed. Naturally, O'Brien's corps, being the only complete regiment inParis, at the time, was regarded as the headquarters and generalmeeting place of all the Irish officers there; and, as some ofthese had campaigned in Flanders, in Italy, and in Spain, Desmondlearned, from their talk and anecdotes, far more of the doings ofthe Brigade than he had hitherto known. From the first they had, by their reckless bravery, in almost every engagement that hadtaken place, so distinguished themselves that they received thehighest commendation from the French generals, and were almostinvariably selected for specially dangerous service. 

"I think the hottest affair I was ever engaged in, " a major, whohad served in Burke's regiment, said one evening, when some ten ortwelve of his companions had gathered, at the room which was thegeneral meeting place of the officers of the corps, "was at theattack on Cremona by Eugene. You have all heard how our regiment, and that of Dillon, distinguished themselves there, but you maynot have heard particulars. The place was a strong one, and it wasgarrisoned by some 4000 men--all French, with the exception of ourtwo regiments. Marshal Villeroy was himself in command; anexcellent officer, but, as is often the case in the French army, very badly served by his subordinates. 

"Here, as you know, almost everything goes by influence; and thegenerals are surrounded by men who have been forced upon them bypowerful persons, whom they cannot afford to disoblige. Theconsequence was that, relying upon the strength of the place, noproper watch was set. There were guards, indeed, at the gates, butwith no communication with each other; no soldiers on theramparts; no patrols were sent out beyond the town, or maintainedin the streets. 

"No harm might have come of this, had it not been that treacherywas at work. There was a scoundrel, who was brother of the priestof one of the parishes near the wall, and both were in favour ofthe enemy. The priest's residence was near a sewer, whichcommunicated with the moat outside the walls. The entrance wasclosed by an iron grating. Were this removed, troops could enter, by the sewer, into the priest's wine cellar. 

"The priest, being promised a large sum of money, set to work. First, he laid a complaint before the governor that the sewer waschoked with filth, which might be a source of disease to the townunless removed; and to do this, it was necessary that the gratingshould be taken down. Being altogether unsuspicious of evil, thegovernor granted his request. 

"As soon as the grating was removed, Eugene despatched eightminers, who crossed the moat at night, made their way up thesewer, and opened a communication between it and the priest'shouse. When all was ready, four or five hundred picked grenadiersentered, and were concealed in the house of the priest, and otheradherents of the emperor. 

"Eugene set two strong bodies of picked troops in motion. The onewas to enter by the Saint Margaret gate, which would be seized bythe force already in the city. This column consisted of fivethousand men. The second force, of two thousand infantry and threethousand cavalry, under the Prince de Vaudemont, was to cross theriver by a bridge of boats. 

"We slept like stupid dogs. Such watchmen as there were on thewalls gave no alarm. The gate of All Saints was seized, its guardbeing instantly overpowered, and a party of engineers broke downthe gate of Saint Margaret, which had been walled up; and atdaylight Eugene rode into the town, followed by his troops and onethousand cavalry; while another mounted force watched the gate, and the country round, to prevent the escape of fugitives. 

"Before any alarm was given, Eugene had established himself at theHotel de Ville, was master of the great street that separated halfthe garrison from the other half, had taken possession of thecathedral; and, in fact, the place was captured without a shotbeing fired. 

"Then the uproar began. Parties of troops, led by natives of thetown, seized a large number of officers at their lodgings; and asthe alarm spread, the troops seized their muskets and rushed out, only to be sabred and trodden down by the enemy's cavalry. I wasasleep, and dreaming, when my servant rushed into my room, andsaid:

"'The Germans are in possession of the town, Captain. '

"'You are a blathering idiot, ' I said. 

"'It's true, your honour. Get up and listen. '

"Very unwillingly, I got out of bed and opened the window, and, bythe holy poker, I found that Pat was right. There was a sound offiring, shouting, and screaming, and I heard the gallop of a heavybody of horsemen, and, directly afterwards, a squadron of Germancuirassiers came galloping down the street. 

"'It is time for us to be out of this, Pat, ' I said, and jumpedinto my clothes, quicker than I had ever done before. 

"We went downstairs, and I borrowed two overcoats that we foundhanging there, and put them on over our uniforms. Then we wentout, by the back door, and ran as hard as we could, keepingthrough narrow lanes, to the barracks. 

"On my way, I had to pass a barrier near a toll gate. Here therewere thirty-six of our men under a sergeant. Not knowing where theenemy were, or whether they were between me and the barracks, Ithought it best to stay there, and of course took the command. Just as I had done so, I heard the tramping of cavalry, and hadthe gate shut. We were just in time, for two hundred and fiftycuirassiers came galloping along. 

"Their leader, Baron de Mercy, as soon as the troops began toenter Saint Margaret's gate, was ordered to dash round and capturethe Po gate, through which Vaudemont's corps would, after crossingthe bridge, enter the town. He shouted to me to surrender, promising us our lives. I told him that if he wanted the place, hewould have to come and take it. He used language which I need notrepeat, but he did not attack us, waiting for the arrival of fourhundred infantry, who had been ordered to follow him. They weresome time in coming up, having lost their way, owing to therascally native who was their guide being killed by a shot from awindow. 

"I was not sorry for the delay, for it gave us time to look atmatters quietly, and prepare for defence. Another six hundredcavalry now came up, and Mercy placed them so as to cut off, altogether, the French cavalry, who were quartered away to theright; then he ordered the infantry to attack us. 

"Our position was a good one. The barricade was formed of squarepiles, driven into the ground with small narrow openings betweenthem. I ordered the men to keep behind the timbers until the enemycame up. The Germans opened a murdering fire as they approached, but, though the bullets pattered like rain against the palisades, and whistled in between them, not a man was touched. I waited tillthey were within two paces, and then gave the word, and you maywell guess that there was not a bullet thrown away, and theGermans, mightily astonished, drew back, leaving nigh forty oftheir men behind them. Then, falling back a bit, they opened fireupon us, but it was a game that two could play at. We could seethem, but they could not see us; and while we loaded our musketsin shelter, they were exposed, and we picked them off by dozens. 

"The firing had, of course, given the alarm to our two regiments, who turned out just as they were, in their nightshirts. MajorO'Mahony, who was in command of Dillon's regiment, as Lally wasaway on leave, luckily made his way in safety from his lodgings tothe barracks, got his own men in order, while Colonel Wauchop, whocommanded our regiment, took the command of the two battalions. Fortunately, a portion of the regiment had been ordered to fall inearly for inspection, and this gave time for the rest to get intotheir uniforms; and, as soon as they were ready, Wauchop led themout and fell suddenly upon a portion of Mercy's force, poured in avolley, and then charged them. 

"Horse and foot fell back before the attack. Then they turned thecannon on the ramparts, and thus secured possession of the Pogate, and, pushing on, the guns helping them, drove the Austriansfrom the houses they occupied, and so opened communications withthe French cavalry. 

"A brigadier now came up, and ordered the battalions to barricadeall the streets they had won, with barrels and carts. A Frenchregiment arrived, and occupied the church of Saint Salvador, andthe battery which commanded the bridge, across which Vaudemont'scorps could now be seen approaching. The redoubt on the other sideof the bridge was only held by fifty men, and they were nowstrengthened by a hundred of the French soldiers. The Austriansapproached, making sure that the town had already been taken, andlooking out for a signal that was to be hoisted. Their astonishmentwas great, when a heavy musketry fire was opened upon them by thegarrison of the outpost, while the guns of the battery on the wallplunged their shot in among them. 

"The column was at once halted. Eugene had regarded the struggleas over, when news was brought to him of the defeat of Mercy'scorps by the Irish. Everywhere else things had gone mostfavourably. Marshal Villeroy had been wounded and made prisoner. His marechal de camp shared the same fate. The ChevalierD'Entregues, who advanced to meet the enemy, was defeated andkilled, as was Lieutenant General de Trenan, and the SpanishGovernor of the town mortally wounded. 

"On receiving the news, Eugene at once sent an officer to inspectthe Irish position; but his report was that they were too wellplaced to be driven from it. He then sent Captain MacDonnell, anofficer in his service, to offer, if the Irish would leave theirposition, to enrol them in the Austrian service, with higher paythan they now received. You may guess the sort of answer hereceived, and he was at once arrested for bringing such a messageto them. Eugene then endeavoured to engage Marshal Villeroy toorder the Irish to lay down their arms, as further resistancewould only end in their slaughter. Villeroy simply replied that, as a prisoner, he could no longer give orders. 

"During this pause, the Count de Revel and the Marquis de Queslinsucceeded in gathering together a considerable number of thescattered French infantry, and with these they marched toendeavour to recover the gates that had been lost, and, havingoccupied the church of Santa Maria, and a bastion near the gate ofAll Saints, ordered the Irish to leave a hundred men at thebarricades, and with the rest to push forward to the gate ofMantua. So I found myself in command of a full company. 

"O'Mahony was now in command of the two regiments, as Wauchop hadbeen wounded. It was pretty hard work they had of it, and theysuffered heavily in carrying the guardhouse, held by two hundredAustrians. Eugene now launched a great force against our people, and attacked them on all sides; but O'Mahony faced them each way, and received the charge of the cuirassiers with so heavy a firethat they fled in disorder. Another corps of cuirassiers came up, and these charged with such fury that their leader, Monsieur deFreiberg, pushed his way into the middle of Dillon's regiment, where he was surrounded, and, refusing quarter, was killed; andhis men, disheartened by the fall of their leader, fled, carryingwith them the infantry who were ranged in their rear. 

"But our men were now exhausted by their exertions, and sufferedheavily; and O'Mahony, seeing that he was likely to be attacked byfresh troops, and that my post guarding the approach of the Pogate would then be left altogether unsupported, returned to it. Iwas glad enough when I saw them coming, for it was mighty tryingwork being left there, and hearing the storm of battle going onall round, and knowing that at any moment we might be attacked. 

"They did not stop long, for orders came from Revel, who hadcaptured the gate of All Saints, and was preparing to attack SaintMargaret's, to march again to the gate of Mantua. It seemed ahopeless enterprise. Captain Dillon, of Dillon's regiment, marchedout and, after hard fighting, drove the Austrians from house tohouse; but, on reaching a spot where the ground was open, he wasattacked on all sides, and for a time the enemy and our men weremixed up together in a melee. 

"I could hear by the sound of the firing that our men werereturning, and posted my fellows so as to cover their retreat; andas they came back, hotly pressed by the enemy, we opened so warm afire that they passed in through the gate of the barrier insafety, but only half as strong as they had gone out. 

"As soon as they were in, they aided us in strengthening theposition. Seeing that Vaudemont's corps was on the point ofattacking the redoubt, the Marquis de Queslin sent orders to thelittle garrison there to withdraw across the bridge, and destroythe boats. This they effected, in spite of the heavy fire kept upby the enemy. 

"In the meantime, fighting had been going on all over the town. The gate of Mantua had been held by Captain Lynch, of Dillon'sbattalion, and thirty-five men. As soon as he heard the din ofbattle in the town, he collected a few fugitives, entrenched hisposition at the guardhouse, and maintained it for the whole day;not only that, but, finding that his position was commanded by aparty of Austrians, who had taken post in the church of SaintMarie, close by, he sallied out, drove them from the church, andmaintained possession of that as well; until, late in theafternoon, he was reinforced by two companies of our regiment, whomade their way this time without opposition. 

"The enemy fell back, but not unmolested, as, sallying out, wepressed hotly upon them. There now remained only the gate of SaintMargaret in the hands of the Austrians. Here a large body oftroops had been stationed, and succeeded in repulsing the repeatedattacks made upon them by Revel's force. 

"The fight had now lasted for eleven hours, and the position ofthe Austrians had become critical. The desperate resistance of ourmen had entirely changed the position. They had repulsed everyattack upon them, had given time for the scattered French togather, and the one gate remaining in Eugene's possession wasseriously threatened. Vaudemont's corps was helpless on the otherside of the river, and could render no assistance, and Eugene gavethe order for his troops to retire, which they did in good order. 

"It had been a hot day, indeed, for us, and we were only too gladto see them go. We had lost three hundred and fifty men, out ofthe six hundred with which we began the fight; altogether, thegarrison had lost, in killed, wounded, and in prisoners, fourteenhundred men and officers, while Eugene's loss was between fifteenand sixteen hundred. 

"Personally, I have had hotter fighting, but taking the dayaltogether, it was the most terrible through which I have everpassed. Throughout the day we were in total ignorance of what wasgoing on elsewhere, though we knew, by the firing in other partsof the town, that the French there had not been overpowered, and, each time the regiments left us, I was expecting every moment tobe attacked by an overwhelming force. Faith, it was enough to makeone's hair white! However, I have no reason to grumble. I obtainedgreat praise for the defence of the barrier, and was given mymajority; and, if it had not been for the wound I received, twoyears ago, which incapacitated me from active service, I might nowbe in command of the regiment. "

"Yes, indeed, " another officer said. "It was truly a gallantaffair; and, although our men had fought equally as well in manyanother engagement, it was their conduct at Cremona that attractedthe greatest attention, and showed the French the value of theBrigade. I would we had always been employed in actions on whichwe could look back, with the same pride and pleasure, as we canupon Cremona and a long list of battles where we bore the brunt ofthe fighting; and never failed to be specially mentioned withpraise by the general. 

"The most unpleasant work that I ever did was when under Marshalde Catinat. Eight Irish battalions were sent up, in 1694, fromPignerolle into the valley of La Perouse, to oppose the Vaudois, who had always offered a vigorous resistance to the passage of ourtroops through their passes. They were wild mountaineers, andHuguenots to a man, who had, I believe, generations ago beenforced to fly from France and take refuge in the mountains, andmaintained themselves sturdily against various expeditions sentagainst them. 

"I own the business was not at all to my taste, and many others ofour officers shared my opinions. It was too much like what weremembered so bitterly at home, when William's troopers pursuedour fugitives to the hills, burning, destroying, and killing, and, above all, hunting down the priests. This was the other way, butwas as cruel and barbarous. The poor people had given no offence, save that they held to their own religion. An Irishman should bethe last to blame another for that, and, seeing they hadsuccessfully opposed the efforts of the French to root them out, it was much against my will that I marched with my regiment. Ihope that, when it comes to fighting against regular troops, ofwhatever nationality, I am ready to do my work; but to carry fireand sword among a quiet people, in little mountain villages, wentagainst the grain. 

"It seemed to us that it was to be a massacre rather thanfighting, but there we were mistaken. It was the hardest work thatI ever went through. It was impossible in such a country to movein large bodies, and we were broken up into small parties, whichadvanced into the hills, each under its own commander, without anyfixed plans save to destroy every habitation, to capture or killthe flocks of goats, which afforded the inhabitants their chiefmeans of subsistence, and to give no quarter wherever theyresisted. 

"Even now, I shudder at the thought of the work we had to do;climbing over pathless hills, wading waist deep through mountaintorrents, clambering along on the face of precipices where a falsestep meant death, and always exposed to a dropping fire frominvisible foes, who, when we arrived at the spot from which theyhad fired, had vanished and taken up a fresh position, so that thewhole work had to be done over again. Sometimes we were two oreven more days without food, for, as you may imagine, it wasimpossible to transport provisions, and we had nothing save whatwe carried in our haversacks at starting. We had to sleep on thesoaked ground, in pitiless storms. Many men were carried away anddrowned in crossing the swollen torrents. Our clothes were neverdry. And the worst of it was, after six weeks of such work, wefelt that we were no nearer to the object for which we had beensent up than we were when we started. 

"It was true that we had destroyed many of their little villages, but as these generally consisted of but a few houses, only roughbuildings that could be rebuilt in a few days, the gain was not asubstantial one. We had, of course, killed some of the Vaudois, but our loss had been much heavier than theirs, for, active as ourmen were, they were no match in speed for these mountaineers, whowere as nimble as their own goats, knew everything of the country, and could appear or disappear, as it seemed to us, almost bymagic. It was a wretched business, and once or twice, when ourparties were caught in the narrow ravines, they were overwhelmedby rocks thrown down from above; so that, on the whole, we lostalmost as many men as we should have done in a pitched battle, gaining no credit, nor having the satisfaction that we were doinggood service to France. 

"I hope I may never be employed in a business like that again. Itwas not only the Vaudois that we had to fight, for, seeing that atfirst we were pushing forward steadily, the Duke of Savoy, underwhose protection they lived, sent six hundred regular troops toassist them, and these, who were well commanded, adopted the sametactics as the peasants, avoiding all our attempts to bring on anengagement, and never fighting except when they had us to greatadvantage. 

"As a rule, our men were always dissatisfied when they receivedorders to fall back, but I think that there was not a man among usbut was heartily glad, when we were recalled to rejoin Catinat atPignerolle. "

The expedition, however, although altogether unsuccessful inrooting out the Vaudois, created such terrible devastation in themountains and valleys that the Irish name and nation will longremain odious to the Vaudois. Six generations have since passedaway, but neither time nor subsequent calamities have obliteratedthe impression made by the waste and desolation of this militaryincursion. 

"You were at Blenheim, were you not, Captain O'Donovan?"

"Yes. A tough fight it was, and a mismanaged one. I was in theEarl of Clare's regiment, which, with Lee and Dorrington'sbattalions, was stationed with the force in Oberglau in the centreof our position. It seemed to us, and to our generals, that ourposition was almost impregnable. It lay along a ridge, at the footof which was a rivulet and deep swampy ground. On the right of theposition was the village of Blenheim, held by twenty-sevenbattalions of good French infantry, twelve squadrons, andtwenty-four pieces of cannon. Strong entrenchments had been thrownup round our position, but these were not altogether completed. Blenheim, moreover, had been surrounded by very heavy and strongpalisades, altogether impassable by infantry, and, as the alliescould not hope to get cannon across the stream and swamps, itseemed to defy any attack. From Oberglau the army of Marshal deMarcin and the Elector stretched to the village of Lutzingen. Wehad some five-and-twenty cannon at Oberglau. 

"The weak point, as it afterwards turned out to be, was the crestbetween us and Blenheim. Considering that both the artillery andmusketry fire from both villages swept the slope, and as innumbers we equalled the enemy, it was thought well-nigh impossiblefor him to cross the swamps and advance to the attack; and almostthe whole of the French cavalry were massed on the crest, in orderto charge them, should they succeed in crossing and try to ascendthe slope. 

"At first the battle went altogether favourably. We had oppositeto us the English, Dutch, Hanoverians, and Danish troops underMarlborough, while facing our left were Prussians, Imperialists, and other German troops under Eugene. Marlborough's Danish andHanoverian cavalry first crossed, but were at once charged anddriven back. Then they tried again, supported by English infantry. Then Marlborough led up a still stronger force, drove back ourlight cavalry, and began to ascend the hill. We were attacked byten battalions--Hanoverians, Danes, and Prussians, while theEnglish bore against Blenheim. The fighting at both places wasdesperate, and I must do the Germans the justice to say thatnothing could have exceeded the gallantry they showed, and that, in spite of the heavy fire we maintained, they pressed up theslope. 

"We remained in our entrenchments, till it could be seen that theEnglish were falling back from Blenheim, whose palisade, manned bytwenty-seven battalions of infantry, offered an obstacle thatwould have defied the best troops in the world to penetrate. 

"Immediately this was seen, nine battalions, headed by our threeregiments, leapt from the trenches and poured down on the Germans. The enemy could not withstand our onslaught. Two of theirregiments were utterly destroyed, the rest suffered terribly, andwere driven back. On the left, Marcin held his ground against allthe attacks of Eugene, and it seemed to us that the battle waswon. 

"However, it was not over yet. While the fierce fighting had beengoing on in front of Oberglau and Blenheim, Marlborough had passedthe whole of his cavalry and the rest of his infantry across therivulet, and, in spite of artillery and musketry fire, these movedup in grand order, the infantry inclining towards the two villagesas before, the cavalry bearing straight up the slope, and, whenthey reached the crest, charging furiously upon our horsestationed there. They were superior in numbers, but on this headaccounts differ. At any rate, they overthrew our cavalry, who fledin the greatest disorder, pursued by the allied horse. 

"The infantry poured into the gap thus made, Blenheim was entirelyisolated, and we were exposed to assault both in front and rear. Nevertheless, we repulsed all attacks, until Marcin sent ordersfor us to retire; then we sallied out, after setting fire to thevillage, flung ourselves upon the enemy, and succeeded in cuttingour way through, our regiment forming the rear guard. The whole ofMarcin's army were now in full retreat, harassed by the alliedcavalry; but whenever their squadrons approached us, we facedabout and gave them so warm a reception that they attacked lessformidable foes. As for the garrison in Blenheim, you know theywere at last surrounded by Marlborough's whole force, withartillery; and with the Danube in their rear, and no prospect ofsuccour, they were forced to surrender. 

"It was a disastrous day, and I have not yet recovered from thewound I received there. Wad five thousand infantry been posted ina redoubt, halfway between Blenheim and Oberglau, so as to givesupport to our cavalry, the result of the battle would have beenvery different. Still, I suppose that most battles are lost bysome unlooked-for accident--some mistake in posting the troops. Wecan only say that, had the allied forces been all composed of suchtroops as those Eugene commanded, they would have been beatendecisively; and that had, on the contrary, Eugene commanded suchtroops as those under Marlborough, Marcin would never have heldhis ground. "

"How many British troops were there in the battle, CaptainO'Donovan?"

"Somewhere about twelve thousand, while the Continental troopswere forty-seven or forty-eight thousand. There is no doubt thatthey were the backbone of the force, just as we flatter ourselvesthat our three regiments were the backbone of the defence ofOberglau. "

Chapter 3: A Strange Adventure. 

When the party broke up, O'Neil and O'Sullivan, as usual, came infor a quiet chat to Desmond's room. 

"As we may be possibly ordered to Spain, " Kennedy said, "I shouldlike to know a little about what we are going to fight about; for, although I know a good deal about the war in Flanders, no newsabout that in Spain ever reached Kilkargan. "

"Well, you know, of course, " O'Neil said, "that Philip the Fifthis a grandson of Louis; and is naturally supported by Franceagainst the Archduke Charles of Austria, who is competitor for thethrone, and who is, of course, supported by England. Six thousandEnglish and Dutch troops were sent to aid the Archduke Charles inhis attempt to invade Spain and dethrone Philip. The King ofPortugal, who is a member of the allied confederacy, promised tohave everything ready to cooperate with them. They found, however, on their arrival, that no preparations had been made, and theywere accordingly distributed, for a time, among the garrisons onthe frontier. 

"Philip, on his part, had not been so inactive, and twoarmies--the one commanded by the Duke of Berwick, and the other byGeneral Villadarias--invaded Portugal. Berwick surprised andcaptured two Dutch battalions, and then captured Portalagre, andcompelled the garrison, including an English regiment of infantry, to surrender. 

"The allies, to make a diversion, sent General Das Minas intoSpain, with fifteen thousand men, who captured one or two townsand defeated a body of French and Spanish troops. The hot weathernow set in, and put a stop to hostilities, and the troops on bothsides went into quarters. The general--I forget his name--whocommanded the English and Dutch contingent, was so disgusted withthe proceedings of the Portuguese that he resigned his command, and the Earl of Galway was appointed in his place. The next yearhe crossed the frontier, captured several towns, without muchfighting, and invested Badajos. Here, however, a stern resistancewas met with. Galway's hand was carried off by a shot, and theFrench general (Tesse) coming up in force to the relief of thetown, and the Portuguese not arriving at all, the allies wereobliged to fall back upon Portugal. But Philip was threatened froma fresh quarter. 

"In June, the Earl of Peterborough sailed from Portsmouth withfive thousand men, and at Lisbon took on board the ArchdukeCharles. At Gibraltar some more troops were embarked, andPeterborough set sail for the coast of Valencia. Peterboroughhimself, one of the most daring of men, and possessed ofextraordinary military talent, was in favour of a march uponMadrid; but, fortunately for us, he was overruled, and commencedthe siege of Barcelona--a strong town garrisoned by five thousandgood troops, while he himself had but a thousand more under hiscommand. Nevertheless, by a sudden and daring attack he capturedthe strong castle of Montjuich, which commanded the town, whichwas in consequence obliged to surrender four days later, and thewhole of Catalonia was then captured. Saint Matteo, ninety milesfrom Barcelona, which had declared for Charles and was besieged bya large force, was relieved; and so brilliant were the exploitsaccomplished by Peterborough, with most inadequate means, that theSpaniards came to the conclusion that he was possessed by an evilspirit. 

"Large reinforcements were sent from France, and King Philipadvanced upon Barcelona, and invested it by land, while a Frenchfleet bombarded it by sea. Peterborough hurried, with a smallforce from Valencia, to aid the besieged, the matter being all themore important since Charles himself was in the city. Before hisarrival, however, an English fleet appeared, and our fleetretired. 

"Philip at once raised the siege, and retired to Madrid. Hisposition was indeed serious. Lord Galway was advancing from thefrontier, and Peterborough had gathered a force to cooperate withhim. Upon the approach of Galway, Philip and the Duke of Berwickretreated to the frontier. There they received great reinforcements, and advanced against Madrid, which was evacuated by Galway, whomarched away to form a junction with Lord Peterborough. 

"Owing to the dilatory habits and hesitation of the Austrianprince, the junction was not effected for some time, and then, inspite of the entreaties of the two English generals, he could notbe persuaded to make a movement towards Madrid. Peterborough, whose temper was extremely fiery, at last lost all patience, abused Charles openly, and then, mounting his horse, rode down tothe coast, embarked upon an English ship of war, and sailed awayto assist the Duke of Savoy. After his departure, the ill feelingbetween the English force, the Portuguese, and the leaders of theSpanish adherents of Charles increased, and they spent their timein quarrelling among themselves. They were without money, magazines, and almost without provisions. Berwick was near themwith a superior force, and they took the only step open, ofretreating towards Valencia, which they reached, after sufferinggreat hardships, before Berwick could overtake them. 

"French troops were poured into Spain, while no reinforcementswere sent from England. Galway and the Portuguese advanced to meetthe Duke of Berwick, who was marching with a large army to occupyCatalonia. 

"The two forces met, on the plain of Almanza, on the 24th ofApril. We and the Spaniards were superior in number to theEnglish, Dutch, and Portuguese. The battle was maintained for sixhours. The Portuguese infantry did little, but the English andDutch repulsed charge after charge, even after the Portuguese andSpanish allies on both wings were defeated. But, in the end, victory remained with us. Galway and Das Minas, the Portuguesegeneral, were both wounded, and five thousand of their men killed, and yet the Dutch and English infantry held together. 

"But on the following day, being absolutely without supplies, someeffected their escape and succeeded in reaching Portugal, whilethe main body surrendered. Valencia, Saragossa, and other townsopened their gates to us, and, for a time, the cause of theArchduke Charles seemed lost. 

"Our success was, however, balanced by the loss, in the same year, of the whole of the Spanish possessions in Italy. As yet, in spiteof the disasters that had befallen him, the cause of Charles wasnot altogether lost, for he received fresh promises of supportfrom England, whose interest it was to continue the war in Spain, and thus compel France to keep a considerable body of troopsthere, instead of employing them against Marlborough in Flanders. 

"Galway and Das Minas were taken back to Portugal, in an Englishfleet, after their disaster, and General Stanhope, who, they say, is an officer of great military experience and talent, has beensent out to take the command; and as a portion of Catalonia isstill held for Charles, there may yet be a good deal of hardfighting, before the matter can be considered finally settled. "

"Thank you, O'Neil. I feel that I know something about it, now. Are there any of our regiments there?"

"Yes, three of them. There is also an Irish regiment in theSpanish service, under Colonel Crofton;" and with this, the talkended for the night. 

After three months' work Desmond was dismissed from drill, and hadobtained such a proficiency with the rapier that he felt that hecould now relax his work, and see something of the city, which hehad been hitherto too busy to explore. He had seen the principalstreets, in the company of his comrades, had admired the mansionsof the nobles, the richness of the goods exposed to view in thewindows, and the gaiety and magnificence of the dresses of theupper class. His friends had warned him that, if he intended to gofarther, he should never do so alone, but should take with him hissoldier servant, a trooper named Mike Callaghan. 

Mike was some twenty-eight years old, strong and bony; his hairwas red, and the natural colour of his face was obscured by a hostof freckles; his eyes were blue, and his nose had an upward turn;his expression was merry and good humoured, but there was atwinkle about his eyes that seemed to show that he was by no meanswanting in shrewdness. 

"Even in the daytime, " O'Neil said, "it is not safe for a man, ifwell dressed and likely to carry money in his pocket, to go intosome quarters of the town. Paris has always been a turbulent city, and, while it is the abode of the richest and noblest ofFrenchmen, it is also the resort of the rascaldom of all France. Some streets are such that even the city guard would not ventureto search for an ill doer, unless in considerable force andprepared for battle. There are, of course, many streets, both onthis and the other side of the river, where life and property areas safe as in the Rue Royal; which, by the way, is not sayingmuch, for it was only three days ago that a man was assassinatedthere in broad daylight. He was a captain in the Picardy regiment, and it was supposed that his murderer was a man who had beendismissed from the regiment with ignominy. But, whoever it was, hehas got clear away, for your Parisian citizen takes good care notto interfere in such matters, and no one thought of laying handson the villain, although it is said he walked quietly off. 

"It is in the streets that I am speaking of that adventures maymost easily be met with. Here there are too many hotels of thenobles, with their numerous retainers, for it to be safe to commitcrime, and the city guard are generally on the alert, for, wereharm to come to one of the gentlemen attached to the great houses, the matter would be represented to the king, and the cityauthorities would come in for a sharp reproof for their failure tokeep order in the city; whereas, anything that happens among thebourgeois would pass wholly without notice. However, if you keepout of the wine shops, you are not likely to become involved introuble. Nine-tenths of the quarrels and tumults originate there. There is a dispute, perhaps, between a soldier and a citizen, orbetween soldiers of different regiments, and in a minute or twotwenty swords are drawn, and the disturbance grows, sometimes, until it is necessary to call out troops from the nearest barracksto suppress it. However, I know that you are not likely to getinto trouble that way, for you are a very model of moderation, tothe corps. "

"I have seen enough of the consequences of drink in Ireland, "Desmond said, "to cure me of any desire for liquor, even had I alove for it. Faction fights, involving the people of the wholebarony, arising from some drunken brawl, are common enough; whileamong the better class duels are common and, for the most part, are the result of some foolish quarrel between two men heated bywine. Besides, even putting that aside, I should have given up thehabit. When I joined the regiment, I was anxious to become a goodswordsman, but if one's head is overheated at night, one's handwould be unsteady and one's nerves shaken in the morning. 

"Possibly, " he added, with a smile, "it is this, quite as much asthe hotness of their temper, that prevents the best teachers fromcaring to undertake the tuition of the officers of the Brigade. "

"Possibly, " Phelim laughed, "though I never thought of it before. There is no doubt that the French, who, whatever their faults be, are far less given to exceeding a fair allowance of wine than areour countrymen, would come to their morning lessons in the saloonin a better condition to profit by the advice of the master thanmany of our men. "

"I don't think, " Patrick O'Neil said, "that we Irishmen drink fromany particular love of liquor, but from good fellowship andjoviality. One can hardly imagine a party of French noblesinflaming themselves with wine, and singing, as our fellows do. Frenchmen are gay in what I may call a feeble way--there is no goin it. There is no spirit in their songs, there is no realheartiness in their joviality, and the idea of one man playing apractical joke upon another, the latter taking it in good part, could never enter their heads, for they are ready to take offenceat the merest trifle. 

"As you know, there are certain cabarets told off for the use ofthe soldiers of the Brigade. They are allowed to use no others, and no French troops are allowed to enter these wine shops. Similarly, there are certain establishments which are almostexclusively patronized by officers of the Brigade. There is, ofcourse, no absolute rule here, and we can enter any cabaret wechoose; but it is understood that it is at our own risk, and that, if we get into trouble there, we are sure to be handled over thecoals pretty sharply, as it is considered that we must deliberatelyhave gone there with the intention of picking a quarrel. Thecabarets used by the men are all close to the barracks, so that, in case of a fracas, a guard is sent down to bring all concernedin it back to the barracks. Fortunately, there is no need for theplaces we frequent being so close to the barracks, for it isunderstood that anyone who takes too much liquor, outside his ownquarters, brings discredit on the regiment; and it is after weadjourn to the rooms of one or other of us that liquor begins toflow freely, and we make a night of it. "

"Don't you ever have quarrels among yourselves?"

"Angry words pass, sometimes, but all present interfere at once. The honour of the regiment is the first point with us all. If menwant to quarrel, there are plenty of French officers who would bequite ready to oblige them, but a quarrel among ourselves would beregarded as discreditable to the corps. Consequently, a dispute isalways stopped before it reaches a dangerous point, and if it goesfurther than usual, the parties are sent for by the colonel in themorning, both get heavily wigged, and the colonel insists upon thematter being dropped, altogether. As the blood has had time tocool, both are always ready to obey his orders, especially as theyknow that he would report them at once to the general, if thematter were carried further. "

"Well, I shall certainly not be likely to get into a quarrel overwine, " Desmond said, "nor indeed, in any other way, unless I amabsolutely forced into it. As to adventures such as you speak of, I am still less likely to be concerned in them. I hope that, whenwe are ordered on service, I shall have a full share of adventuressuch as may become a soldier. "

O'Neil smiled. "Time will show, " he said. "Adventures come withoutbeing sought, and you may find yourself in the thick of one, before you have an idea of what you are doing. But mind, if you doget into any adventure and need assistance, you are bound to letus help you. That is the compact we made, two months ago. Weagreed to stand by each other, to be good comrades, to share ourlast sous, and naturally to give mutual aid under all and everycircumstance. "

Desmond nodded. 

"At any rate, O'Neil, adventures cannot be so common as yourepresent, since neither of you, so far, has called upon me foraid or assistance. "

"Have you heard the last piece of court scandal, Kennedy?"O'Sullivan asked, as the three friends sat down to breakfasttogether, a few days later. 

"No; what is it?"

"Well, it is said that a certain damsel--her name is, at present, a secret--has disappeared. "

"There is nothing very strange about that, " O'Neil laughed. "Damsels do occasionally disappear. Sometimes they have takentheir fate into their own hands, and gone off with someone theylike better than the man their father has chosen for them;sometimes, again, they are popped into a convent for contumacy. Well, go on, O'Sullivan, that cannot be all. "

"Well, it is all that seems to be certain. You know that I wentwith the colonel, last night, to a ball at the Hotel de Rohan, andnothing else was talked about. Several there returned fromVersailles in the afternoon, and came back full of it. All sortsof versions are current. That she is a rich heiress goes withoutsaying. If she had not been, her disappearance would have excitedno attention whatever. So we may take it that she is an heiress ofnoble family. Some say that her father had chosen, as her husband, a man she disliked exceedingly, and that she has probably takenrefuge in a convent. Some think that she has been carried offbodily, by someone smitten both by her charms and her fortune. Itis certain that the king has interested himself much in thematter, and expresses the greatest indignation. Though, as itwould not seem that she is a royal ward, it is not clear why heshould concern himself over it. Some whisper that the king's angeris but feigned, and that the girl has been carried off by one ofhis favourites. "

"Why should such a thing as that be supposed?" Desmond asked, indignantly. 

"Well, there is something in support of the idea. If anyone elsewere to steal away, with or without her consent, a young lady ofthe court with influential friends, he would be likely to pass thefirst two years of his married life in one of the royal prisons;and therefore none but a desperate man, or one so secure of theking's favour as to feel certain that no evil consequences wouldbefall him, would venture upon such a step. You must remember thatthere are not a few nobles of the court who have ruined themselves, to keep up the lavish expenditure incumbent upon those who bask inthe royal favour at Versailles. It would be possible that HisMajesty may have endeavoured to obtain the hand of this young ladyfor one of his favourites, and that her father may be a noble ofsufficient consequence to hold his own, and to express to HisMajesty his regret that he was unable to adopt his recommendation, as he had other views for the disposal of her hand. 

"The real singularity of the matter is, that no one can tell withcertainty who the missing lady is. Early in the day half a dozenwere named, but as I believe all of these put in an appearance atthe reception in the afternoon, it is evident that, so far as theywere concerned, there were no foundations for the rumour. It maybe taken for certain, however, that her friends are powerfulpeople, to have been able to impose silence upon those acquaintedwith the facts. "

"Well, it is impossible to take very much interest in the story, "Desmond said carelessly, "when we are in ignorance of the veryname of the lady, and of the important point, whether she hasvoluntarily gone away either with a lover or to a convent, orwhether she has been carried off against her will. If the latter, you were talking of adventures, O'Neil, and this would be just thesort of adventure that I should like; for us three to discover themaiden, and rescue her from her abductor. "

The others both laughed loudly. 

"And this is the young officer who, the other day, declared thathe wished for no adventures save those that came in the course ofa campaign, and now he is declaring that he would like to become avery knight errant, and go about rescuing damsels in distress!"

"I have no idea of carrying it into execution, " Desmond said. "Itwas merely an expression of a wish. Of course, if the lady inquestion went willingly and to avoid persecution, I would ratherhelp than hinder her; but if she has been carried off by someruined courtier, nothing would please me better than to rescue herfrom him. "

Several days had passed, and at last it was confidently believedthat the missing lady was the daughter of Baron Pointdexter, amagnate of Languedoc, who had but recently come up to court, on anintimation from the king that it was a long time since he had beenseen there, and that His Majesty hoped that he would beaccompanied by his daughter, of whose beauty reports had reachedhim. It was certain that neither she nor her father had attendedany of the receptions or fetes at Versailles, since the rumourfirst spread, although the baron had had a private interview withthe king a few hours afterwards, and had left his chamber with afrowning brow, that showed that the interview had not been apleasant one. He had not again appeared at court, whether inconsequence of the royal command, or not, no one knew. 

The baron was one of the richest proprietors in the south ofFrance. He was a specimen of the best type of the French nobles, preferring to spend his time among his own wide estates to comingup to the capital, where his visits had at all times been rare. 

During the daytime, Desmond went out but little. When the hours ofdrill and exercise were over, he spent some time in visiting thequarters of the men of his company, making their personalacquaintance, and chatting freely with them. They were glad tohear from him about their native country; and, as some of themcame from his own neighbourhood, they took a lively interest inthe news--the first that had reached them for years--of familieswith whom they were acquainted. He spent two or three hours in theafternoons in the salle d'armes of the regiment, or at the schoolsof one or other of the maitres d'armes most in vogue, and thenpaid visits, with one or other of the officers of the regiment, togreat houses of which they had the entree. 

Of an evening he went out, accompanied by Mike Callaghan, andwandered about the less fashionable part of the town, whichpleased him better than the more crowded and busy quarters. 

One evening, he had gone farther than usual, had passed throughthe gates, and had followed the road by the banks of the river. Asan officer in uniform, he was able to re-enter the town after thegates were closed, the rules being by no means strict, as, duringthe reign of Louis the 14th, France, though engaged in frequentwars abroad, was free from domestic troubles. 

Presently, he passed a lonely house of some size, standing backfrom the road and surrounded by a high wall. As he did so, heheard a scream in a female voice, followed by angry exclamationsfrom two male voices, while loudly rose a woman's cries for help. 

"There is bad work of some sort going on in there, " he said toMike. "We had better see what it is all about. Do you go round thewall by the right, and I will go round by the left, and see ifthere is any way by which we can climb over. "

They met at the back of the house. The wall was unbroken, save bythe gates in front. 

"The wall is too high for us to climb, Mike, " Desmond said. "Evenif I stood on your head, I could not reach the top. Let us goround to the front again. "

They returned, and closely scrutinized the gate. It was not sohigh as the wall itself, but was fully twelve feet. 

"I have got a pistol with me, your honour, " Mike said. "I haveseen doors blown in, by firing a gun through the keyhole. "

"That would do, if we were sure that there were no bars, Mike; butthe chances are that it is barred, as well as locked. Besides, Iam sure that we should not be justified in blowing in the door ofa private house. It may be that they were the cries of a madwoman. I would rather get over as quietly as possible. "

"Well, sir, I will stand against it, and if you will get on to myshoulders and put your foot on my head, you will reach the top. Then, if you lower one end of your sash to me, I can pull myselfup beside you. "

"Yes, I think we can manage it that way, Mike. I am convinced thatthere is something wrong going on here, and I don't mind takingthe risk of getting into a scrape by interfering. Now do you stoopa bit, so that I can get on to your shoulder; then you can raiseyourself to your full height. Take off your hat, first. I shallcertainly have to put my foot on your head. "

"All right, your honour. Don't you be afraid of hurting me. Myskull is thick enough to stand the weight of two of you. "

In a minute, Desmond had his fingers on the top of the gates, drewhimself up, and, moving to the corner, where he could get his backagainst the end of the wall, lowered his sash to Mike. 

"You are sure I shall not pull you down?"

"I am not sure, but we will try, anyhow. "

This was said in a whisper, for there might, for anything he knew, be two or three men in the garden. Mike took off his boots, so asto avoid making a noise. Desmond was sitting astride of the gate, and had his end of the sash over the top of it, and under his leg, thereby greatly reducing the strain that would be thrown on it, and then leaning with all his weight on it, where it crossed thegate. Mike was an active as well as a strong man, and speedily wasby his side. 

"Now we will drop down, " Desmond said, and, setting the example, lowered himself till he hung by his hands, and then dropped. Mikewas soon beside him. 

"What shall we do next?"

"We will go and knock boldly at the door; but before we do that, we will unbar the gate and shoot the bolt of the lock. We have noidea how many men there may be in the house. Maybe we shall haveto beat a retreat. "

The lock was shot without difficulty, but the bolts were stillfast, and were not drawn without noise. They pushed back the lastof these, and then opened the gates, which creaked noisily as theydid so. 

"They can hardly help hearing that, " Desmond muttered; and indeed, as he spoke, the door of the house opened suddenly, and five mencame out, two of them holding torches. A man, who seemed to be theleader of the party, uttered an exclamation of fury as the lightfell upon the figures of the two men at the open gate. 

"Cut the villains down!" he shouted. 

"Stop!" Desmond cried, in a loud voice. "I am an officer ofO'Brien's regiment of foot. I heard a scream, and a woman's cryfor help, and, fearing that foul play was going on, I made myentry here. "

The man, who had drawn his sword, paused. 

"You have done wrong, sir. The cries you heard were those of a madwoman. You had better withdraw at once. I shall report you, tomorrow, for having forcibly made an entrance into privatepremises. "

"That you are perfectly at liberty to do, " Desmond repliedquietly; "but certainly I shall not withdraw, until I see thislady, and ascertain from herself whether your story is a trueone. "

"Then your blood be on your own head!" the man said. 

"At them, men! you know your orders--to kill anyone who attemptedto interfere with us, no matter what his rank. "

The five men rushed together upon the intruders. 

"Hold the gate, Mike, " Desmond said, "and they cannot get behindus. "

They stepped back a pace or two, and drew their swords. Theposition was a favourable one, for the two halves of the gateopened inwards, and so protected them from any but an attack infront. The leader rushed at Desmond, but the latter guarded thesweeping blow he dealt at him, and at the first pass ran himthrough the body; but the other four men, enraged rather thandaunted by the fall of their leader, now rushed forward together, and one of them, drawing a pistol, fired at Desmond when withinthree paces. 

The latter threw his head on one side, as he saw the pistollevelled. The action saved his life, for it was well aimed, andthe bullet would have struck him full between the eyes. As it was, he felt a sharp sudden pain, as it grazed his cheek deeply. Hesprang forward, and before the man could drop the pistol andchange his sword from the left hand to the right, Desmond's weaponpierced his throat. At the same moment, Mike cut down one of hisassailants with his sabre, receiving, however, a severe cut on theleft shoulder from the other. 

Paralysed at the loss of three of their number, the remaining twoof the assailants paused, for a moment. It was fatal to one ofthem, for Mike snatched his pistol from his pocket, and shot theman who had wounded him, dead. The other threw down his sword, andfell upon his knees, crying for mercy. 

"Shall I kill him, your honour?"

"No. Fasten his hands behind him, with his own belt; and bind hisankles tightly together, with that of one of his comrades. "

He paused, while Mike adroitly carried out his instructions. 

"Now we will see what this is all about, " Desmond said. "I don'tsuppose that there are any more of them in the house. Still, wemay as well keep our swords in readiness. "

Picking up one of the torches that had fallen from theirassailants' hands, and holding it above his head with his lefthand, while his right held his sword ready for action, Desmondentered the house. The sitting rooms on both sides of the hallwere empty, but, upon entering the kitchen, he found an old womancrouching in a corner, in the extremity of fear. 

"Stand up. I am not going to hurt you, " Desmond said. "Lead us, atonce, to the chamber of the lady we heard call out. "

The old woman rose slowly, took down a key hanging from a peg, and, leading the way upstairs, opened a door. 

"Keep a watch upon the crone, " Desmond said, as he entered. 

As he did so, his eye fell upon a girl of some seventeen yearsold. She was standing at the window, with her hands clasped. Sheturned round as he entered, and, as her eye fell upon his uniform, she gave a cry of delight. 

"Ah, monsieur, you have rescued me! I heard the fight in thegarden, and knew that the good God had sent someone to my aid. Butyou are wounded, sir. Your face is streaming with blood. "

"'Tis but the graze of a pistol ball, " he said, "and needs but abowl of water, and a strip of plaster, to put it right. I hadwell-nigh forgotten it. 

"I am glad, indeed, to have been able to render you this service, mademoiselle. It was most providential that I happened to comealong the road, and heard your screams and cries for aid; and Idetermined to see if any foul business was being carried on here. What made you call out?"

"I had let myself down from the window, by knotting the bedclothestogether. I was blindfolded, when they carried me in here, and didnot know that the walls were so high all round, but had hoped tofind some gate by which I might escape. There were only the greatgates, and these were locked; and I was trying to draw the boltswhen two of the men suddenly rushed out. I suppose the old womancame up here, and found the room empty. It was then that Iscreamed for help, but they dragged me in, in spite of mystruggles, and one said I might scream as much as I liked, forthere was not a house within hearing, and no one would be passinganywhere near. 

"When he said that, I quite gave up hope. I had believed that Iwas in some lonely house, in the suburbs of the city, and I littlethought that my cries could not be heard. 

"But where are the men who guarded me?"

"Four of them are dead, mademoiselle, and the other securelybound. Now, if you will tell me who you are, and where yourfriends live, I and my soldier servant will escort you to them. "

"My name is Anne de Pointdexter. "

Desmond was scarcely surprised, for the care which had been takenin choosing so lonely a spot for her concealment, and the factthat an officer and four men should be placed there to guard her, showed that she must have been regarded as a prisoner ofimportance. 

"Then I am glad, indeed, to have been the means of rescuing you. All Paris has been talking of your disappearance, for the past tendays. The question is, what would you wish done? It is too far totake you to Versailles tonight, and too late to obtain means ofconveyance. "

"There is a carriage in the stables behind the house, and thereare some horses. I cannot say how many, but at night I have heardthem stamping. I suppose the carriage was left here so that theycould remove me to some other place, in case suspicion should fallupon this house. How many are there of you, monsieur?"

"Only myself, and the trooper you see at the door. "

"And did you two fight with five men, and kill four of them!" sheexclaimed, in surprise. "How brave of you, monsieur, and how goodto run such risk, for a person of whom you knew nothing!"

"I knew that it was a woman in distress, " Desmond said, "and thatwas quite enough to induce two Irishmen to step in, and answer toher cry for aid. However, mademoiselle, if the carriage and horsesare there, this will get us out of our difficulty. The onlyquestion is, will you start at once, or wait until daylight? Wemay be stopped by the patrols, as we approach Versailles, but Ihave no doubt that my uniform will suffice to pass us into thetown, where probably your father is still lodging. "

"I would much rather go at once, " the girl said. "There are otherswho come, sometimes at all hours of the night. "

"Very well, then, we will see about getting the carriage ready, atonce. If you will come downstairs, we will lock this old woman upin your room. "

This was done at once, and the girl, who was so shaken by hercaptivity that she feared to remain for a moment by herself, accompanied her rescuers to the back of the house. Here, as shehad said, they found a carriage and four horses, two of whichstood ready saddled, while the others were evidently carriagehorses. These were speedily harnessed, and put into the carriage. 

"Now, Mike, you had better drive. I will mount one of these saddlehorses and ride alongside. I think, mademoiselle, as the drivewill be a long one, it would be as well that we should put the oldwoman in the carriage with you. She will be a companion, thoughone that you would not take from choice. Still, your father maywish to question her, and, indeed, it would be better in manyrespects that you should have a female with you. "

"Thank you, Monsieur Kennedy, "--for she had already learned hisname--she said gratefully, "it would certainly be much better. "

The old woman was therefore brought down, and made to enter thecarriage, and seat herself facing Mademoiselle Pointdexter. Miketook his seat on the box, and Desmond mounted one of the saddlehorses, and led the other. They had already removed the bodiesthat lay in front of the gates. 

They had to make a considerable detour round Paris, before theycame down upon the Versailles road. The roads were bad and thecarriage was heavy, and daylight was already breaking when theyentered the town. They had twice been stopped by patrols, butDesmond's uniform had sufficed to pass them. 

Baron Pointdexter had taken up his abode in a large house, standing in a walled garden in the lower part of the town. Whenthey reached it, Desmond dismounted and rung the bell. After hehad done this several times, a step was heard in the garden, and avoice asked roughly, "Who is it that rings at this hour of themorning?"

Mademoiselle Pointdexter, who had alighted as soon as the carriagestopped, called out, "It is I, Eustace. "

There was an exclamation of surprise and joy, bolts were at oncedrawn, and the gate thrown open, and an old servitor threw himselfon his knees as the girl entered, and, taking the hand she heldout to him, put it to his lips. 

"Ah, mademoiselle, " he said, while the tears streamed down hischeeks, "what a joyful morning it is! We have all suffered, andmonsieur le baron most of all. He has spoken but a few words, since you left, but walks up and down the garden as onedistraught, muttering to himself, and sometimes even drawing hissword and thrusting it at an invisible enemy. He is up, mademoiselle. He has never gone to his bed since you weremissing. "

As he spoke, the door of the house opened, and the baron hurriedout, with the question, "What is it, Eustace?"

Then, as his eye fell on his daughter, he gave a hoarse cry, andfor a moment swayed, as if he would have fallen. His daughter ranup to him, and threw her arms round his neck. 

"Do you return to me safe and well?" he asked, as, after a longembrace, he stepped back and gazed into her face. 

"Quite safe and well, father. "

"The Lord be praised!" the baron exclaimed, and, dropping into agarden seat by his side, he burst into a passion of sobbing. 

As soon as he had appeared, Desmond had handed over the old womanto Eustace. 

"She is a prisoner--keep a watch over her, " he said. "She can tellmuch. We will take the carriage round to a stable, and must thenreturn at once to Paris, where I must be on duty at seven. Pleaseinform the baron that I shall do myself the honour of calling, tomorrow, to enquire whether Mademoiselle Pointdexter has sufferedfrom the effects of the fatigue and excitement. Express my regretthat I am obliged to leave at once, but I am sure he will have somuch to hear, from his daughter, that it is best they should bealone together, for a time. "

He at once remounted his horse, Mike climbed up on to his seat, and they drove off, and, knocking up the people at some largestables, left the carriage and horses there, telling theproprietors to send to the Baron Pointdexter to know his wishesregarding it. Then Mike mounted the spare horse, and they startedat full speed for Paris, and arrived at the barracks in time forDesmond to take his place at the early parade. 

Chapter 4: At Versailles. 

The regiment was on the point of falling in, on the parade ground, when Desmond Kennedy rode up. Leaping from his horse, he threw thereins to his servant. 

"Take them both round to the stables, and put them in sparestalls, Mike. I will get leave off parade for both of us, and askthe surgeon to dress your wounds properly. "

Then he went up to the colonel, who was just entering the barrackyard. 

"Colonel O'Brien, " he said, "I must ask your leave off parade, for, as you see, I am scarcely in a condition to take my placewith my company. "

"So it would seem, Mr. Kennedy. You have been in trouble, I see. Nothing serious, I hope?"

"Nothing at all, sir, as far as I am concerned. It is merely agraze from a pistol ball. "

"Well, I must hear about it, afterwards. "

"I must also ask leave off parade for Callaghan, my servant, sir. He is hurt a good deal more than I am, though not, I hope, seriously. "

The colonel nodded. "I will send the surgeon to your quarters, andhe will see to you both. "

As Desmond left the colonel, his two chums came up. 

"Why, Kennedy, what on earth have you been doing to yourself? Thisis what comes of gallivanting about after dark. When we cameround, yesterday evening, to go out with you as usual, you werenot in. There was nothing very unusual in that, for these eveningwalks of yours are often prolonged; but we called again, on ourreturn at eleven o'clock, and found you were still absent. Thislooked serious. We came round again at six this morning, for wewere anxious about you, and learned you had not been in all night, and, on enquiring, heard that Callaghan was also absent. 

"That was cheering. That you might get into some scrape or other, we could reasonably believe; but, as you had your man with you, wecould hardly suppose that misfortune had fallen upon both of you. "

"The wound is a mere graze. I will tell you, after parade, what Ihave been doing, " Desmond said, "but you must nurse your curiositytill you are dismissed. "

A few minutes after Desmond reached his quarters, the surgeon camein. 

"I do not think that I have any need of your services, doctor. Igot a piece of plaster, and stuck it on two hours ago, and I haveno doubt that the wound will heal in a few days. "

"However, I will, with your permission, take it off, Mr. Kennedy. It is much better that the wound should be properly washed, andsome dressing applied to it. It will heal all the quicker, and youare less likely to have an ugly scar. 

"It is a pretty deep graze, " he said, after he had carefullyremoved the plaster. "An eighth of an inch farther, and it wouldhave made your teeth rattle. You had better keep quiet, today. Tomorrow morning, if there is no sign of inflammation, I will takeoff the dressing and bandage and put on a plaster--one a third ofthe size that I took off will be sufficient; and as I will use apink plaster, it will not be very noticeable, if you go outsidethe barracks. 

"Where is your man? The colonel told me there were two patients. 

"A nasty cut, " he said, after examining Mike's wound. "It is luckythat it was not a little higher. If it had been, you would havebled to death in five minutes. As it is, it is not serious. Youwill have to keep your arm in a sling for a fortnight. You are notto attend parade, or mount a horse, until I give you leave. "

On the ride from Versailles, Desmond had warned Mike to say noword as to the events of the night. 

"I do not know what course the young lady's father may take, " hesaid, "and until I do, the matter had better be kept a secret, altogether. "

"I will keep a quiet tongue in my head, and no one shall hearanything, from me, as to how I got this slice on my shoulder. Iwill just say that it was a bit of a scrimmage I got into, withtwo or three of the street rascals; and the thing is so commonthat no one is likely to ask any further questions about it. "

After the parade was over, O'Neil and O'Sullivan came up toDesmond's quarters. 

"Now, Master Kennedy, we have come to receive your confession. Wegave you credit for being a quiet, decent boy, and now it seemsthat you and that man of yours have been engaged in somedisreputable riot, out all night, and coming in on two strangehorses, which, for aught we know, have been carried off by forceof arms. "

Desmond laughed. 

"As to the horses, you are not so far wrong as one might expect, O'Neil. We rode them this morning from Versailles. "

"From Versailles!" O'Neil repeated. "And what, in the name of allthe saints, took you to Versailles! I am afraid, Desmond, that youare falling into very evil courses. 

"Well, tell us all about it. I shall be glad to be able to believethat there is some redeeming feature in this strange business. "

Desmond laughed, and then said, more seriously, "Well, I have hadan adventure. Other people were concerned in it, as well asmyself. I have made up my mind to tell you both, because I knowthat I can depend upon your promises to keep it an absolutesecret. "

"This sounds mysterious indeed, " O'Sullivan said. "However, youhave our promises. O'Neil and I will be as silent as the grave. "

"Well, then, you know how you were chaffing me, the other day, about finding Mademoiselle Pointdexter?"

"You don't mean to say that you have found her, Kennedy?" O'Neilexclaimed incredulously. 

"That is what I mean to say, though found is hardly the word, since I was not looking for her, or even thinking of her, at thetime. Still, in point of fact, I accidentally came across theplace where she was hidden away, and after a sharp skirmish, inwhich Callaghan and I each had to kill two men, we carried heroff, and delivered her safely to her father this morning. "

The two young officers looked hard at Desmond, to discover if hewas speaking seriously, for his tone was so quiet, and matter offact, that they could scarce credit that he had passed throughsuch an exciting adventure; and the three were so accustomed tohoax each other, that it struck them both as simply an inventionon the part of their comrade, so absolutely improbable did it seemto them. 

"Sure you are trying to hoax us, Kennedy, " O'Sullivan said. 

"You could not blame me, if I were, " Desmond said, with a smile, "considering the cock-and-bull stories that you are constantlytrying to palm off on me. However, you are wrong now. I will tellyou the affair, just as it happened. "

And he related, in detail, the story of the rescue of MademoisellePointdexter, and the manner in which he had conveyed her toVersailles. 

"By Saint Bridget, Kennedy, we were not far wrong when we calledyou a knight errant. Well, this is something like an adventure, though whether it will end well or ill for you I cannot say. Didyou learn the name of the person who had the girl carried off?"

"No. I asked no questions, and indeed had but little conversationwith her; for, as I have told you, I put her in a carriage, withthe old hag who was in charge of her, and rode myself by the sideof it, in case the old woman should try to escape. "

"A truly discreet proceeding, Kennedy, " O'Neil laughed. "I think, if I myself had been in your place, I should have taken a seatinside also, where you, of course, could at once have watched theold woman, and talked with the young one. "

"I don't think that you would have done anything of the sort, O'Neil, " Desmond said gravely, "but would have seen, as I did, that it was better that she should travel alone, with the oldwoman, till she reached her father's house. Scandal will be busyenough with her name, in any case, and it is as well that itshould not be said that she arrived home, in a carriage, with ayoung officer of O'Brien's Irish regiment. "

"By my faith, Kennedy, it seems to me that you are a Saint Anthonyand a Bayard rolled into one. But, seriously, you are undoubtedlyright. Well, it all depends upon who was the man who carried heroff, as to whether you were fortunate or unfortunate in thushaving thwarted his designs. If he is some adventurer, your actionwill gain you heaps of credit. If, on the other hand, it was oneof the king's favourites, seeking to mend his fortunes bymarrying, it is probable that you will have made a dangerousenemy--nay, more, have drawn upon yourself the king's displeasure. I should think it likely that, before attempting so desperate anaction as the carrying off of the Baron Pointdexter's daughter, such a man would have assured himself that the king would not viewthe enterprise with displeasure. 

"We may assume that he would not inform His Majesty of anyparticulars, but would put it, hypothetically, that as he wasgetting into sore straits, he thought of mending his fortunes bycarrying off an heiress--not, of course, one of those of whosehands the king had the disposal; and that he trusted that, if hesucceeded, His Majesty would not view the matter as a graveoffence. From what I know of Louis, he would reply gravely: 'Ishould be obliged (duke or viscount, as the case might be) toexpress very grave displeasure, and to order you to leave thecourt for a time; but, as the harm would be done, and the younglady married to you, it might be that, in time, I should pardonthe offence. '

"If this is how things have gone, you may be sure that the kingwill not view, with satisfaction, the man who has interfered withhis favourite's plan for mending his fortunes. "

Desmond shrugged his shoulders. 

"The king's dissatisfaction would matter very little to me, " hesaid, "especially as he could not openly manifest it, withoutmaking it apparent that he had approved of the scheme. "

"It is not such a trifle as you think, Kennedy. Lettres de cachetare not difficult to obtain, by powerful members of the court;especially when the person named is a young regimental officer, whose disappearance would excite no comment or curiosity, saveamong the officers of his own regiment. The man who carried offMademoiselle Pointdexter must be a bold fellow, and is likely tobe a vindictive one. No doubt, his object was to keep the younglady a prisoner, until she agreed to marry him, and the loss of apretty bride with a splendid fortune is no trifling one, andlikely to be bitterly resented. Whether that resentment will takethe form of obtaining an order for your confinement in theBastille, or other royal prison, or of getting you put out of theway by a stab in the back, I am unable to say, but in any case, Ishould advise you strongly to give up your fancy for wanderingabout after dark; and when you do go out, keep in the frequentedportions of the town. 

"Jack Farquharson, who was at Versailles with the colonel lastweek, was speaking of Mademoiselle Pointdexter, and said that shewas charming. Did you find her so?"

"I thought nothing about it, one way or the other, " Desmond said, carelessly. "I only saw her face by torchlight, and she was, ofcourse, agitated by what had happened; and indeed, as I was busyhelping Mike to yoke the horses to the carriage, I had scarcelytime to look at her. When we reached Versailles it was barelydaylight. I handed her out of the carriage, and left her to enterby herself, as I thought it was better that she should meet herfather alone. I do not think that I should recognize her, were Ito meet her in the street. "

"Most insensible youth!" O'Sullivan said, with a laugh;"insensible and discreet to a point that, were it not assured, none would believe that you had Irish blood in your veins. And so, you say you are going over to Versailles tomorrow?"

"Yes. I left a message with the servant who opened the door, tothat effect. Of course, I shall be glad to know if the baronintends to take any steps against his daughter's abductor, orwhether he thinks it best not to add to the scandal by stirring upmatters, but to take her away at once to his estates. "

"He is in a difficult position, " O'Neil said gravely. "The younglady has been missing for a fortnight. No one knows whether shewent of her own free will, or against it. Were her father to carryher off, quietly, it would excite the worst suspicions. Better byfar lodge his complaint before the king, proclaim his grievancesloudly everywhere, and tell the story in all its details. Whichever course he takes, evil-minded people will think theworse; but of the two evils, the latter seems to me to be thelesser. "

"I suppose it would be, " Desmond agreed, "though, for my part, Ishould be heartily glad if I never heard another word about it. "

"You are too modest altogether, Kennedy. Whatever rumours may becurrent, concerning the young lady, there can be no doubt that youcome out splendidly, in that you hear a cry of a woman indistress; you scale walls to get in to her assistance; you andyour servant encounter five of her guards, kill four of them andbind the other; rescue the maiden, and carry her off, with flyingcolours, in the carriage of her abductor. My dear Kennedy, youwill become an object of admiration to all the ladies of thecourt. "

"That will be absolutely disgusting, " Desmond said, angrily. "Itis almost enough to make one wish that one had never interfered inthe affair. "

"Pooh, pooh, Kennedy! I am sure that either O'Sullivan or myselfwould give, I was going to say a year's pay, though how one wouldexist without it I don't know, to have been in your place. Why, man, if you had captured a standard in battle, after feats ofsuperhuman bravery, you would not attract half the attention thatwill fall to you as a consequence of this adventure. Life in thecourt of His Most Christian Majesty is one of the most artificialpossible. The women hide their faces with powder and patches, lacethemselves until they are ready to faint, walk with a mincing air, and live chiefly upon scandal; but they are women, after all, andevery woman has a spice of romance in her nature, and such anadventure as yours is the very thing to excite their admiration. "

"I know nothing about women, " Desmond growled, "and don't want toknow any of them, especially the ladies at the court of Louis. "

"Well, of course, Kennedy, if the baron proclaims his wrongs, andpublishes the circumstances of his daughter's abduction andrescue, the seal of silence will be taken from our lips;especially as you will, almost to a certainty, be summoned toVersailles to confirm the lady's story. "

"I am afraid that that will be so, " Desmond said, despondingly. "However, it can't be helped, and I suppose one must make the bestof it. "

To most of the officers who dropped in, in the course of the day, to see Desmond and to enquire how he got his wound, he abstainedfrom giving any particulars. It was merely said that he andCallaghan were suddenly attacked, by five ruffians, whom theymanaged to beat off. Much surprise was expressed that such attackshould be made upon an officer and a soldier, on whom littleplunder could be expected, and who would be sure to defendthemselves stoutly. Several, indeed, expressed some incredulity. 

"We do not doubt for a moment, Kennedy, that you were attacked byfive men, as you say, and that you routed them, but there musthave been some motive for the attack. These evening strolls ofyours are suspicious, and I will warrant that there must have beena great deal at the bottom of it. Now, can you deny that?"

"I neither admit nor deny anything, " Desmond said, with a smile;"enough that, at present, I have told you all that I feeljustified in telling. I acknowledge that there is more behind it, but at present my mouth is sealed on the subject. "

The colonel was among those who came in to see him. To him, Desmond said frankly that the affair was altogether out of thecommon, that it was likely that the whole facts would be knownshortly, but that, as other persons were concerned, he could notspeak of it until he had obtained their permission. 

"Then I will ask no further, " Colonel O'Brien said. "I have seenenough of you to know that you would not be concerned in anyaffair that could bring discredit upon the corps. I am curious toknow the whole story, but am quite content to wait until you feelat liberty to tell me. "

The next morning, Desmond took part in the usual work of theregiment, and then, mounting his horse, rode to Versailles. On hisringing the bell at the house occupied by the Baron de Pointdexter, the old servitor, whom he had before seen, opened the gate. 

"The baron is expecting you, monsieur, " he said, bowing deeply;and, at his call, another servant ran out and took Desmond'shorse, and led it away to the stable, while Desmond followed theold man to the house. 

The door opened as they approached, and the baron, a tall man, some fifty years of age, advanced hastily, holding out both hands. 

"Monsieur Kennedy, " he said, "you have rendered to me the greatestservice that I have received during my life. No words can expressthe gratitude that I feel, for one who has restored to me my onlychild, just when I had come to believe that she was lost to meforever. It was surely her guardian saint who sent you to thespot, at that moment. "

"It might have happened to anyone, sir, " Desmond said; "surely anygentleman, on hearing an appeal for help from a woman in distress, would have done just what I did. "

"Let us go in, " the baron said. "My daughter has been eagerlywaiting your coming, especially as she tells me that she does notthink she said even a word of thanks to you, being overpowered bywhat she had gone through, and by her joy at her sudden andunexpected deliverance. Indeed, she says that she scarcelyexchanged two words with you. "

"There was no opportunity, Baron, for indeed, as soon as she toldme that there was a carriage and horses in the stable, I was toomuch occupied in getting it ready for her to depart without delay, to think of talking. "

They had now entered the house, and, as the baron led the way intothe sitting room, the girl rose from a fauteuil. 

"This, Monsieur Kennedy, is my daughter, Mademoiselle Anne dePointdexter. It is high time that you were formally presented toeach other. 

"This, Anne, is the officer who rendered you such invaluableservice. "

"We meet almost as strangers, mademoiselle, " Desmond said, deeplybowing, "for I own that I saw so little of your face, the othernight, that I should hardly have recognized you, had I met youelsewhere. "

"I should certainly not have recognized you, Monsieur Kennedy. What with my own fright, and, I may say, the condition of yourface, I had but a faint idea of what you were really like; but Icertainly did not think that you were so young. You had such amasterful way with you, and seemed to know so perfectly what oughtto be done, that I took you to be much older than you now look. "

"I joined the regiment but little more than three months ago, "Desmond said, "and am its youngest ensign. "

"Monsieur, I owe to you more than my life, for, had it not beenfor you, I should have been forced into marriage with one whom Idespise. "

"I cannot think that, mademoiselle. From what I saw of you, Ishould say that you would have resisted all threats, and evenundergone hopeless imprisonment, rather than yield. "

"There is no saying, Monsieur Kennedy, " the baron said. "Anne isof good blood, and I know that it would have been hard to breakdown her will, but confinement and hopelessness will tell on thebravest spirit. However that may be, she and I are your debtorsfor life. "

"Indeed, Monsieur Kennedy, " the girl said, "I pray you to believethat I am more grateful to you than words can express. "

"I pray you to say no more about it, mademoiselle. I deem it amost fortunate circumstance, that I was able to come to yourassistance, and especially so, when I found that the lady I hadrescued was one whose disappearance had made so great a stir; butI should have been glad to render such service to one in thepoorest condition. "

"My daughter said that you asked her no questions, MonsieurKennedy, and you therefore are, I suppose, in ignorance of thename of her abductor?"

"Altogether. "

"It was the Vicomte de Tulle, one who stands very high in the regardof the king, and who is one of the most extravagant and dissipated, even of the courtiers here. For some time, it has been reported thathe had nigh ruined himself by his lavish expenditure, and doubtlesshe thought to reestablish his finances by this bold stroke. 

"His plans were well laid. He waited until I had gone to Paris onbusiness that would keep me there for a day or two. A messengerarrived with a letter, purporting to be from me, saying that Iwished my daughter to join me at once, and had sent a carriage totake her to me. Anne is young, and, suspecting no harm, at oncethrew on a mantle and hood, and entered the carriage. It was broaddaylight, and there was nothing to disquiet her until, onapproaching the town, the carriage turned off the main road. Thisstruck her as strange, and she was just about to ask the questionwhere she was being taken, when the carriage stopped in a lonelyspot, the door was opened, and a man stepped in. 

"Before she had even time to recognize him, he threw a thick cloakover her head. She struggled in vain to free herself, but he heldher fast. Again and again, she tried to cry out, but her mouth wasmuffled by the wrapping. She had heard the blinds of the carriagedrawn, and finding that her struggles to free herself were vain, and receiving no answer to her supplications to be released, sheremained quiet until the carriage stopped. Then she was liftedout, and carried into the house where you found her. 

"The wrapping was removed, and the man who had taken it off, and, who by his attire, was a gentleman in the service of some noble, said, 'Do not be alarmed, mademoiselle. No harm is intended toyou. My master is grieved to be obliged to adopt such means, buthis passion for you is so great that he was driven to this step, and it will entirely depend upon yourself when your captivity willend. '

"'Your master, whoever he may be, ' Anne said, 'is a contemptiblevillain. '

"'Naturally, you have a poor opinion of him at present, ' thefellow said; 'but I am convinced that, in time, you will come toexcuse his fault. It is wholly due to the depth of the feelingthat he entertains towards you. There is a woman here who willwait upon you. I and my men will not intrude. Our duty is solelyto see that you do not escape, which indeed would be animpossibility for you, seeing that the wall that surrounds thegarden is well-nigh fifteen feet high, and the gate barred andlocked, and the key thereof in my pocket. '

"He called, and the old woman whom you brought here with Anneentered, and bid her ascend to the room that had been prepared forher. 

"In that respect, she had nothing to complain of. Of course, youdid not notice it, as you had other things to think of, but it washandsomely furnished. There was a bed in an alcove, some flowerson the table, some books, and even a harpsichord--evidently it wasintended that her imprisonment should be made as light as mightbe. 

"Looking from the window, Anne saw that the room was at the backof the house, and had probably been chosen because some trees shutthe window off from view of anyone beyond the wall. The next day, the old woman announced the Vicomte de Tulle. He bowed profoundly, and began by excusing the step that he had taken, and crediting itsolely to the passion that he had conceived for her. You mayimagine the scorn and reproaches with which she answered him. Hewas quite unmoved by her words. 

"'Mademoiselle, ' he said calmly, when she paused, 'you may be surethat I should not have undertaken this scheme, unless I had fullyweighed the consequences. My plans have been so laid that whateversearch may be made for you will be in vain. Here you are, and hereyou will remain until you listen to my suit. Every want shall besatisfied, and every wish complied with; but, whether it is oneyear or five, you will not leave this house until you leave it asmy bride. '

"'Then, sir, ' she said passionately, 'I shall be a prisoner forlife. '

"'So you may think, at present, mademoiselle, ' he said. 'And Iexpected nothing else. But, with time and reflection, you may cometo think otherwise. Union with me is not so terrible a matter. Myrank you know, and standing high, as I do, in the favour of HisMost Gracious Majesty, your position at court will be such asmight gratify the daughter of the noblest family in France. Thestudy of my life will be to make you happy. 

"'I shall now leave you to think over the matter. I shall notpester you with my attentions, and for another month you will notsee me again. At the end of that time, I trust that you will haveseen the futility of condemning yourself to further captivity, andwill be disposed to make more allowance, than at present, for thestep to which my passion for yourself has driven me. '

"It was just a month since she had been carried off, and, the veryday when you rescued her, the old woman had informed her that thevicomte would do himself the pleasure of calling upon her the nextday. For the first fortnight she had held up bravely, in the hopethat I should discover the place where she had been hidden. Thenshe began to feel the imprisonment and silence telling upon her, for the old woman only entered to bring in her meals, and neveropened her lips, except on the first occasion, when she told herthat she was strictly forbidden to converse with her. After thatshe began to despair, and the news that her abductor would visither, the next day, decided her to make an attempt to escape. Shehad no difficulty in letting herself down from the window by theaid of her bedclothes, but she found that what had been saidrespecting the wall and gate was true, and that she was no nearerescape than she had been, before she had left her room. She wastrying, in vain, to unbar the gate, which, indeed, would have beenuseless could she have accomplished it, as it was also locked. Butshe was striving, with the energy of desperation, when the door ofthe house opened, and the men rushed out and seized her. As theydragged her back to the house, she uttered the cries that broughtyou to her assistance. The rest you know. 

"As soon as I heard her story, I went to the palace and asked fora private interview with the king. The king received me graciouslyenough, and asked, with an appearance of great interest, if I hadobtained any news of my daughter. 

"'I have more than obtained news, Your Majesty. I have my daughterback again, and I have come to demand justice at your hands. '

"'I congratulate you, indeed, Baron, ' the king said, with anappearance of warmth, but I saw his colour change, and wasconvinced that he knew something, at least, of the matter. 

"'And where has the damsel been hiding herself?' he went on. 

"'She has not been hiding herself, at all, Sire, ' I said. 'She hasbeen abducted, by one of Your Majesty's courtiers, with theintention of forcing her into a marriage. His name, Sire, is theVicomte de Tulle, and I demand that justice shall be done me, andthat he shall receive the punishment due to so gross an outrage. '

"The king was silent for a minute, and then said:

"'He has, indeed, if you have been rightly informed, acted mostgrossly. Still, it is evident that he repented the step that hetook, and so suffered her to return to you. '

"'Not so, Your Majesty, ' I said. 'I owe her return to norepentance on his part, but to the gallantry of a young officerwho, passing the house where she was confined, heard her cries foraid, and, with his soldier servant, climbed the gate of theenclosure, and was there attacked by the man who had charge ofher, with four others. The young gentleman and his servant killedfour of them, and bound the other; and then, entering the house, compelled the woman who had been appointed to act as her servantto lead the way to her chamber. Fortunately, the carriage in whichshe had been taken there was still in the stables, with itshorses. The gallant young gentleman at once got the carriage inreadiness, placed my daughter in it, with the woman who had beenattending on her. The servant drove, and he rode by the side ofthe carriage, and in that way brought her home this morning. '

"In spite of his efforts to appear indifferent, it was evidentthat the king was greatly annoyed. However, he only said:

"'You did quite right to come to me, Baron. It is outrageous, indeed, that a young lady of my court should be thus carried off, and I will see that justice is done. And who is this officer, whohas rendered your daughter such a service?'

"'His name is Kennedy, Sire. He is an ensign in O'Brien's Irishregiment. '

"'I will myself send for him, ' he said, 'and thank him for havingdefeated this disgraceful plot of the Vicomte de Tulle. I supposeyou are quite sure of all the circumstances, as you have told themto me?'

"'It is impossible that there can be any mistake, Sire, ' I said. 'In the first place, I have my daughter's account. This isentirely corroborated by the old woman she had brought with her, and whose only hope of escaping from punishment lay in telling thetruth. In every respect, she fully confirmed my daughter'saccount. '

"'But the vicomte has not been absent from Versailles, for thepast month. He has been at my morning levee, and on all otheroccasions at my breakfasts and dinners. He has walked with me inthe gardens, and been always present at the evening receptions. '

"'That is so, Sire, ' I said. 'My daughter, happily, saw him butonce; namely, on the morning after she was captured. He then toldher, frankly, that she would remain a prisoner until she consentedto marry him, however long the time might be. He said he wouldreturn in a month, and hoped by that time to find that, seeing thehopelessness of her position, she would be more inclined to accepthis suit. 

"'It was on the eve of his coming again that my daughter, in herdesperation, made the attempt to escape. She was foiled in hereffort, but this, nevertheless, brought about her rescue, for hercries, as her guards dragged her into the house, attracted theattention of Monsieur Kennedy, who forthwith, as I have told you, stormed the house, killed her guards, and brought her home to me. '

"The king then sent for de Tulle, and spoke to him with greatsternness. The latter did not attempt to deny my accusation, butendeavoured to excuse himself, on the ground of the passion thathe had conceived for my daughter. Certainly, from the king's tone, I thought that he would at least have sent him to the Bastille;but, to my great disappointment, he wound up his reproof bysaying:

"'I can, of course, make some allowances for your passion for socharming a young lady as Mademoiselle Pointdexter, but the outrageyou committed is far too serious to be pardoned. You will at oncerepair to your estates, and will remain there during my pleasure. '

"The vicomte bowed and withdrew, and, an hour later, leftVersailles. The king turned to me, as he left the room, and said, 'I trust, Monsieur le Baron, that you are content that justice hasbeen done. '

"I was too angry to choose my words, and I said firmly, 'I cannotsay that I am content, Your Majesty. Such an outrage as that whichhas been perpetrated upon my daughter deserves a far heavierpunishment than banishment from court; and methinks that animprisonment, as long as that which he intended to inflict uponher unless she consented to be his wife, would have much morenearly met the justice of the case. '

"The king rose to his feet suddenly, and I thought that myboldness would meet with the punishment that I desired for deTulle; but he bit his lips, and then said coldly:

"'You are not often at court, Baron Pointdexter, and are doubtlessignorant that I am not accustomed to be spoken to, in the tonethat you have used. However, I can make due allowance for thegreat anxiety that you have suffered, at your daughter'sdisappearance. I trust that I shall see you and your daughter atmy levee, this evening. '

"As this was a command, of course we went, and I am bound to saythat the king did all in his power to show to his court that heconsidered her to be wholly blameless. Of course, the story hadalready got about, and it was known that the vicomte had beenordered to his estates. The king was markedly civil to Anne, talked to her for some time, expressed his deep regret that sheshould have been subject to such an outrage, while staying at hiscourt, and said, in a tone loud enough to be heard by all standinground:

"'The only redeeming point in the matter is, that the Vicomte deTulle in no way troubled or molested you, and that you only sawhim, for a few minutes, on the first day of your confinement. '

"I need not say that this royal utterance was most valuable to mydaughter, and that it at once silenced any malicious scandal thatmight otherwise have got about. 

"The king stopped to speak to me, immediately afterwards, and Isaid:

"'I trust that you will pardon the words I spoke this morning. Your Majesty has rendered me and my daughter an inestimableservice, by the speech that you have just made. '

"Thus, although dissatisfied with the punishment inflicted on theVicomte de Tulle, and believing that the king had a shrewd ideawho her abductor was, I am grateful to him for shielding mydaughter from ill tongues, by his marked kindness to her, and bydeclaring openly that de Tulle had not seen her, since the day ofher abduction. I intended to return home tomorrow, but the kinghimself, when I went this morning to pay my respects, and state myintention of taking Anne home, bade those standing round to fallback, and was good enough to say in a low voice to me:

"'I think, Baron, that you would do well to reconsider yourdecision to leave tomorrow. Your sudden departure would give riseto ill-natured talk. It would be wiser to stay here, for a shorttime, till the gossip and wonder have passed away. '

"I saw that His Majesty was right, and shall stay here for a shorttime longer. It would certainly have a bad effect, were we to seemto run away and hide ourselves in the provinces. "

Mademoiselle de Pointdexter had retired when her father began torelate to Desmond what had happened. 

"I know little of life in Paris, Monsieur le Baron, " Desmond said, "but it certainly seems to me monstrous, that the man whocommitted this foul outrage should escape with what is, doubtless, but a short banishment from court. "

"I do not know that the matter is ended yet, Monsieur Kennedy. Inspite of the edicts against duelling, I myself should havedemanded satisfaction from him, for this attack upon the honour ofmy family, but I am at present Anne's only protector. It is manyyears since I have drawn a sword, while de Tulle is noted as afencer, and has had many affairs, of which he has escaped theconsequences owing to royal favour. Therefore, were I to challengehim, the chances are that I should be killed, in which case mydaughter would become a ward of the crown, and her hand and estatebe bestowed on one of the king's creatures. But, as I said, thematter is not likely to rest as it is. 

"Anne has, with my full consent and approval, given her love to ayoung gentleman of our province. He is a large-landed proprietor, and a connection of our family. They are not, as yet, formallybetrothed, for I have no wish to lose her so soon; and, in spiteof the present fashion of early marriages, I by no means approveof them, and told Monsieur de la Vallee that they must wait foranother couple of years. 

"I need scarcely say that, after what has happened, I shallreconsider my decision; for the sooner she is married, and beyondthe reach of a repetition of this outrage, the better. I imagine, however, that the young gentleman will be no better satisfied thanI am, that the matter should have been passed over so lightly; andwill take it into his own hands, and send a challenge immediatelyto the vicomte. He is high spirited, and has the reputation amongus of being a good fencer, but I doubt whether he can possess suchskill as that which de Tulle has acquired. It is not always theinjured person that comes off victorious in a duel; and, shouldfortune go against Monsieur de la Vallee, it would be a terribleblow to my daughter, and indeed to myself, for I am much attachedto him. She is worrying about it, already. 

"Of course, it is impossible that the affair can be hidden fromhim. It is public property now; and therefore, I sent off one ofmy grooms, an hour since, with a letter to him. 

"Hitherto, I had not written to him about my daughter'sdisappearance. Knowing he would, on hearing of it, at once hastenhere, where he could do no good and would only add to my trouble, I thought it best to let matters go on as they were. I had beendoing everything that was possible, and to have his troubles aswell as my own on my hands would have driven me to distraction. 

"The groom is to change horses at every post house, and to use thegreatest possible speed. You may be sure that Monsieur de laVallee will do the same, and that in six days he will be here. Ihave given him the merest outline of the affair, and have notmentioned the name of Anne's abductor. Had I done so, it isprobable that Philip would have gone straight to de Tulle, andforced on an encounter at once. As it is, I trust that Anne and I, between us, may persuade him to take no step in the matter. It isthe honour of my family, not of his, that has been attacked. Hadhe been betrothed to my daughter, he would have been in a positionto take up her quarrel. As it is, he has no status, except distantrelationship. 

"And now, Monsieur Kennedy, I have the king's order to take you tothe palace. He asked me several questions about you this morning. I said that I had not yet seen you, but that you were riding overhere today, and he said:

"'Bring him to me when he comes, Baron. I should like to see thisyoung fire eater, who thrust himself so boldly into a matter inwhich he had no concern, solely because he heard a woman's voicecalling for help. '"

"I am sorry to hear it, " Desmond said, bluntly. "From what you sayI imagine that, in spite of what he has done, the king is far fromgratified at the failure of his favourite's plan. However, Icannot disobey his commands in the matter. "

Chapter 5: A New Friend. 

The baron sent a servant to request his daughter to come down. 

"I am going now, with Monsieur Kennedy, to the palace, Anne, " hesaid, as she entered. "I do not suppose that we shall be absentvery long. I have been talking matters over with him, and I thinkthat he agrees with my view of them. "

"But I have hardly spoken to him, yet, father!"

"You will have an opportunity of doing so, when we return. Monsieur Kennedy will, of course, dine with us. After the servicethat he has rendered to us, we have a right to consider him asbelonging to us. "

"Had I had an idea of this, " Desmond said, as they walked up thehill towards the palace gate, "I should have put on my fulluniform. This undress is scarcely the attire in which one wouldappear before the King of France, who is, as I have heard, mostparticular in matters of etiquette. "

"He is so, " the baron said. "He will know that you could not beprepared for an audience, and doubtless he will receive you in hisprivate closet. "

On ascending the grand staircase, the baron gave his name to oneof the court chamberlains. 

"I have orders, " the latter said, "to take you at once, on yourpresenting yourself, to His Majesty's closet, instead of enteringthe audience chamber. "

They were conducted along a private passage, of considerablelength. On arriving at a door, the chamberlain asked them to wait, while he went inside to ascertain whether His Majesty wasdisengaged. 

"His Majesty will see you in a few minutes, Baron, " he said, whenhe came out. "The Duc d'Orleans is with him, but, hearing yourname announced for a private audience, he is taking his leave. "

In two or three minutes a handbell sounded in the room, and thechamberlain, who at once entered, returned in a moment, andconducted the baron and Desmond into the king's private apartment. 

"Allow me to present, to Your Majesty, " the former said, "MonsieurDesmond Kennedy, an officer in O'Brien's regiment, and an Irishgentleman of good family. "

The king, who was now far advanced in life, looked at the youngman with some surprise. 

"I had expected to see an older man, " he said. 

"Though you told me, Baron, he was but an ensign, I looked to seea man of the same type as so many of my gallant Irish officers, ready for any desperate service. 

"So, young sir, you have begun early, indeed, to play havoc amongmy liege subjects, for I hear that you, and a soldier with you, slew four of them. "

"Hardly your liege subjects, Your Majesty, if I may venture to sayso; for, assuredly, they were not engaged in lawful proceedings, when I came upon them. "

A slight smile crossed the king's face. He was accustomed toadulation, and the simple frankness with which this young soldierventured to discuss the propriety of the word he used surprisedand amused him. 

"You are right, sir. These fellows, who are ready to undertake anyservice, however criminal, for which they are paid, certainly donot deserve to be called liege subjects. Now, I would hear from, your own lips, how it was that you thrust yourself into a matterwith which you had no concern; being wholly ignorant, Iunderstand, that the lady whose voice you heard was MademoisellePointdexter. "

"The matter was very simple, Sire. Having joined the regiment buta few months, and being naturally anxious to perfect myself inexercises in arms, I have but little time to stir out, during theday, and of an evening I frequently go for long rambles, takingwith me my soldier servant. I had, that evening, gone farther thanusual, the night being fair and the weather balmy, and naturally, when I heard the cry of a woman in distress, I determined to seewhat had happened, as it might well be that murder was beingdone. "

He then related all the circumstances of his obtaining an entranceinto the gardens, of the attack upon him by the guard, and how hefinally brought Mademoiselle Pointdexter to Versailles. The kinglistened attentively. 

"It was an exploit I should have loved to perform, when I was yourage, Monsieur Kennedy. You behaved in the matter with singulardiscretion and gallantry; but, if you intend always to interfere, when you hear a woman cry out, it is like that your time will bepretty well occupied; and that, before long, there will be avacancy in the ranks of your regiment. Truly, Monsieur le Baronand his daughter have reason for gratitude that you happened to bepassing at the time; and I, as King of France, am glad that thisoutrage on a lady of the court has failed. 

"I am, perhaps, not altogether without blame in the matter. Ashort time ago, the Vicomte de Tulle told me that he hoped tobetter his fortune by a rich marriage. He named no names, nor saidaught of the measures he intended to adopt. But I said it would bewell that he should do so, for rumours had reached me that hisfinances were in disorder. Whether he took this as a permission touse any means that he thought fit I cannot tell; and I certainlydid not suspect, when I heard of the disappearance of Mademoisellede Pointdexter, that he had any hand in it, and was shocked whenthe baron came here and denounced him to me. I am glad, indeed, that his enterprise was thwarted, for it was a most unworthy one. 

"You are too young, yet, for me to grant you military promotion, but this will be a proof of my approbation of your conduct, andthat the King of France is determined to suppress all irregularitiesat his court. "

And, taking a diamond ring from his finger, he handed it toDesmond, who went on one knee to receive it. 

"You will please inform your colonel that, when he comes toVersailles, I request he will always bring you with him. "

The audience was evidently finished, and the baron and Desmond, bowing deeply, left the king's cabinet. The baron did not speak, till they left the palace. 

"Louis has his faults, " the baron then said, "but no one couldplay the part of a great monarch more nobly than he does. I haveno doubt, whatever, that de Tulle relied implicitly upon obtaininghis forgiveness, had he succeeded in forcing Anne into marryinghim; though, doubtless, he would have feigned displeasure for atime. He has extricated himself most gracefully. I can quitebelieve that he did not imagine his favourite intended to adopt socriminal a course, to accomplish the matter of which he spoke tohim, but he could not fail to have his suspicions, when he heardof Anne's disappearance. However, we can consider the affair ashappily ended, except for the matter of Monsieur de la Vallee, ofwhom I spoke to you. 

"And now, sir, that the king has expressed his gratitude to you, for saving his court from a grave scandal, how can I fitly expressmy own, at the inestimable service that you have rendered us?"

"I should say, Baron, that it will be most welcomely expressed, ifyou will abstain from saying more of the matter. It is a simpleone. I went to the assistance of a woman in distress; andsucceeded, at the expense of this trifling wound, in accomplishingher rescue. The lady happened to be your daughter, but had shebeen but the daughter of some little bourgeois of Paris, carriedoff by a reckless noble, it would have been the same. Much morehas been made of the matter than there was any occasion for. Ithas gained for me the approbation and thanks of the king, to saynothing of this ring, which, although I am no judge of suchmatters, must be a very valuable one, or he would not have wornit; and I have had the pleasure of rendering a service to you, andMademoiselle de Pointdexter. Therefore, I feel far more than dulyrewarded, for a service somewhat recklessly undertaken on the spurof the moment. "

"That may be very well, as far as it interests yourself, MonsieurKennedy; but not so far as I am concerned, and I fear I shall haveto remain your debtor till the end of my life. All I can say atpresent is that I hope that, as soon as you can obtain leave, youwill come as a most honoured guest to my chateau. There you willsee me under happier circumstances. The life of a country seigneuris but a poor preparation for existence in this court, where, although there is no longer the open licentiousness that prevailedin the king's younger days, there is yet, I believe, an equalamount of profligacy, though it has been sternly discountenancedsince Madame Maintenon obtained an absolute, and I may say awell-used, influence over His Majesty. "

"I shall be happy, indeed, to pay you a visit, Baron, if mymilitary duties will permit my absenting myself, for a time, fromParis. All I know of France is its capital, and nothing would giveme greater pleasure than to have the opportunity of seeing itscountry life, in so pleasant a manner. "

"Our pleasure would be no less than your own, Monsieur Kennedy. 

"There is one thing I must warn you about, and that is, you mustbe careful for a time not to go out after dark. De Tulle has anevil reputation, and is vindictive as well as unscrupulous. Doubtless, he has agents here who will, by this time, havediscovered who it was that brought his daring scheme to naught;and it is, to my mind, more than probable that he will endeavourto be revenged. "

"I shall be on my guard, " Desmond said quietly. 

"You must be careful, indeed, " the baron said. "Against openviolence you can well defend yourself, but against a blow frombehind with a dagger, skill and courage are of little avail. Whenyou go out after dark, I pray you let your army servant followclosely behind you, and see that his sword is loose in itsscabbard. "

Desmond nodded. 

"Believe me, I will take every precaution. It is not likely thatthere will long be need for it, for none can doubt that militaryoperations will soon begin on a large scale, and we are notlikely, if that is the case, to be kept in garrison in Paris. "

When Desmond arrived that evening at the barracks, he found thatthe story of the rescue of Mademoiselle de Pointdexter was alreadyknown, and also that the Vicomte de Tulle had been the abductor, and had, in consequence, been banished from court. The baron hadindeed related the circumstances to some of his intimate friends, but the story had varied greatly as it spread, and it had come tobe reported that an officer had brought a strong body of soldiers, who had assaulted the house where she was confined, and, after adesperate conflict, had annihilated the guard that had been placedover her. 

Desmond laughed, as this story was told to him, when he enteredthe room where the officers were gathered. The narrator concluded:

"As you have been to Versailles, Kennedy, doubtless you will haveheard all the latest particulars. Have you learnt who was theofficer, what regiment he belonged to, and how came he to have abody of soldiers with him, outside the town? For they say that thehouse where she was confined was a mile and a half beyond thewalls. "

There was no longer any reason for concealment. The matter hadbecome public. The baron would certainly mention his name, andindeed his visit to the palace, and the private audience given tohim and the baron, would assuredly have been noted. 

"Your story is quite new to me, " he said, "and is swollen, in thetelling, to undue proportions. The real facts of the case are byno means so romantic. The truth of the story, by this time, isgenerally known, as Mademoiselle Pointdexter and her father havemany friends at court. The affair happened to myself. "

"To you, Kennedy?" was exclaimed, in astonishment, by all thosepresent. 

"Exactly so, " he said. "Nothing could have been more simple. Theevening before last I was, as usual, taking a walk and, the nightbeing fine, I passed beyond the gate. Presently, I heard a screamand a woman's cry for help. None of you, gentlemen, could havebeen insensible to such an appeal. Callaghan and I climbed over apretty high gate. Not knowing what force there might be in theplace, we occupied ourselves, at first, by unbarring and shootingthe lock of the gate. The bolts were stiff, and we made some noiseover it, which brought out five men. These we disposed of, after ashort fight, in which I got this graze on the cheek, and Callaghanhis sword wound in the shoulder. "

"How did you dispose of them, Kennedy?" the colonel asked. 

"I ran two of them through. Callaghan cut down one, and shotanother. The fifth man cried for mercy, and we simply tied him up. 

"We then found Mademoiselle Pointdexter, and, learning from herthat the carriage in which she had been brought there was, withits horses, still in the stable, we got it out, harnessed thehorses, and put an old woman who was mademoiselle's attendant inthe carriage with her. Mike took the reins, I mounted a saddlehorse, and we drove her to her father's house at Versailles, sawher fairly inside, and then, as you know, got back here just asthe regiment was forming up on parade. "

"A very pretty adventure, indeed, " the colonel said warmly, andloud expressions of approbation rose from the other listeners. 

"And why did you not tell us, when you came in?" the colonel wenton. 

"I had not seen Baron Pointdexter, and did not know what course hewould take--whether he would think it best to hush the matter upaltogether, or to lay a complaint before the king; and, until Iknew what he was going to do, it seemed to me best that I shouldhold my tongue, altogether. 

"When I went to Versailles, today, I found that he had laid hiscomplaint before the king, and that the Vicomte de Tulle, who wasthe author of the outrage, had been ordered to his estates. I maysay that I had the honour of a private interview with His Majesty, who graciously approved of my conduct, and gave me this ring, " andhe held out his hand, "as a token of his approval. "

"Well, gentlemen, you will agree with me, " the colonel said, "thatour young ensign has made an admirable debut, and I am sure thatwe are all proud of the manner in which he has behaved; and ouranticipations, that he would prove a credit to the regiment, havebeen verified sooner than it seemed possible. "

"They have, indeed, Colonel, " the major said. "It was, in everyway, a risky thing for him to have attempted. I do not meanbecause of the odds that he might have to face, but because of thetrouble that he might have got into, by forcing his way into aprivate house. The scream might have come from a mad woman, orfrom a serving wench receiving a whipping for misconduct. "

"I never thought anything about it, Major. A woman screamed forhelp, and it seemed to me that help should be given. I did notthink of the risk, either from armed men inside--for I had noreason to believe that there were such--or of civil indictment forbreaking in. We heard the cry, made straight for the house, and, as it turned out, all went well. "

"Well, indeed, " the colonel said. "You have rescued a wealthyheiress from a pitiable fate. You have fleshed your maiden swordin the bodies of two villains. You have earned the gratitude ofthe young lady and her father, and have received the approval ofHis Majesty--a very good night's work, altogether. Now, tell us alittle more about it. "

Desmond was compelled to tell the story in much further detailthan before. The colonel ordered in a dozen of champagne, and itwas late before the party broke up. 

"You see, we were pretty nearly right in our guess, " O'Neil said, as he and O'Sullivan walked across with Desmond to their quarters. "We said that we thought it likely she might have been carried offby one of the court gallants, who felt tolerably confident that, if successful, the king would overlook the offence. This fellow, thanks to your interference, did not succeed; and the king has lethim off, lightly enough, by only banishing him from court. If ithad been anyone but one of his favourites, he would, by this time, have been a tenant of the Bastille. 

"I do not think, myself, that his punishment was adequate; butthen, I am not a courtier, and should be rather glad than not, tobe sent away to any estates I might have. "

"But, " Desmond remarked, "I suppose the punishment is a severe oneto these men, accustomed to a round of pleasure and dissipation, and who consider it the highest of earthly honours to be in favourwith the king. However, no one could be kinder than His Majestyhas been, on the subject. At the reception last night, at which heordered the baron and his daughter to appear, he showed her themost marked favour, and particularly put a stop to all scandals, by saying loudly that de Tulle had never seen her, after the firstmorning of her capture. "

Six days later, when Desmond was engaged in the fencing room, Callaghan came in, and told him that a gentleman was at hisquarters, wishing particularly to see him. 

"What is his name?"

"Sure, and I don't know, your honour. He did not mention it, andit was not for the likes of me to ask him. "

"Ridiculous, Mike! In future, when anyone comes and wishes to seeme, you will say, 'What name shall I tell Mr. Kennedy?'"

He put on his uniform coat reluctantly, for he was engaged in aninteresting bout with a professor, who was an old friend of themaitre d'armes. As he entered his room, a young man, who had beenstaring out of the window, and drumming impatiently with hisfingers, turned. He was a stranger to Desmond. 

"I am Desmond Kennedy, sir, " the young officer said. "To what do Iowe the honour of this visit?"

The other did not reply, but stood looking at him, in so strangeand earnest a way, that Desmond felt almost uneasy. 

"Sir, " his visitor said at last, advancing to him and holding outboth hands, "when I tell you that my name is Philip de la Vallee, you will understand what must strike you as my singular behaviour. I arrived last night at Versailles, and heard all that hadhappened. You can imagine, therefore, that my heart is almost toofull for words, with gratitude and thankfulness. "

Desmond was moved by the emotion of his visitor, and their handsmet in a hearty clasp. Monsieur de la Vallee was a young man, offour or five and twenty, well proportioned, and active and sinewyfrom his devotion to field sports. He was about the same height asDesmond himself, but the latter, who had not yet finished growing, was larger boned, and would broaden into a much bigger and morepowerful man. 

"Henceforth, Monsieur Kennedy, " de la Vallee went on, "I hope thatwe shall be as brothers, and more. Had it not been for you, mylife would have been a ruined one. What agony have I been saved!It makes me mad, to think that I was idling at home, ignorant thatmy beloved had been carried away. I do not blame the baron for notinforming me, and I acknowledge that the reasons he gave me weregood ones. I could have done nothing, and should but have added tohis troubles by my anxiety and anger. Still, he told me that, inanother day or two, he would have felt that I ought no longer tobe kept in the dark, and would have summoned me to Paris. I amthankful now that he did not do so, for I believe that myimpotence to do anything would have driven me almost todistraction. "

"I agree with you that the baron acted wisely, " Kennedy said. "Hadnot chance, or Providence, taken me past the house where she wasimprisoned, at the very moment when Mademoiselle Pointdexter criedfor help, she might, for aught I can say, have remained a captivethere for months, or even years. "

"It was Providence, indeed, Monsieur Kennedy. Providence, not onlythat she should have cried at that moment, but that her criesshould have reached the ears of one so ready and able to save her. And now, I pray you, call me Philip, and allow me to call youDesmond, as a pledge of our close friendship. "

"With pleasure, " Kennedy replied; and the compact was sealed withanother close grasp of the hand. 

"It is strange, Desmond, that while the king, who had but littleinterest in the matter, could present you, as I am told he did, with a diamond ring, the baron and I, who owe you so much, can donothing to show our gratitude. "

Desmond smiled. 

"I can assure you that I need no such tokens, " he said. "Thethanks that I have received, from you both, are infinitely moregrateful to me than any amount of rings and jewels. "

"And now, my friend, " Philip de la Vallee went on, "my own burningdesire is to go to de Tulle, as soon as I have accompanied thebaron and Anne to their home; first, to publicly chastise thisvillain noble; and then, of course, to fight him. Naturally, Ihave said nothing of this to the baron, but I feel, after what hashappened, that in you I shall find an adviser, and a sympathizer. "

"I sympathize with you, most heartily, Philip, and in your placeshould feel the same impulse; and yet, it would not be wise togive way to it. I say this on the ground that he is a notoriouslygood swordsman, and that, instead of your taking vengeance uponhim, he might kill you. 

"I feel that that argument would not have any influence with youpersonally, but, taking your position with regard to Mademoisellede Pointdexter, it should have great weight. You can judge, fromwhat you would have felt yourself, had you been aware of herdisappearance, what she would feel, did she hear of your death inthis quarrel. Were you her brother, I should say that you would beright--nay, that it would be your duty to endeavour to punish theoutrage against the honour of your family. Were you openlybetrothed to her, you would again have the right to punish herabductor; but, not being either her brother or her betrothed, neither reason nor public opinion would justify your doing so. Moreover, did you fight with him and kill him, you would incur thegravest resentment of the king; for, in fact, you would beimpugning his justice, which has considered banishment from courtto be a sufficient punishment for his offence. Not only was he afavourite of the king's, but he belongs, I understand, to apowerful family; who would, you may be sure, use their influencewith the king to bring about your punishment, for the breach ofthe decree against duelling, and you would be fortunate if youescaped a long imprisonment. "

The other was silent. 

"I feel that you are right, " he said, at last, "but, indeed, it ishard that I should not be able to avenge this outrage upon thelady who is to be my wife. I may tell you that, as soon as wereturn home, our formal betrothal is to take place, and ere longour marriage will be celebrated; but I shall feel lowered, in myown esteem, if I sit down quietly under this injury. "

"I do not see that, " Desmond said. "If you abstain fromchallenging de Tulle, it is from no fear of the consequences, butit is, as I have shown you, because, whatever the issue of thecontest, it would be bad both for you and her. If you were killed, her life would be spoilt. If you killed him, you might languishfor years in one of the royal prisons. The king prides himself onhis justice, and, by all accounts, rightly so; and I am sure thathe would feel the deepest resentment, were you or anyone to show, by your actions, that you considered he has favoured thetransgressor. "

"You are right, Desmond; and, at any rate for the present, I willput my intention aside; but should he ever cross my path, assuredly I will have a reckoning with him. 

"But how is it that you, who are at least eight years younger thanI am, should argue as an old counsellor rather than a youngensign?"

"I suppose, in the first place, it is from my bringing up. I livedwith and was educated by a good priest, one not wanting inmanliness and energy, but who often deplored the system ofduelling, which is as strong with us as it is here, and denouncedit as a relic of barbarism, and, at any rate, never to be put inuse on account of a heated quarrel over wine, but only if somedeadly injury had been inflicted, and even then better left alone. Of course, as an officer in one of His Majesty's regiments, Ishould be obliged to conform to the general usage; for, did Idecline, I should be regarded as having brought dishonour on thecorps. But my case differs altogether from yours. 

"In the next place, knowing you were coming to Versailles, Ithought over what course you would be likely to pursue, andconsidered it was probable you would lose no time in challengingde Tulle. I have thought the matter over, in every light, and madeup my mind to endeavour to dissuade you from doing so, if theopportunity offered. 

"So you see, " he added with a smile, "I had prepared my array ofarguments against it; and I cannot but think that the opinion ofone interested, but not vitally so, on a point, is rather to betaken than that of a person smarting under an injury. "

"And now, to turn to other matters. In three days we start for thesouth. The baron accompanied me here, and went to see yourcolonel, while I came to your quarters. His object was to ask himto grant you a month's leave of absence, with the provision, ofcourse, that you should return at once, if the regiment wasordered on service. "

"It is kind, indeed, of him, " Desmond said, "but I doubt whetherthe colonel will assent. It is not a month since I was dismissedfrom drill, and took my place with my company, and I doubt whetherhe will consider that I am sufficiently versed in my duties, orthat, after being so short a time in the regiment, I have anyright to leave. "

"What you say is right enough, under ordinary circumstances, butthese are altogether extraordinary. Then, after what you havedone, he will feel it but natural that we should wish to have youwith us for a time. Moreover, I do not consider that our journeywill be altogether unattended by danger. From what I have heard ofde Tulle, he is a man who never forgives, and will pursue hisobject with the pertinacity of a bloodhound. He has failed in hisfirst attempt, but there is no reason why he should not renew it, confident, perhaps, that if successful the king, though he mayfeel it necessary to feign much anger for a time, will finallyforgive him and take him into favour again, especially as hisfamily would bring all their influence to bear to bring thisabout. Doubtless, he will be kept perfectly informed of what isgoing on here. There are several forests to be traversed on theway, and these are, for the most part, the haunts of robber bands;and, should the carriage be found overturned, and the baron andhis daughter missing, it would be put down as their work. Havingthe baron as well as his daughter in his power, de Tulle wouldfind it easier than before to compel Anne to purchase her father'sfreedom, as well as her own, by consenting to his terms. 

"Therefore, you see, the aid of a sword like yours would bevaluable, and no doubt your servant, who is also a sturdy fighter, will accompany us. "

"I can hardly think that de Tulle would venture upon so bold astroke as that, and yet he might do so. Men of that kind are notaccustomed to be thwarted, and it would be a satisfaction to hisresentment at his former failure, as well as the attainment of thewide estates of which Anne is heiress. "

At this moment there was a knock at the door, and the baronentered. 

"My dear Monsieur Kennedy, " he said, "I have succeeded. ColonelO'Brien has been pleased to say that you have been so assiduous, in learning your duties, that he considers you as capable ofperforming them as any of his subalterns; and that you have justbrought so much credit on the regiment, that he is pleased to beable to grant the favour I asked. Here is your furlough, dulysigned. Now it only rests with yourself, to accept or refuse myinvitation. "

"I accept it most gladly, Baron. It will give me the greatestpleasure to accompany you, and mademoiselle, and Monsieur de laVallee, whom I now regard as a dear friend, to your home. "

"That is settled, then, " the baron said. "We start early onThursday morning. It would be well, therefore, if you were to rideover on Wednesday evening, and occupy one of the many sparechambers there are in the house. "

"I will do so willingly; and I shall ask the colonel to allow myservant to accompany me. "

"That is already settled. I told Colonel O'Brien that I owed muchto him also, and he at once acceded to my request, saying that, although the wound is healing, the surgeon said that it would be afortnight, yet, before he will be fit for service; and, moreover, that it was a custom when an officer went on leave that he should, if he wished it, take his soldier servant with him. "

"Thank you again, Baron. Mike is a faithful fellow, and a shrewdone. I am so accustomed now to his services that I should missthem, and his talk, very much. "

"Have you heard, Mike, " Desmond asked, when his servant came up tohis room, after the baron and Philip de la Vallee had left, "thatyou are to go with me, to stay for a month, at Pointdexter?"

"I have, your honour. Sure, I was sent for to the colonel'squarters, and there I found a tall gentleman, whom I had neverseen before, as far as I knew. 

"'This is Mike Callaghan, Mr. Kennedy's servant, ' the colonelsaid, and the baron stepped forward, and shook hands with me, forall the world as if I had been a noble like himself; and he said:

"'My brave fellow, I have to thank you for the aid you gave yourmaster in rescuing my daughter, in which service you received thewound which still keeps your arm in a sling. Here is a token thatwe are not ungrateful for the service. If you will take my advice, you will hand it to an agent of mine here in Paris, who will keepit for you, and you may find it useful when the time comes for youto take your discharge. '

"So saying, he put a heavy purse into my hand, and said:

"'You will find my agent's name and address on a card inside thepurse. I shall go round to him, now, and tell him that you arecoming, and that he is to use the money to your advantage, and tohand it over to you whenever you choose to ask for it. Your masteris coming down to stay for a month with me, and Colonel O'Brienhas granted leave for you to accompany him. '

"I thanked him heartily, as you may believe, sir; though, as Isaid, I wanted no reward for obeying your orders, and for theshare I took in that little skirmish. After I came out, I lookedinto the purse, which was mighty heavy, expecting to find ahandful of crowns; and it fairly staggered me when I found that itwas full of gold pieces, and on counting them, found that therewere a hundred louis. Never did I dream that I should be so rich. Why, your honour, when I lave the regiment, which will not be formany a long year, I hope, I shall be able to settle downcomfortably, for the rest of my life, in a snug little shebeen, oron a bit of land with a cottage and some pigs, and maybe a cow ortwo; and it is all to your honour I owe it, for if you hadn'tgiven the word, it would never have entered my head to attack agentleman's house, merely because I heard a woman scream. "

"Well, I am heartily glad, Mike; and I hope that you will take itstraight to the agent's, and not break in upon it, by treatinghalf the regiment to drink. "

"I will, your honour. It was given me to stow away for the timewhen I might want it, and though I don't say that my owninclinations would not lead me to trate a few of the boys, I feelthat I ought to do what the gentleman told me. "

"Certainly you should, Mike. If you once began to spend it in thatway, it is not one louis, but five or more, that would disappearin a few hours. I am heartily glad that the baron has sohandsomely rewarded you for the service, and if you like, I willgo round with you this afternoon to his agent, and see the moneysafely deposited. "

"Thank you, your honour. I sha'n't feel easy, as long as I havegot it in my pouch. I should suspict everyone who came near me, and should never dare take my hand off it, lest someone else mightput his in. "

"You are a lucky fellow, Kennedy, " O'Neil said, when Desmond toldhis two comrades of the arrangements that had been made. "And, ifyou go on like this, the regiment will believe that any goodfortune that may fall to its lot is the result of your luck. "

"I really do not like having leave given to me, when I have beensuch a short time in the regiment. It does not seem fair uponothers. "

"No one will grudge you that, " O'Sullivan said. "It is not as ifwe were at home. Then, of course, everyone would like his turn. But here, although we are soldiers of France, we are as strangersin the land. Here in Paris we have many acquaintances, and awelcome at most of the receptions; but that is the end of it. Itis seldom, indeed, that we are invited into the country houses ofthose we know. That sort of hospitality is not the fashion inFrance. Here, nobles may throw open their houses to all gentlemenby birth who happen to be presented to them, but at home they arerigidly exclusive; and, moreover, I am inclined to think theyregard us Irishmen as detrimental and dangerous. Many Irishmenmake exceedingly good matches, and we are regarded as having a waywith us, with the girls, that is likely to interfere with thearrangements their parents have made for their marriages. Now, itseems to me that your baron must be a very confiding oldgentleman, or he would never take you to stay in the society ofthe young lady who owes so much to you. Faith, it seems to me thatyou have the ball at your feet, and that you have only to go inand win. From what I hear, Mademoiselle Pointdexter is no olderthan you are yourself, and it is a glorious chance for you. "

Desmond broke into a laugh. 

"My dear O'Sullivan, " he said, "it seems to me that it is thefavourite dream of Irish soldiers of fortune, that they mayimprove their circumstances by marriage. "

"Well, there is no easier or more pleasant way, " his friend said, stoutly. 

"Possibly I may come to think so, in another ten years, " Desmondwent on, "but, at present, I have no more thought of marrying thanI have of becoming king of France. The idea is altogether absurd, and it happens to be particularly so, in the present case, sinceone of the objects of my going down to Pointdexter is that I maybe present at the formal betrothal of this young lady, to Monsieurde la Vallee, a neighbour of theirs, whom I had the pleasure ofmeeting this afternoon, and to whom she is tenderly attached. "

"By the powers, but that is unlucky, Kennedy!" O'Neil said; "and Ihave been thinking that your fortune was made, and that theregiment would soon lose you, as you would, of course, settle downas a magnate in Languedoc; and now, it seems that what we thoughtthe proper sequence of your adventure, is not to come off, afterall. Well, lad, I congratulate you on putting a good face on it, and hiding your disappointment. "

"What nonsense you talk!" Desmond said, laughing. "It is you whohave been building castles, not I, and it is your disappointmentthat they have fallen to pieces. "

Chapter 6: An Ambuscade. 

On the morning arranged, the cavalcade started from Versailles. The baron had instructed the stable keeper, where the carriage andhorses had been placed, to notify the Vicomte de Tulle that heheld them at his disposal. The woman, who had been brought toVersailles, had been dismissed, after having made before amagistrate a deposition, stating how Mademoiselle de Pointdexterhad been held a close prisoner, and that, with the exception ofherself, no one whatever had entered her apartment, except thatthe Vicomte de Tulle had paid her a visit, of some five minutes'duration, on the morning after she was brought there. A copy ofthis was left in the magistrate's hands for safekeeping, while theoriginal was kept by the baron, who regarded it as a mostimportant document, concerning, as it did, the honour of hisdaughter. 

Anne had travelled to Paris in the family coach, and she again, with her maid, took her place in it. The baron, Monsieur de laVallee, and Desmond rode on horseback behind it, two armedretainers rode in front, and two others, with Mike, took theirplaces behind. The old servitor sat on the front seat, by the sideof the coachman. 

"I do not think, Desmond, " Philip de la Vallee said, as the baronfell back to talk for a while with his daughter, "that he has theslightest thought of our being attacked by any of the agents ofthe vicomte; but I have made a good many enquiries about thefellow, in the past few days, and from what I have heard I amstill more convinced that, before long, he is likely to renew hisattempt to get possession of Anne. I hear that his circumstancesare well-nigh desperate. He has mortgaged the income of hisestates, which, of course, he is unable to sell, as they go withthe title to the heir. He is pressed by many creditors, who, nowthat he has lost the favour of the king, will give him no furthergrace. Indeed, I understand that the king, who is always liberal, and who not infrequently makes considerable gifts to the gentlemenof the court, to enable them to support the necessary expenses, has already assisted him several times, and that it was only bysuch aid that he has been able to hold on as long as he has done. 

"He is, in fact, a desperate man, and his only hope is in making awealthy alliance. Therefore, putting aside his pique and anger athaving failed, the temptation to again obtain possession of Anneis great, indeed. Once married to her he could, even if the kingkept him in banishment, well maintain his position as a countrymagnate. "

"But Mademoiselle de Pointdexter cannot come into the estatesuntil her father's death. "

"Not his estates, but those of her mother, who was also a wealthyheiress, and of which she will enter into possession either oncoming of age or on marrying. So, you see, he can afford todisregard the enmity of her father, as well as the displeasure ofthe king, which probably would soon abate after the marriage tookplace. If I had known, when I left home, what had happened, andthat if she was found we should be returning home, I would havebrought with me a dozen stout fellows from my own estate. As itis, I sent off a messenger, yesterday, with an order to mymajordomo to pick out that number of active fellows, from amongthe tenantry, and to start with the least possible delay by theroute that we shall follow, of which I have given him particulars. He is to ride forward until he meets us, so that when he joins us, we shall be too strong a party for any force that the vicomte islikely to gather to intercept us. "

"A very wise precaution, Philip; but we shall be far upon our way, before this reinforcement can come up. "

"We shall be some distance, I admit. My messenger will take fullyfive days in going. He will take another day to gather and arm thetenants, so that they will not start until two days afterwards. Then, however, they will travel at least twice as fast as weshall, hampered as we are by the carriage. I should have suggestedthat Anne should ride on a pillion, behind me or her father, but Idid not do so, because it would have been necessary to explain tohim my reasons for suggesting the change; and, moreover, I feltsure that he would not agree to it, had I done so. BaronPointdexter is one of the largest landowners in Languedoc, andalthough one of the kindest and best of men, he has his full shareof family pride, and would consider that it was derogatory to hisposition for his daughter to be riding about on a pillion, likethe wife or daughter of some small landed proprietor or tenantfarmer, instead of in a carriage, as becomes her station. Therefore, I must accept the situation, carriage and all, and Ican only hope that this villain will not attempt to interfere withus before my men join us. 

"Fortunately, even if a courier take the vicomte word that thebaron and his daughter have made their adieus to His Majesty, thefellow cannot hear of it for two days, however fast the messengermay travel. Of course, Tulle is nigh a hundred miles nearer Paristhan Pointdexter, which lies between Florac and Sainte Afrique, both of which towns lie within the circle of the estate. I admitthat, foreseeing the baron is likely to return to his estateswithout delay, the vicomte may have made his preparations, and beready to start as soon as he gets the news. Nevertheless, he willhave a ride of some eighty miles to strike the road on which weshall be travelling. He may then move north, until he finds somesuitable place for a surprise; but, even allowing for hisexercising the greatest speed, we should be halfway from Parisbefore we can possibly meet him, and my men should join us by thattime. "

"You have forgotten one contingency, which would entirely alterthe state of things. "

"What is that?" Monsieur de la Vallee asked sharply. 

"We give this villain noble credit for resource and enterprise. What more likely than that he has left a couple of his retainersat Versailles, with orders that, should any messenger be sent offby a southern road from the baron, his journey is to be cut short, and any paper or letter found upon him carried with all speed toTulle? In that case, the chances of our being met by a reinforcementare very small. "

"Peste! You are right, Desmond. I never gave the matter a thought. Now that you mention it, nothing is more probable. It was theservant who accompanied me whom I sent off, but, as de Tulle wouldhave been notified of my arrival, and the man started from thebaron's house, it would be deemed certain that he was either goingto Pointdexter or my own estate, and that the message he carriedwas a somewhat urgent one. Well, all we can do is to hope that thefellow has not thought of our taking such a precaution, and thatmy messenger will arrive unmolested. Still, I acknowledge that theidea makes me anxious, and I fear that we shall not get throughwithout serious trouble. There are so many disbanded soldiers, andother knaves, in the forests that de Tulle would have nodifficulty in hiring any number of them, and carrying his schemeout without the assistance or knowledge of his own tenants. Theheavy taxation necessary to keep up the expenses of the court hasdriven numbers of people to despair, and many hitherto law-abidingfolk are being forced to leave their holdings, and to take tounlawful courses. 

"However, it is of no use our telling the baron our fears. He isobstinate, when he has once made up his mind to a thing, andnothing short of a royal command would induce him either to changehis route, or to stop at one of the towns that we shall passthrough, and wait until my band arrives. He would, indeed, consider his honour greatly attainted by allowing himself to makea change of plans, on the mere chance that our suspicions werejustified. "

Six days passed without anything occurring. Impatient as Philip dela Vallee and Desmond were to get forward, they could not hurrythe slow pace at which they travelled. Mademoiselle Pointdexterwas now suffering from the reaction after her month of captivityand anxiety. The baron therefore travelled with provokingslowness. Obtaining, as he did, relays of horses at each post, they could without difficulty have travelled at almost double therate at which they actually proceeded, but stoppages were made atall towns at which comfortable accommodation could be obtained. Indeed, in some places the roads were so bad that the carriagecould not proceed at a pace beyond a walk, without inflicting aterrible jolting upon those within it. 

"There is one comfort, " Philip said, when he had been bewailingthe slowness of their pace, "my men should reach us at Nevers, atthe latest, and you may take it as tolerably certain that anyattempt to interfere with us will take place considerably south ofthat town. I should guess that it would be somewhere betweenMoulins and Thiers. If our escort does not come before we reachMoulins, I shall begin to think that your suggestion was correct, and that my messenger has indeed been intercepted and slain. "

Desmond could not gainsay the truth of his friend's calculation, but he said:

"Possibly, Philip, instead of being attacked by the way, deTulle's agents might rob him of his letter at one of the inns atwhich he put up. Did he know its contents?"

"Yes. I told him that it contained an order for the majordomo toride, with a troop of twelve men, to meet us, and that he was togive what aid he could in getting them together as quickly aspossible; so that, even if robbed of the letter, he might still beable to fulfil his mission. Not, I own, that I thought of that atthe time, for the idea that he might be stopped never once enteredmy mind. "

At Nevers, Desmond went round to all the inns in the town, toenquire if any body of men had put up at that place, but withoutsuccess. When he related his failure to obtain any news to Philip, the latter said:

"Well, we must hope that we shall meet them before we arrive atMoulins. If not, I shall no longer have any hope that my messengergot through safely, and then we shall have to consider whether itwill not be necessary to inform the baron of our fears, and to gethim to change his route and make a detour, cross the Loire atBourbon, make for Maison, and then journey down on the other bankof the Saone as far as Pont Saint Esprit, and thence over themountains to Florac. "

"That would certainly be the safest plan, always providing that wehave not been watched ever since we left Paris. The vicomte mightwell take this precaution, in case we should deviate from theregular route. "

"Sapriste! Desmond, you are always full of evil prognostications. Still, as usual, I cannot but allow that there is reason in them. "

"You see, Philip, we have plenty of time, as we travel at asnail's pace, and in the evening when we stop, to think over theaffair in every light. I always put myself in the position of theVicomte de Tulle, and consider what steps I should take to ensuresuccess in my next attempt to carry off Mademoiselle dePointdexter. "

"Then I am very glad that you are not in the position of de Tulle, for, if you were, I should consider that all was lost, and thatthere was not a chink or crevice by which we could escape. It ismonstrous that a nobleman cannot travel from Paris to his estate, without being obliged to take as many precautions as the generalof an army would have to do, against the attack of an active andformidable enemy. "

"And will you tell the baron, Philip?"

"I hardly know what to do in that respect, for after all, we haveno solid foundation whatever for our uneasiness, beyond the factthat the men I sent for have not met us. All our apprehensions aredue solely to the fact that this fellow is utterly unscrupulous, and that his whole future depends on his carrying out his insolentdesigns successfully. If we had any solid facts to work on, Iwould urge the baron to change his route, but I fear that he wouldnot only scoff at our views that there may be danger, but might beangry at my taking the step of sending for a party of myretainers, without his being in any way consulted in the matter. At any rate, I feel sure that he would refuse to change his route, without some very much stronger reason than we can give him. "

"Then we must let matters go on as they are, Philip. It may bethat really we have been alarming ourselves without sufficientcause. If the worst comes to the worst, we can make a good fightfor it. "

"It is certainly hard on you. You have performed one brave actionfor us, at the risk of your life, and now you are thrust intoanother danger, perhaps even greater than the first, and this in aquarrel in which you have no concern whatever. "

Desmond laughed. 

"Do you not see, Philip, that the adventure is good training for asoldier, and that, if I am on duty in command of a company, Ishall be all the more useful an officer for having served a sortof apprenticeship in surprises, ambuscades, and alarms. Thejourney has been vastly more interesting than it would have beenunder other circumstances. We should have found it dull, withoutsuch matter of interest as this affair has given us, and, evenshould nothing whatever come of it, it will have served itspurpose by beguiling our journey, which, in truth, riding at soslow a pace, would otherwise scarce have been amusing. "

"Well, then, it seems that the only thing that we can do is to seethat the servants all keep their pistols charged, and are preparedto do their duty in case of sudden attack. Of course, at presentthey have no idea that any special danger threatens us; but Ishall tell them, before I start in the morning, that we fear theroad is dangerous owing to a band of robbers reported to be in theforest, and that they must hold themselves in readiness foraction, in case we fall in with any of them. Old Eustace and thecoachman have both got arquebuses. I shall tell them that, shouldthey be attacked, they are to fire at once, and then the coachmanis to whip up his horses and drive at full speed, while weendeavour to keep off the assailants. "

"That would be of use, if the assailants should be for the mostpart on foot, but I think it more likely that they will bemounted, and however fast this lumbering carriage might go, theycould easily keep up with it. Fight as hard as we may, thecarriage must be overtaken if they are in sufficient force tooverpower us. I should think that it would be well that you shouldwarn Mademoiselle de Pointdexter that we hear the road is not verysafe, and that, if there is trouble, she is on no account toattempt to leave the carriage. As long as she remains there shewill run but little risk, for you may be sure that de Tulle willhave issued the strictest orders that no pistol is to be fired inits direction. I have also little doubt that he has ordered thebaron's life to be respected, because his death would greatly addto the anger that would be excited by the attack, and would alsoput a barrier between him and mademoiselle, who would naturallyregard him with even more hostility than before, as the author ofher father's death. Therefore, I trust that in any case his lifeand hers will not be endangered, however numerous our assailantsmight be. "

"Yes, I have no doubt that that is so, Desmond, though I am surethat, were I wounded and on the point of death, I would ratherknow that Anne had fallen by a chance shot, than that she was inthe power of this villain. "

The next morning, they started very early for Moulins, for thejourney would be a longer one than usual, and the road through theforest would probably be so rough, that the pace must necessarilybe very slow. At two o'clock, the men riding ahead noticed that atree had fallen across the road, and one of them galloped back andinformed the baron of it. 

"That is strange, " the latter said. "There have been no storms forthe past two days. It must have fallen quite recently, forotherwise the news would have been taken to the nearest commune, whose duty it would be to see at once to its removal. "

Philip de la Vallee had, as the servant was speaking, glanced atDesmond. To both, it seemed that this obstacle could scarcely bethe result of an accident. 

"I will see how large the tree is, " the baron said. "Whatever beits size, it is hard if eight men and four horses cannot drag itoff the road. "

So saying, he cantered forward, followed by the retainer, whosecomrade also fell in as they passed him. 

"Look to your arquebuses, " Philip said to the two men on the box, and at the same time called up Mike and the two men, from behind. 

"A tree has fallen across the road, " he said to them, "and it ispossible that this may be an ambush, and that we may be attacked, so hold yourselves in readiness, look to your pistols, and seethat the priming is all right in the pans. "

Then they went to the door of the carriage. 

"It is just possible that we are going to have trouble, Anne, "Philip said. "Remember what I told you last night, and on noaccount move from your seat, whatever may take place. "

As he spoke, there was a discharge of firearms in front, and atthe same moment a score of horsemen broke from the trees, and rodedown upon the carriage. Their leader was masked. 

As they came up, the coachman and Eustace discharged theirarquebuses, emptying two saddles. Then, drawing their swords, bothleapt to the ground. In the meantime Philip, Desmond, and thethree men dashed at their assailants. Philip made for theirleader, who, he doubted not, was the Vicomte de Tulle, but thelatter drew a pistol and fired, when he was within a horse'slength of him. The young man swayed in his saddle, and fellheavily to the ground, while a piercing cry from the carriage rosein the air. 

Desmond, after cutting down the first man he encountered, turnedhis horse and attacked the masked figure, who met him with a furythat showed he was animated by personal animosity. His skill infencing, however, gave him but slight advantage in such anencounter, while Desmond's exercise with the sabre, in theregimental salle d'armes, was now most useful to him. Enraged atthe fall of his friend, and seeing that there was but a moment tospare, for already some of the other assailants were coming to theassistance of their chief, he showered his blows with suchvehemence and fury that his opponent had enough to do to guard hishead, without striking a blow in return. 

Seeing in a moment that he would be surrounded, Desmond made alast effort. The vicomte's weapon shivered at the stroke, but itsomewhat diverted the direction of the blow, and instead ofstriking him full on the head, the sword shore down his cheek, inflicting a ghastly wound, carrying away an ear as well as thecheek from the eye to the chin. Then, wheeling his horse, hedashed at two men who were riding at him. 

The attack was so sudden that one of their horses swerved, andDesmond, touching his charger's flank with a spur, rode at him andhurled horse and rider to the ground. A backhanded blow struck hisother opponent full in the throat, and then he dashed into thewood, shouting to Mike to follow him. 

The two servitors had both fallen, and the greater part of theassailants were gathered round the carriage. Mike was engaged in asingle combat with one of the horsemen, and had just run hisopponent through when Desmond shouted to him; so, turning, hegalloped after his master. 

They were not pursued. The fall of their leader had, for themoment, paralysed the band, and while three or four of themremained by the carriage--whose last defender had fallen--theothers, dismounting, ran to where the vicomte was lying. 

"That has been a tough business, your honour, " Mike said, as hejoined his master. "It is right you were, sir, when you told methat you were afraid that rascal would try and hinder us on ourway. Sure it has been a bad business, altogether. Monsieur Philipis killed, and the baron, too, I suppose, and all the others, andMiss Anne has fallen into the hands of that villain again. "

"I do not think that the baron has been hurt, Mike. I expect theorders were only to take him prisoner. "

"Where are we going, your honour?" Mike asked, for they were stillgalloping at full speed. 

"I am going to get into the road again, and try to find help, atMoulins, to recover the young lady. There is one thing, she is notlikely to be molested by that fellow for some little time. "

"Then you did not kill him, your honour?"

"No. I cut through his guard, but it turned my sword. But I laidhis face open, and it will be some time before he will be fit toshow himself to a lady. If, as I expect, I can get no help atMoulins, I shall ride on to Monsieur de la Vallee's place, gathersome men there, and try to cut the party off before they get toTulle. If I am too late, I shall see what I can do to rescue them. From la Vallee I shall go to Pointdexter. I have no doubt that wecan get together a force, there, large enough to besiege deTulle's castle. "

After an hour's ride, they arrived at Moulins, and Desmond rode atonce to the mairie. Being in uniform, he was received with everyrespect by the mayor, who, however, on hearing his story, saidthat he did not see how he could interfere in the matter. Itseemed to be a private quarrel between two nobles, and, even if hewere ready to interpose, he had no force available; "but at thesame time, he would send out four men, with a cart, to bring inany they might find with life in them. "

"Very well, sir, " Desmond said, indignantly. "You know your duty, I suppose, and I know mine, and I shall certainly report to theking your refusal to give any assistance to punish these illdoers. "

So saying, he left the room, and at once rode to some stables. Leaving his horse and Mike's there, he hired others, and thencontinued his journey south at full speed, and before evening rodeinto Roanne. He knew that it was useless, endeavouring to stir upthe authorities here, as they would naturally say that it was thebusiness of the mayors at Nevers and Moulins, since the attack hadtaken place between those towns. Ordering fresh horses to be gotready, he said to Mike:

"Do you go to all the inns on the left of the main street--I willgo to all those on the right--and enquire if a troop of mountedmen have come in. I am afraid there is no chance of it, but it isat least worth the trial. "

At the first four or five places he visited, the answer was thatno such party had arrived; then, seeing one of the civic guards, he asked him if he had seen or heard of a troop of men passingthrough the town. 

"Such a troop arrived an hour ago, Monsieur l'officier. Theystopped, as they passed me, and asked if Monsieur le BaronPointdexter, accompanied by a carriage and some servants, hadpassed through the town. They put up at the Soleil, and I shouldthink that they are there now, for they had evidently made a longjourney, and their horses were too worn out to go farther. "

Delighted at the unexpected news, Desmond hurried to the inn. Itwas a second-class establishment, and evidently frequented bymarket people, as there were large stables attached to it. Thelandlord was standing at the door. He bowed profoundly, for it wasseldom that guests of quality visited the inn. 

"What can I do for monsieur?" he enquired. 

"You have a party of travellers, who arrived an hour ago. I havebusiness with them. "

"You will find them in this room, monsieur, " the landlord said, opening a door. 

There were some twelve men inside. The remains of a repast were onthe table. Some of the men were still sitting there, others werealready asleep on benches. One, who was evidently their leader, was walking up and down the room impatiently. He looked up insurprise when Desmond entered. 

"You are the intendant of Monsieur de la Vallee, are you not?"

"I am, sir, " the man said, still more surprised. 

"I am a friend of your master. We have been expecting to meet you, for the past four or five days. He was travelling south with theBaron de Pointdexter and his daughter. We were attacked, thisafternoon, on the other side of Moulins. The baron and hisdaughter were, I believe, carried off; the servants all killed. Isaw your master fall, but whether mortally wounded or not I cannotsay. 

"I and my servant cut our way through the assailants, who were ledby the Vicomte de Tulle, who had before carried off Mademoisellede Pointdexter. I was on my way south to la Vallee, with but fainthope of meeting you on the road. "

"This is bad news indeed, sir, " the intendant said. "I trust thatmy master is not killed, for we all loved him. As to MademoisellePointdexter, it was an understood thing that she, one day, wouldbe our mistress. 

"It is not our fault that we are so late. Our master's messengerwas attacked, near Nevers, and was left for dead on the road. Theletter he bore, and his purse, were taken from him. The night aircaused his wounds to stop bleeding, and he managed to crawl toMoulins. Having no money, he was unable to hire a horse, andindeed could not have sat one. He went to an inn frequented bymarket people, and there succeeded in convincing an honestpeasant, who had come in with a cart of faggots, that his storywas a true one, and promised him large pay on his arrival at laVallee. 

"The pace was, as you may imagine, a slow one, but two days ago hearrived home, and told me the story. I had the alarm bell at thecastle rung at once, and in half an hour the tenants came in, andI chose these twelve, and started an hour later. Fortunately, themaster had told the messenger what was the purport of his letter, and we have ridden night and day since. I am at your service, monsieur. "

"In the first place, let your men have a sleep. It is eighto'clock now. I will give them seven hours. At three in themorning, we will mount. There are not beds enough here, but if youget some clean straw scattered down in one of the sheds, the mencan lie there. In the meantime, I will go round and hire freshhorses, leaving your own in pledge for their safe return. 

"You had better pick out two of your men to ride on to Moulins. The mayor there promised to send out a cart, to fetch in anywounded who might be found at the scene of the conflict. If, ontheir arrival, they find that Monsieur de la Vallee is not amongthese, they must ride on till they get there--it is some threeleagues from the town--and bring in his body, together with thoseof his servants. They must arrange to give them Christian burialthere, but your master's body they will, of course, take on to laVallee. 

"His last wish, of course, would be that Mademoiselle dePointdexter should be rescued from the power of the villain noblewho has carried her off. Starting in the morning so early, weshall have no difficulty in cutting him off long before he arrivesat Tulle. He will probably cross the Alier at the ferry at SaintPierre le Moutier. I must look at a map, and see the road that heis likely to follow, but it is probable that he will make bycountry tracks till he strikes the main road from Moulins. "

"Well, I should think, sir, that he would cross it near Aubusson, and then pass over the mountains by the road through Felletin, andcome down upon Meimac, when he will be only two leagues from hiscastle near Correze. There is a good road from here to Aubusson, and we might take post on the road between that town and Felletin. At least, sir, we can avenge the murder of our dear master, thoughwe have arrived too late to save him; and can rescue Mademoisellede Pointdexter and her father. "

The men, who had roused themselves and listened to theconversation with many ejaculations of fury and regret, nowexclaimed that they were ready to ride on at once. 

"There is no occasion for that, my friends, " Desmond said. "Thecoach with mademoiselle can travel but slowly, especially alongcountry roads. "

"Perhaps the vicomte may take her on the saddle behind him, " theintendant suggested. 

"That he will not do, " Desmond said. "In the fight I wounded himso sorely that he will, I think, have to be carried in a litter, and he will be in no condition for fast or long travelling, sothat they certainly are not, at the present time, many leaguesfrom the spot where they attacked us, and cannot reach Aubussonuntil the day after tomorrow. We might cut them off before theyarrive there, but we do not know what road they may follow, andmight miss them; whereas, from what you say, there can be no doubtthat they would pass through Felletin. "

"I think that he would be sure to come that way, sir, for if hefollowed the road on to Limoges questions might be asked. At anyrate, sir, we might post a man at Aubusson, and another at PontGibaut, as he might make from that town to Felletin through thevillage of Croc. How many men has he with him?"

"That I cannot tell you. Some twenty mounted men, under his ownleading, attacked the carriage. Two were shot by Eustace and thecoachman. I disposed of two more, and my soldier servant ofanother. The two mounted men and the two servants probably killedtwo or three more, at least, before they themselves fell, so thatthe vicomte would only have some twelve mounted men with him. Butthere was another party in ambush, and I cannot say how strongthey were; but probably, altogether, there would be twenty. 

"There are ten of your men, after sending two off to Moulins. Nowthere is yourself, my servant, and I, so we shall be thirteen. With the advantage of surprise, I think that we may calculate uponan easy victory, especially as I imagine that the men employed inthe affair are not de Tulle's own retainers, but some robber bandthat he hired for the purpose; and these, having no specialinterest in the matter beyond earning the pay, are not likely tomake any very determined resistance. "

Desmond now went back to the hotel where he had put up his horse. He found Mike awaiting him there, and the latter was delightedwhen he heard the news of the arrival of the party from la Vallee. Desmond's purse was but lightly furnished, and as he saw that theexpenses might be heavy, he went to a jeweller's. 

"I want to borrow fifty louis, " he said, "on this ring. It is, Iimagine, worth a good deal more, since it was a present to me fromthe king. "

The jeweller examined the ring carefully. 

"It is a valuable one, indeed, sir, " he said, "and I wouldwillingly lend you double as much upon it. "

"Well, we will say seventy-five, then, " Desmond said. "I thinkthat will be ample for my purpose. "

Having received the money, he returned to the inn, accompanied byMike; and went round to the various stables in the town, where hehired fifteen horses. These were to be taken to the Soleil, atthree in the morning, and the men who brought them were to takeback the tired horses as security. 

At that hour, the party started, and after a ride of somethirty-five miles reached Clermont, where they stabled the horsesfor six hours. Late that evening they arrived at Aubusson, havingaccomplished a journey of some seventy miles. One of the men hadbeen left at Pont Gibaut, with orders to take a fresh horse andride on to Aubusson, if the party they were in search of passedthrough the town. 

At Aubusson, Desmond took a fresh horse and rode back to PontGibaut, enquiring at all the villages along the road whether aparty of twenty men had been seen to cross the road, at any point. Then he took four hours' sleep, and at daybreak started backagain, making fresh enquiries till he arrived at Aubusson. He wasconvinced that the band had not, at that time, crossed the road onits way south. 

At ten o'clock he started out with his party, followed the road bythe side of the Crorrere river--here a mere streamlet--and haltedin a wood about five miles from Felletin. 

At six o'clock in the afternoon, a horseman was seen coming along, and was recognized as the man who had been left at Pont Gibaut. Desmond went out to meet him. He reported that, at twelve o'clock, a party of horsemen had come down on to the road a mile to thewest of the town. He had followed at a distance, and they hadturned off by the track leading to Croc. They had with them acarriage and a horse litter, and were travelling slowly. 

Desmond and his men at once shifted their position, and took up apost on the track between Croc and Felletin. An hour later, theparty of horsemen were seen approaching the wood in which theywere hidden. Desmond drew up the men, all of whom were armed withpistols, as well as swords, in line among the trees. He waiteduntil the carriage was abreast of them, and then gave a shout, andthe men at once dashed upon the escort. 

Taken completely by surprise, these made but a poor fight of it. Several were shot down at once. The vicomte, whose head wasenveloped in bandages, leapt into the saddle of a horse whoserider had been shot, and, drawing his sword, rode at Desmond, whowas making for the door of the carriage. Expecting no such attack, he would have been taken by surprise had not Mike, who saw hisdanger, shouted a warning, and at the same moment discharged hispistol. The ball struck de Tulle in the forehead, and he fell backdead. 

His fall at once put an end to the conflict. The robbers, who hadlost some eight of their number, at once turned their horses'heads and rode off at full gallop. 

As Desmond drew bridle by the carriage, the door opened, and thebaron leapt out. 

"By what miracle have you effected our rescue, my dear MonsieurKennedy?" he exclaimed. "My daughter told me that she saw you andyour servant break your way through these brigands, and ride off. She has been suffering an agony of grief for Philip, whom she sawshot. Have you any news of him?"

"None, sir. I, too, saw him fall, but whether he was killed, oronly wounded, I am unable to say. I have sent two men to bring himinto Moulins, and I trust they will find that he is only wounded. "

"My daughter saw you cut down that villain with a terrible blow. We have not seen him since, but we know that he was carried on ahorse litter behind the carriage. "

"At any rate, he will trouble you no more, Baron. My man shot himthrough the head, just as he was riding to attack me from behind. "

"Thank God! We are saved from further persecutions! And now, tellme how you came to be here. "

"It was simple enough, Baron. I found twelve men, with Monsieur dela Vallee's intendant, at Roanne. Philip, who feared that thevicomte would endeavour to make a further effort to repair hisfortune, by carrying your daughter off on the road, sent amessenger to his intendant to ride at once, with twelve men, tomeet us; and, had all gone well, they would have joined us fullytwo days' journey north of Nevers. The messenger was attacked onthe way, robbed of his letter and purse, and left for dead. Hemanaged to crawl to Nevers, and there, being too weak and ill tosit a horse, he hired a peasant's cart and made the journey, slowly and painfully, to la Vallee. As he knew the purport of theletter, two hours after his arrival there the intendant started, and rode, without drawing bridle, to Roanne. There, by great goodfortune, I found them, though men and horses were alike done up. Knowing, however, that the vicomte, in his wounded state, andembarrassed with the coach, could proceed but slowly, I let themhave seven hours' sleep, and in the meantime hired fresh horsesfor them; and we rode that day to Aubusson, and this morning moveddown to within five miles of Felletin. I left a man on the road toPont Gibaut, and he brought us word that you had left the mainroad, and were travelling through Croc, so we moved at once tointercept you; and you know the rest. "

Chapter 7: In Paris Again. 

"You have indeed done well, Monsieur Kennedy, " the baron said, when Desmond finished his story. 

"Now, let us see to my daughter. Her maid is attending on her. Shefainted when the fight began. She is not of a fainting sort, butthe trials of the last few weeks, and her belief that de la Valleewas killed, have very much upset her. "

"No wonder, " Desmond said. "It must have been terrible, indeed, tolose her lover, and to know that she was again in the power ofthat villain. 

"And you, Baron; how did you escape the fate that befell the restof your convoy?"

"We had ridden close up to the tree, when suddenly there was adischarge of firearms. The two men with me fell at once. I wasunhurt, but as I turned my horse he fell dead, three bulletshaving pierced his chest. Before I could recover my feet, therascals were upon me. They evidently intended to take me alive, for they were provided with ropes, and, binding my arms, hurriedme back to the carriage. 

"By the time we got there, all was over. My faithful Eustace andthe coachman lay dead by the side of the carriage. They had foughtstoutly, for three of the brigands lay beside them. Six otherswere scattered near, and the brigands were gathered round a fallenman, who I guessed was their leader. 

"I found Anne in a state of the wildest grief. She told me thatshe had seen Philip shot by the vicomte, just as he was attackinghim, and that you in turn had cut down the villain. 

"For half an hour, nothing was done, and then one, who wasevidently in authority over the others, left the troop and came upto the carriage. 

"'Monsieur le Baron, ' he said, 'the orders of my chief are thatyou are to be placed in the carriage, with your daughter and hermaid. If you will give your word of honour that you will notattempt to escape, or to give the alarm as you go along, or toaddress a word to anyone whom we may encounter, your arms will befreed, and you will be treated with all respect. If, on thecontrary, you decline to give this promise, my instructions arethat your feet as well as your hands are to be tied, and that youare to be gagged and placed in the bottom of the carriage. You arealso to answer for your daughter and her maid; that they, too, neither by word nor gesture, shall attempt to attract theattention of anyone in the villages that we may pass through. "

"It was a hard condition, but I had no choice. The idea that Ishould suffer the indignity of being bound and gagged, like acommon malefactor, made my blood boil. I should, in that case, nomore be able to give the alarm than if I had been free; thereforeI gave the promise, for at least it would be a comfort, to Anne, that I should be with her and able to talk to her. 

"We stopped two nights on the road, being lodged at solitaryhouses on the way. A guard was placed at my chamber door, andanother at my window, and even had I not given my word I could nothave escaped. 

"And now, Monsieur Kennedy, what do you propose?"

"I think, sir, that it would be best that you should start atonce, in the carriage, for Pointdexter. Monsieur Philip'sintendant and his men will ride as your escort, but I do not thinkthat there is the slightest probability of your being interferedwith; for now that the vicomte is dead, these men--who were not, Ithink, his retainers, but a band of robbers whom he had hired forthe occasion--will have no further motive for attacking you. 

"I myself shall return to Aubusson, send back the horse on which Irode there, hire another, and make straight for Moulins, where Istill hope that I may find Monsieur de la Vallee alive. 

"Did you see the vicomte, after you were attacked?"

"No. I heard one of the men tell the fellows who were guarding usthat your stroke had cut off one of his ears, and laid his cheekbare from the eye to the chin. I fancy that he was too badly hurtto come to us, but in any case he would not have cared to showhimself, in so terrible a plight. "

"We must admit that, with all his faults, he was brave, " Desmondsaid; "for, in spite of his pain and weakness, and of the factthat his head was enveloped in bandages, he sprang from hislitter, leapt into one of the saddles we had emptied, and, singlehanded, made for me, until my man cut his career short with abullet. 

"As you go through Croc, it might be well that you should send oneof the villagers off to his castle, to tell them that their masteris lying dead here, when doubtless they will send out a party tofetch in his body. "

By this time, Mademoiselle de Pointdexter had recovered from herfaint. She held out her hand to Desmond, as he stood bareheadedbeside the door. 

"You have rescued me again, Monsieur Kennedy, " she said; "for, though life seems worthless to me now, you have saved me from farworse than death. That you have so saved me, for my father's sakeas well as my own, I thank you with all my heart. "

"I would have you still hope, mademoiselle. We know that Monsieurde la Vallee fell, but many men fall from their horses whenwounded, even when the wound is not vital. I am riding at once toMoulins, and trust to find him still alive. Therefore, I pray youdo not give up all hope. "

"I dare not let myself hope, " she said. "It would be but to sufferanother blow. Still, I feel that I have so much to be thankful forthat, grievous as my sorrow is, I shall try to bear it, with thehelp of the Holy Virgin. "

The party now separated. The baron mounted one of the horses leftbehind by the brigands, and with the men from la Vallee startedfor Pointdexter; while Desmond, with Mike Callaghan, rode back toAubusson. 

There they slept for a few hours, and then obtained fresh horsesand started for Moulins, where they arrived late in the evening. They alighted at the Soleil, where Desmond had ordered the twomen, who had gone on from Roanne, to bring the body of Monsieur dela Vallee. 

"The gentleman is not here, sir, " the landlord said, as he came tothe door. "He was brought into the town by the men sent out by themayor. As, by his dress, he was evidently a gentleman of quality, they took him straight to the Couronne. "

"Was he alive?"

"Yes, sir; but, as I hear, the surgeons are unable to decide yetwhether he will live. The men you sent here arrived the day afterhe was brought in. They told me that you would return, and puttheir horses here, but they are now in attendance on the woundedgentleman, who, it seems, is their lord. "

"Thank God, he is alive!" Desmond exclaimed. "I have news for himthat will do more than the surgeons can to restore him tohimself. "

Leaving Mike to see the horses stabled, he hurried away to theother hotel. He sent up his name, and one of the surgeons camedown. 

"Monsieur de la Vallee is very ill, " he said, "although his woundis not necessarily mortal. This morning we succeeded in extractingthe ball, but he is in a terribly weak state. He is unable tospeak above a whisper, and does not seem to care to make anyeffort. It would appear that he even does not wish to live. "

"I have news that will put fresh life into him. "

"Then by all means go in and see him, sir. We have thought that heis fast sinking; but if the news you bring can rouse him intomaking an effort to live, he may yet recover. I will go in andgive him a strong restorative, and tell him that you are here. "

In three or four minutes, he came to the door of the chamber, andbeckoned to Desmond to enter. 

"The sound of your name has roused him from the lethargy, intowhich he seemed sinking, " he whispered. "When I told him that Icould not allow you to enter, until he had taken the draught thatI gave him, he swallowed it eagerly. "

Desmond went up to the bedside, and took the hand which lay on thecoverlet. The pressure was slightly returned, and Philip's lipsmoved, but he spoke so faintly that Desmond had to lean over him, to hear the words. 

"I am glad, indeed, that you are safe and sound. I have beenreproaching myself, bitterly, that I should have brought you intothis fatal business. As to the rest of it, I dare not even thinkof it; but I shall die all the easier for knowing that you haveescaped. "

"I escaped for a good purpose, Philip. I have good news for you. Monsieur le Baron and mademoiselle are on their way to Pointdexter, under the guard of your men. "

"Is it possible, Desmond, or are you only saying it to rouse me?"

"Not at all, Philip. You do not suppose that, even for thatpurpose, I would hold out false hopes to you; or tell an untruthon a matter so vital to your happiness. "

Philip's eyes closed, but his lips moved, and Desmond knew that hewas returning thanks to God for this unlooked-for news. 

"How did it happen?" Philip said, after a silence of some minutes. 

His voice was much stronger than before, and there was a fainttouch of colour in his cheeks. The surgeon nodded approvingly toDesmond, and murmured, "I think that he will live. "

"It is too long a story to tell you in full, now, " Desmond said. "Seeing that all was lost, that you were down, and that furtherresistance was absolutely fruitless, Mike and I cut our way out;the more easily since I had struck down their leader, de Tulle, and most of his band had crowded round him. At Roanne I found yourmen, who had just arrived there. It matters not now why they hadbeen detained. I got fresh horses for them and rode for Correze, placed an ambush, and turned the tables upon them. Mike shot thevicomte, and we easily defeated his followers, and rescued thebaron and his daughter. I sent them to Pointdexter under charge ofyour intendant and followers, and rode hither, hoping against hopethat I might find you still alive. Your two men, who came on here, could have told you that I had escaped. "

"I did not allow them to speak to monsieur, " the surgeon said, "oreven to see him. They are below, greatly grieved at being refusedentry; but I told them that any agitation might be fatal to theirmaster, and that they could do nothing for him if they came up;for indeed, up to the time when we extracted the ball, he wasunconscious. 

"And now, monsieur, I think that it were best you should retire. Ishall give Monsieur de la Vallee a soothing draught. A night'srest will be of vital importance to him. And now that you haverelieved his mind of the load that has evidently weighed upon him, I think there is little doubt that he will soon fall asleep. "

"I will go and have supper, " Desmond said, "for I have riddenfifty miles since I last ate, and then it was but a piece of breadwith a draught of wine. After that I will, with your permission, return here, and if you tell me that he sleeps, will take my placeby his bedside till morning. "

"To that I have no objection, " the surgeon said. "I and acolleague have, one or other, been with him since he was broughtin; and I shall be glad of a rest, myself. "

Desmond returned to the Soleil, where he had left Mike. Thelatter, who had just finished his supper, was delighted to hearthat de la Vallee was likely to recover. After satisfying his ownhunger, Desmond returned to the Couronne. He went upstairs, and, taking off his riding boots, stole to the door of his friend'schamber. It stood a little ajar, and, pushing it open noiselessly, he entered. 

The surgeon, who was sitting at the bedside, rose at once. 

"He is asleep already, " he whispered, "and is breathing quietly. Ithink it likely that he will not stir until tomorrow morning. Ishall be here at six. If he wakes, and there is any change, sendfor me at once. "

After he had left the room, Desmond took his place on the fauteuilby the bedside. For a time, he thought over the singular chain ofadventures that he had gone through. Gradually, in spite of hisefforts, his eyelids drooped. De la Vallee had not moved, and, being dead tired by the exertions of the past four days, he fellinto a deep sleep, from which he did not awake until daylightstreamed into the room. 

Shocked at having thus given way, he looked anxiously at de laVallee, and was relieved to find that he was lying exactly in thesame position, and had evidently slept without once waking. Halfan hour later, Philip opened his eyes, looked wonderingly at him, and then said:

"So, it was not all a good dream, Desmond! You are really here, and your news is true?"

"Certainly, it is true, Philip. By this time Mademoiselle dePointdexter and her father are far on the way home. They were tohave travelled on to Argentan, and then through Aurillac, strikingthe Lozere at Entraigues and proceeding along its banks to Mende, and thence by a road over the hills to Villefort, where they wouldbe twenty miles from Pointdexter. The carriage was to be leftbehind at their first halting place. Mademoiselle was then toride, and her maid to be carried behind one of your men, by whichmeans they would travel more than twice as fast as they would do, if encumbered by the carriage. The baron said that he would spareno pains to get home as quickly as possible, and would send a manon, some hours ahead of him, to see that fresh horses were inreadiness for the whole party at each town they came to. "

"Now tell me all about it, Desmond. I feel another man. Your goodnews, and a long night's sleep, have done wonders for me. Now, please tell me all about the affair. "

Seeing that Philip was so much stronger that he could hear, without being overexcited, the story of the rescue, Desmondrelated all the details to him. 

"You have indeed done wonders, " Philip said. "You do not seem toknow what fatigue is. How strange that you, whose name I had neverheard until ten days back, should have rendered to BaronPointdexter and myself two such inestimable services. 

"And so, after all your exertions and fatigue, you have beenkeeping watch at my bedside all night?"

"I am ashamed to say that I have not been keeping watch, Philip, "Desmond replied with a smile. "I had intended to, but you weresleeping so quietly, and everything was so still, that I went offand slept, as soundly as you have done, until within half an hourof the time when you opened your eyes; but I am sure that I shouldhave awoke at once, had you moved. "

"Then I am glad that I did not move, Desmond, for you must sorelyneed a long sleep, after having passed three days and almost threenights in the saddle. "

The surgeons now arrived, and were delighted at the change thathad taken place in their patient. 

"And when shall I be fit to travel, doctor?"

"Ah, well, we will talk of that in another fortnight's time. Youneed absolute quiet, for were you to move, before your wound isfairly healed, inflammation might set in, and that would throw youback for a very long time. You have had a very narrow escape, andyou are fortunate, indeed, to have got off with only a triflingdetention. "

"But I might be carried in a horse litter?"

"Certainly not, at present, " the surgeon said decidedly. "Possibly, in ten days, you might without danger be so carried, providing they take you in short stages and with easy-pacedhorses; but I should say that it would be still better, were youto be carried on men's shoulders. There is never any difficulty inhiring men, and you could get relays every eight or ten miles, while it would be difficult to get horses accustomed to suchwork. "

"You don't think that I should be able to ride, doctor?"

"Certainly not in less than a month, probably not in six weeks. "

"Then I must be carried, " Philip said. "I should work myself intothe fever you talk of, if I were to be kept here. 

"What are your plans, Desmond?"

"I have not thought of them, yet. At any rate, I shall stay withyou till you are well enough to start. "

"I could not think of that, Desmond. "

"You have no say in the matter, Philip. In the first place, youwill get on all the faster for my being with you. In the nextplace, ten days of my leave are already expired, and were we to goon straight to Pointdexter, I should only have a few days therebefore starting back for Paris, and I must therefore postpone myvisit to some future time. I can stay here ten days, accompany yousome four days on your journey, and then turn back again. "

"A nice way of spending a month's holiday!" Philip grumbled. 

"It will be a holiday that I shall long look back to, " Desmondsaid quietly, "and with pleasure. I do not say that I should nothave enjoyed myself at the baron's chateau, for that I should havedone; but the adventures that I have gone through will remain inmy mind, all my life, as having gained the friendship of yourself, the baron, and his daughter. "

"Friendship seems to me too mild a word for it, Desmond. You haveearned a gratitude so deep that it will be a pain to us, if wecannot show it in deeds. "

"And now, Philip, " Desmond said, changing the subject abruptly, "Isuppose that you will be, at once, sending off one of your menwith the news that you are in a fair way towards recovery. Mademoiselle de Pointdexter is suffering at the thought that youwere probably killed. I did my best to give her hope, but withoutmuch success. Your two retainers have been fretting greatly thatthey were not allowed to see you, but I think that now they can bebrought up, and you can choose one of them to act as yourmessenger. He will, of course, ride post, and can arrive atPointdexter very soon after the baron, if indeed he does not getthere first. If he starts at once, and changes horses at eachplace, he may be there by tomorrow at noon, if not earlier; for itis not more, I believe, than a hundred and twenty miles toPointdexter. If you will dictate a letter for him to take, I willwrite it for you. "

"It must be a short one, " the surgeon said, "just a few words. Monsieur de la Vallee has talked more than is good for him. "

Half an hour later the messenger started, carrying a note with afew words from Philip to Anne, and a longer letter from Desmond tothe baron. Four days later answers were received. The messengerhad arrived at Pointdexter two hours before the travellers reachedhome, and Anne's joy at the news that, not only was Philip alive, but might in a short time be with her, was deep indeed. The baronwrote to Desmond, as well as to Philip, again expressing the deepgratitude of himself and his daughter, greatly regretting that heshould not have the opportunity, at present, of thanking himpersonally. With the letter the messenger brought a bag of money, concerning which he wrote:

"You have, I know, dear Monsieur Kennedy, expended a considerablesum of money in hiring relays of horses, for yourself and Monsieurde la Vallee's men; and this, of course, is a debt you cannotobject to my repaying. Without knowing the exact sum, I haveroughly calculated the probable amount, and forward it to you bythe messenger who will bring you this letter. "

Desmond had no hesitation in accepting the money. The baron hadevidently taken considerable pains to calculate the sums that hemust have laid out, in order not to hurt his feelings by sending alarger sum than he had spent, for the amount contained in the bagwas but a few louis over his disbursements. He at once rode overto Roanne and redeemed his ring, which had proved of more value tohim than he had ever anticipated. 

At the end of the ten days, Philip was strong enough to walkacross the room, and the surgeon gave permission for him to start, if, instead of being carried all the way, he would be taken toLyons, which was but twenty miles distant, and there take boatdown the Rhone to Viviers. Desmond went with him to Lyons, and sawhim comfortably bestowed on board a craft going down the river, and there left him in charge of his own retainers. Then, accompanied by Mike, whose wound was now well healed, he rode backto Paris by comparatively easy stages, arriving there on the daybefore his leave was up. He reported himself to the colonel. 

"So you have not been to Pointdexter after all! I received a longletter a week ago from the baron, sent by special messenger, giving me a full account of your doings, which reads like achapter of romance. He mentioned that he had also written to theking, denouncing the conduct of the Vicomte de Tulle; and statingthat, in the fight between his own rescuers and the vicomte'sband, the latter was killed, and doing full justice to the partyou played in the affair. I had a message from His Majestyyesterday, ordering that you should, as soon as you returned, goat once to Versailles, in order that he might question you furtheron the affair. 

"I have another piece of news for you. We have received orders tomarch in three days' time, which is a fortunate circumstance foryou, for there can be no doubt that, however gallantly and wellyou have behaved in this affair, and in whatever light His Majestymay view it, you have incurred the enmity of de Tulle's family andconnections, and the air of Paris would not be healthy for you, for a time. I need not say that I have read the baron's letter toyour comrades, and that they fully shared with me the admiration Ifeel at your conduct. "

"Had I better start at once for Versailles, sir?"

"I think so. The king is not pleased at being kept waiting. He issure to ask you when you arrived. You had better take one of myhorses. I will order it to be brought round, and shall be at yourquarters by the time you have put on your full uniform. "

The king had just returned from hunting when Desmond arrived atthe palace, and gave his name to one of the ushers. Five minuteslater, he was conducted to the king's dressing room. 

"This is a serious business, young sir, in which you have beenengaged, " the king said shortly to Desmond, as he entered. 

"I am aware of that, Sire, and yet I am well assured that everyofficer in Your Majesty's service would have acted as I did, undersimilar circumstances. "

"The Baron de Pointdexter has written to us fully on the matter, "the king said, "but we wish to hear the account from your ownlips. When did you return to Paris?"

"But two hours since, Sire. "

"Then you have lost no time in presenting yourself here. Now, tellus the whole matter, omitting no detail. "

Desmond told the story fully. He was interrupted once by the king. 

"How was it that Monsieur de la Vallee's people were at Roanne?"

Desmond then related the fears that he and Philip had entertained, lest the vicomte should make another attempt to carry offMademoiselle Pointdexter, and how, without the baron's knowledge, Philip had sent off a messenger to his intendant for a body of hismen to meet them on the way; how the messenger had beenintercepted and desperately wounded, and how, in consequence, instead of their being met by the party at Nevers, or north ofthat town, they had only reached Roanne after the attack had beenmade on the travellers, near Moulins. 

The king asked no more questions, until Desmond finished hisstory. 

"You did well, sir, " he then said; "and the conduct of the Vicomtede Tulle was outrageous, and we should have visited him with ourheaviest displeasure, had he not already received his deserts. Itis intolerable that a noble gentleman, with his daughter, cannottravel along the highroads of our kingdom without being thusassaulted. It was the more scandalous when the vicomte wasbanished from our court for a similar attempt. The fact that hehad enjoyed our favour would in no degree have mitigated--indeedit would have increased--our anger at his conduct, since it wouldhave seemed as if he had relied upon it for immunity for hisaction. Surely, such a belief would have been an erroneous one. The law must be observed, and the higher placed a man is, the moreis he bound to set an example of obedience to it. 

"We thank you, sir, for having thwarted so daring and villainous ascheme. We have not yet sent an answer to the Baron de Pointdexter, because we wished your report of the matter before doing so. Weshall now cause him to be informed of our indignation at the plotagainst his person and that of his daughter, and our satisfactionthat they have escaped from it. 

"You have begun your career well, indeed, young sir. Your regimentis about to start for the frontier. We shall direct your colonelto report to us, from time to time, as to your conduct, and shallsee that your promotion is in accordance with your actions, andshall request him to offer you any opportunity that may occur fordistinguishing yourself. "

Desmond rode back to Paris well satisfied with the result of theinterview. He had not been slow in noticing that, although theking's approval of his actions had been warmly expressed in words, there was a certain coldness in the tone in which they werespoken, which showed that, although the king's sense of justiceconstrained him to praise, he was at heart sore at the death ofone who had been a favoured companion in his sports andamusements. 

On his return, he found his two friends waiting for him, at hisquarters. They gave him a hearty greeting. 

"You are a perfect paladin, Kennedy, " O'Neil said; "and, though weare all proud of you, we cannot help feeling a little envious thatsuch adventures have all fallen to the lot of our junior ensign. It is evident that, if you were not born with a silver spoon inyour mouth, fortune determined to make up in other ways, by givingyou such chances as do not fall to the lot of anyone else. "

"Yes, I think I have every right to consider myself exceptionallyfortunate. "

"You may have been fortunate, Kennedy, " O'Sullivan remarked. "Thething is, that you took advantage of the opportunities. You threwyourself into the first adventure that came your way, rescued alovely damsel in distress, and her gratitude and that of herfather attracted the king's notice, and gained that ring on yourfinger. In the next place, after escaping from the ruffians whoattacked the coach--principally, as it seems, by cutting downtheir leader, and so occupying the attention of his followers--youinstantly took the resolution to attempt to rescue him and hisdaughter, and succeeded in doing so. Another man might havestopped at Moulins, congratulating himself that he had escapedfrom the trap, and lamenting that he could do nothing towardsagain rescuing this damsel from her abductors. Of course, it was apiece of good fortune, meeting de la Vallee's men at Roanne; but Ihave no doubt that, if you had not done so, you would still havegot to Pointdexter, gathered a force, and intercepted thevicomte's party. "

"It would have been a very near thing, O'Sullivan. Changing horseat every post, I might have got to Pointdexter from Roanne intwenty-four hours; but I doubt whether, even allowing that no timewas lost in getting the men together, I could have got to Tullebefore them. They had but one hundred and fifty miles to travel, Ishould have had still farther; and, as they would have had threedays' start, they should have been there before me; for I heardfrom the baron that, in addition to the four horses in the coach, they had four others, ridden by troopers, fastened to it where theroad was bad. "

"What would you have done if they had got to the vicomte'schateau--it is, I believe, a strong place--before you couldintercept them?"

"I cannot say what I should have done. I thought the matter overand over again as we rode. It seemed absurd to think of attackinga chateau with only twelve men; and besides, it would have been avery serious business to assault a noble in his own castle. Therewould almost certainly be twenty or thirty men there, at theleast, and the ringing of the alarm bell would have brought allhis vassals within five miles round to his aid, at once. I have nodoubt that I should have attempted something, but in what way Icould form no idea, until I saw the place. "

The two young men laughed. 

"I believe that you would have succeeded somehow, Kennedy, " O'Neilsaid. "After what you have done, I have an almost unlimited faithin you, and if you told me you could see no other plan thancarrying off His Gracious Majesty, and taking him down to Tulleand forcing him to order this rascal vicomte to deliver up hiscaptives, you would accomplish it. "

Desmond laughed. 

"The plan might be as good as another, though I own that it hadnot occurred to me; but it would certainly necessitate my havinghim held prisoner until I had got safely out of France, otherwisemy fate would assuredly be to be broken on the wheel. "

"Yes; I don't think His Gracious Majesty would have forgiven suchan indignity, even if put upon him for a good purpose. It isalmost treason even to dream of such a thing. "

Desmond laughed. 

"It was a purely imaginary case; but you see, not having beenaccustomed, as you are, to a country where the king is regardedalmost as a god, I am afraid I have not that awe of him that isgenerally entertained here. I have, naturally, a great respect forthe king whom I serve, and whose pay is a matter of the greatestimportance to me; but after all, although in his service, he isnot my lawful king. "

"Then you would not even imagine such a thing as to take yourlawful king, James, prisoner, however much the fate of someone inwhom you were interested was concerned?"

Desmond did not answer at once. 

"I don't know, " he said at last, "what I should do, in such acase. For King James, as lawful king of my country, I have thedeepest respect, and would freely venture my life in his service;but for him as a man, irrespective of his crown, I own that myadmiration is not extreme, and that I should not hesitate to joinin any plan for putting pressure upon him, on behalf of anyone inwhom I was extremely interested, as I certainly am now inMademoiselle de Pointdexter and Monsieur de la Vallee. "

"You are a curious fellow, Kennedy, " O'Neil said, with a smile, "and I should be very much puzzled if I were called upon topredict what your fate is likely to be. It seems to me that youhave an equal chance of becoming a French marshal, or being brokenon the wheel. Here you are, not yet seventeen. You have, as Idoubt not, somewhat interfered with the king's plans, and causedhim the loss of one of his personal friends. You have twicerescued a noble lady from the hands of her abductors. You havebrought disgrace and death upon a member of one of the mostpowerful families in France. You have earned the gratitude andfriendship of one of the leading nobles of Southern France, thatof the fiance of his daughter, and of the daughter herself. Assoon as this affair spreads abroad, you will be the object ofgeneral remark and attention. You have rendered the regiment towhich you belong proud of you, its junior ensign, and made Parisemphatically too hot to hold you. 

"If all this is done before you are seventeen, what may we expectwhen another ten years have passed over your head?"

"You had better wait for the ten years to pass, O'Neil, " Desmondlaughed; "by which time, perhaps, you and O'Sullivan will bothhave learned wisdom, and will see that, because a man happens tohave gone through a very exciting adventure without discredit, itby no means proves him to be anything in the smallest degree outof the way. "

Chapter 8: To Scotland. 

Two days later the regiment was paraded, but no order had beenreceived for their start, and their destination was stilluncertain. The officers stood in a group, awaiting the arrival ofthe colonel, who entered, accompanied by Colonel Wauchop andseveral other Irish officers. As there had been no notice of anofficial inspection, there was a general feeling of surprise atthe appearance of the visitors. The colonel rode up to the groupof officers. 

"Gentlemen, " he said, "I must ask you all to accompany me to thecommon room. I have news of importance to give you. "

He and those with him dismounted, and, followed by the wonderingofficers of the regiment, went into the large room where theygathered in the evening. 

"The news that I am about to give you is of an important and happynature. His Most Gracious Majesty has decided to send anexpedition to Scotland, where the whole country is ready to risein favour of our lawful king. "

A cheer broke from his hearers. 

"Many Scottish and Irish gentlemen, " the colonel went on, "havebeen selected to accompany it. Among them is my friend, ColonelWauchop, and the officers with him. The expedition will consist ofsix thousand French troops. I regret to say that no Irishregiments will accompany it. "

A groan of disappointment followed this announcement. 

"We must hope, " the colonel said, "that Irish troops are notemployed, only because it is intended that another expedition willsail to Ireland, in which case we may be sure that some of us willhave an opportunity of fighting, again, on our own side of thewater. Moreover, between France and Scotland there has long been aclose connection and friendship, and the employment of Frenchtroops would, therefore, better suit the Scots than would be thecase with Irishmen. Another reason perhaps is, the King of Francedoes not like to spare his best troops, when he has sore need ofthem in Flanders and Spain. 

"However, a number of Irish officers will accompany theexpedition, for the purpose of drilling and commanding the newlevies, for which work they will be far better suited, by theirknowledge of English, than French officers would be. Therefore, the various Irish regiments are all to furnish a certain number oflieutenants. Generals Hamilton, Sheldon, Dorrington, and LordsGalmoy and Fitzgerald, and our friend Colonel Wauchop will be incommand of the newly-raised force, having with them many Scotchofficers now in the service of France. 

"The secret of the expedition has been well kept, but I have knownit for a fortnight, and have prepared a list of the fifteenofficers who are to go. I may say that, in order to avoidpartiality, I have, with one exception, selected them by lot. Those who are to go will doubtless consider themselves fortunate. Those who are to stay are still more lucky, if, as I hope, theregiment will form part of a similar expedition sent to Ireland. "

He then read out the list of the officers chosen. O'Sullivan andO'Neil were both among them, and the name of Desmond Kennedy wasthe last read out. 

"You will, gentlemen, start in an hour's time, taking the northernroad through Montvidier and Arras. In each of these towns you willbe joined by officers from other regiments. Colonel Wauchop willaccompany you. I do not name the port from which you are to sail, and no word must be said, by you, as to the route you are totravel; but you can no doubt judge for yourselves, by the roadthat you are taking, what port is your destination. The Frenchtroops will be already there, and the fleet is all in readiness. 

"You all have horses. You can each take your soldier servant withyou, but those who do so must either hire or purchase a horse forhim. All further details you will learn from Colonel Wauchop, andthe paymaster will have orders to issue two months' pay to each ofyou, in advance. The distance will be about a hundred and fiftymiles, and you will perform it in five days. "

Colonel Wauchop then addressed a few words to the officers, all ofwhom were under the rank of captain. 

"Gentlemen, " he said, "you have an honourable task before you. Foryears we have been waiting for the day when our swords might aidto place our king upon the throne. At last it has come. I need notsay that the struggle will be a severe one, and that your couragewill be taxed to the utmost, but you have proved that in a scoreof desperate fights. 

"The task before you will need tact to no ordinary degree. TheScotch are as peppery a race as the Irish are, and it will benecessary in no way to hurt their feelings, or to excite amongthem the smallest degree of discontent at being drilled and led bymen who are not of their own race. 

"And now, as we have much to do before starting, I will leave youto make your arrangements. The rendezvous for us all is in yourbarrack yard, and at nine o'clock we shall be here. "

The colonel now left the room, and the officers eagerly andexcitedly talked over the startling news that they had just heard. The greater part of those who had been selected for the servicewere delighted to go, while the others were equally pleased, atthe thought that they might shortly be fighting for King James onthe soil of Ireland. 

"Sure, your honour, I wish it had been in the ould country insteadof Scotland, " Mike said, when he heard the news. 

"I cannot say that I agree with you, Mike. In Ireland, we shouldfind tens of thousands of brave hearts ready to join us, but theyare unarmed, undrilled, and undisciplined, and would be ofcomparatively slight assistance to us against the English troops. Defeat would bring down fresh persecutions, fresh confiscations, and greater misery upon the land. "

"Sure we would beat them, your honour. "

"We might, Mike; but you must remember that we failed to do so, even when the people were armed. No doubt we shall take a certainamount of muskets and ammunition with us, but the power of Englandis more assuredly fixed in Ireland now than it was then--theinfluence of the old Irish families is broken, and even if wearmed all who joined us, it would be but an armed rabble and notan army. 

"In Scotland it is altogether different. The Scottish clans wouldjoin us under their chiefs, to whom they give absolute obedience, and they would turn out armed and ready for action. Thus, then, Ithink that, allowing that Ireland is as loyal as Scotland, thechoice has been a wise one. "

"Sure, you know best, your honour; but I will warrant that as soonas Scotland rises, Ireland will be in a blaze from one end to theother. "

"That may well be, Mike; but there will then be a chance ofsuccess, since the English forces will be fully occupied by ourdescent in the north, which will threaten London, while Irelandcan be left to itself until the main question is settled. "

"It is mighty lucky, your honour, that I should have stuck to thehorse we got when we rescued Miss Pointdexter. "

"I am very glad, too, Mike, for otherwise I should have had to buyone, and it is likely enough that I may want all the money I have, before this campaign that we are starting upon is over. "

O'Neil and O'Sullivan, at this moment, burst into the room. 

"It is glorious that we three should all be going, Kennedy!" thelatter exclaimed. "It is just your luck, for you are the onlyensign named, while the regiment will be left with only fourlieutenants. Of course, I should be still better pleased if wewere going to Ireland. Still, for anything we know that expeditionmay not come off, and, so that we are fighting for the king, it'sall one whether it is in Scotland or at home. "

Having seen that all was ready for departure, Desmond went to thecolonel's quarters to say goodbye. Several of the officers whowere going were already there, and the colonel motioned to him tostay until they had left. When they had done so, he said:

"Perhaps you guessed, Kennedy, that you were the one exception Imentioned to the rule I adopted, of fixing by lot upon those whowere to go. "

"No, indeed, sir, " Desmond said, in surprise; "I thought it anextraordinary piece of good fortune that I should be the onlyensign to go, when there were so many others all senior to me. Indeed, I thought for a moment of saying that I would resign, infavour of one who was older and more experienced than myself; butthen it struck me that if I did, some of the junior lieutenantsmight feel themselves obliged to do the same, in favour of theirseniors. "

"I should not, in any case, have permitted a change to be made. Ihad decided that, in order to avoid jealousy, chance should decidethe matter. Indeed, you are the only ensign going with theexpedition. I informed Colonel Wauchop and General Hamilton of thereason for which I specially included you. 

"So long as it was supposed that the regiment was on the point ofmarching to Spain, I considered that, if you took my advice anddid not leave the barracks after nightfall, no harm would befallyou. But the case is altered, now that it may remain here for sometime, for no doubt it will take part in any expedition sent toIreland. I have heard, within the past forty-eight hours, that thefriends of de Tulle have made very strong representations to theking. They have urged that your proceedings, involving what theycall the murder of their kinsman, were of the nature of civil war;and that, if his conduct had been reprehensible, it was for theBaron de Pointdexter to lay the matter before His Majesty and askfor redress. 

"I hear, however, the king received their remonstrances coldly, told them that de Tulle had brought his fate upon himself, that itwas the duty of every gentleman to endeavour to rescue a lady, sofeloniously carried off, and that he approved of the readiness andenergy with which you had taken steps to do so. 

"On finding, then, that they have failed in their hope of havingyou sent to one of the royal prisons, from which you wouldprobably never have come out alive, I have no doubt whatever thatthese people will endeavour to take the matter into their ownhands, and that, with the means at their disposal, they will findno difficulty in procuring persons who would undertake toassassinate you. As I have said, if you had at once started forthe army, we might have looked after your safety until you crossedthe frontier, but here in Paris you would not be safe for an hour, and could scarce venture between the barracks and your lodging, unless under a strong guard. Under such circumstances, I considerthat I was justified in placing you on the list of the officerswho would accompany the expedition. 

"I explained to General Hamilton and Colonel Wauchop, who bothhappened to be with me, my reasons for wishing to include so youngan officer in the ranks of those selected for the service. Theofficers heartily agreed with me, having, of course, heard thestory, or, at any rate, the main facts of your rescues ofMademoiselle de Pointdexter. "

"I am indeed greatly obliged to you, Colonel. I know that it is adangerous thing to incur the enmity of one of those powerfulfamilies, and, though I should certainly have taken everyprecaution in my power, I felt that I should be in constant dangeruntil we fairly embarked upon a campaign. "

At nine o'clock the party started. It numbered some fiftyofficers, Scotch and Irish. The baggage had started half an hourbefore. It was to join the carts, with the baggage of the otherofficers, outside the northern gates; and was under an escort ofdragoons, whose officer had powers given him to requisition freshhorses at each town through which he passed, and so to push on tothe port with but two halts. 

Once off, there was no longer any necessity for keeping theirdestination a secret, and the officers were informed that, as theyhad already guessed, Dunkirk was the harbour from which they wereto sail. 

The journey was a pleasant one. All were in the highest spirits. Ashort distance behind them marched a body of infantry, composedentirely of noncommissioned officers, of whom O'Brien's regimentfurnished thirty. All were picked men, and, marching each day asfar as the party of officers rode, arrived at Dunkirk on the fifthday after starting, and were at once embarked on the ships of war. 

Colonel Wauchop and the officers of O'Brien's regiment were toldoff to the Salisbury, which was a ship that had been taken fromthe English, and was now loaded with military stores, arms, andmunitions for the use of those who were expected to join them onlanding. After seeing that the officers were all properlyaccommodated, the colonel went ashore, and when he returned it wasat once seen, by the expression of his face, that something waswrong. 

"I have very bad news, " he said. "King James, who arrived here twodays ago, has been taken suddenly ill, and until he is partiallyrecovered we cannot sail, for it is absolutely necessary that heshould be with us. This may mean the delay of a week or ten days, and may defeat all our arrangements. The English Government havespies here, as well as elsewhere; and their fleet has, for thelast week, been hovering off the coast. They may not have knownthe purpose of the assembly of troops here, for this has been keptstrictly secret; and few even of the French officers of theexpedition knew, until they arrived here, for what reason theregiments had been ordered to Dunkirk. But the arrival of KingJames, of course, showed what was the intention, and, as soon asthe news reaches London, you may be sure that the English fleetwill be sent to intercept us. "

It was, indeed, ten days before James was sufficiently recoveredto be embarked--a delay which probably cost him his kingdom, forthere can be no doubt that, on landing, he would have been joinedat once by all the great clans, and by no small proportion of theable-bodied men of the country. 

The consequences were so evident, to all engaged in theexpedition, that despondency took the place of the enthusiasm withwhich they had embarked. The fact that the expedition, after beingso carefully and secretly prepared, should at its outset meet withso serious a misfortune, was considered an omen of evil. At last, however, James embarked, under a salute by the guns of the shipsof war; and as the sails were hoisted and the anchors weighed, thespirits of all again rose. 

They had sailed but a few miles when it became evident that theSalisbury was the slowest ship in the fleet, for, although she hadevery stitch of canvas set, she lagged behind the rest, and theother vessels were obliged to lower some of their sails, in orderto allow her to keep up with them. 

"I begin to think, Kennedy, " O'Neil said, "that the good fortunethat has hitherto attended you has spent itself. O'Sullivan and Iboth regarded it as a good omen that you should be the one ensignselected to go with us, but this miserable delay at Dunkirk, andthe fact that we are on board the slowest tub in the fleet, seemsto show that Dame Fortune is no longer going to exercise herselfin your favour. "

"It looks like it, indeed, " Desmond agreed. "Still, I can't holdmyself responsible for either the king's illness, or for our beingallotted to this heavy-sailing craft; and, perhaps, even iffortune should not favour me any longer, she will do something forsome of the others. 

"She has always been favourable to Colonel Wauchop. He has beenthrough innumerable engagements. Though many times wounded, he hasnever been seriously so, though scores of other officers havefallen in enterprises in which he has taken part. In his case, fortune has not been fickle, and, as he is the chief officer onboard, we must hope that she has not deserted him on thisoccasion. I think there is a certain amount of luck in the factthat we carry a large amount of guns and ammunition. If that hadnot been the case, it is likely that, rather than delay, thesquadron would sail on at full speed, and have left us to followas best we might. "

A constant watch was maintained at the masthead of the ship, butno signs were seen of the English fleet, until, on the 23rd ofMarch, six days after sailing, they reached the mouth of the Firthof Forth, and were congratulating themselves that they had broughtthe voyage to a successful termination. 

At daybreak next morning, however, just as they were about toenter the estuary, they beheld the masts of a great fleet comingout to meet them. This was the squadron of Sir George Byng, whichhad for some days been on the coast, having been despatched assoon as the news reached London of the gathering of ships andtroops at Dunkirk, and of the arrival of the Pretender there. TheFrench admiral at once signalled to all the ships to put about, and he lay off until the English fleet were near enough to discernits composition, which was far superior in force to his own. Seeing the impossibility of landing the troops and stores, and theslight chances of success in giving battle, he hoisted the signalfor all to make their way back to Dunkirk, keeping as much aspossible together, in order to defend themselves if overtaken, orif intercepted by another hostile fleet. 

In vain, James begged that a few boats might be given him, withwhich to land with his chief followers. The French admiral repliedthat his instructions would not justify him in doing so, and thathe had been ordered to specially protect the person of the youngking, whose safety was of the highest concern to his sovereign. 

It was with the deepest feeling of disappointment, and depression, that the Scotch and Irish officers heard that it was determined tosail for Dunkirk again. Had the troops on board the ships been oftheir own nationality, they would have ordered them to disobey theadmiral's commands, and to insist upon the fleet, if it succeededin evading the pursuit of the enemy, making another effort toeffect a landing. As, however, all the soldiers were French, withthe exception of the two or three hundred noncommissioned Irishofficers, they were powerless, and were half mad with rage andgrief. 

"This looks bad for us, " O'Sullivan said gravely to his twofriends. "I think that the French ships will outsail the English, but there is little chance that this unwieldy craft will do so; inwhich case, my friends, it is likely that we shall all see theinside of an English prison, and that probably not a few of uswill be executed. The colonel should be safe, for he came overwith the Brigade after Limerick, and therefore by that treaty wasallowed to enter the service of France; but it is different withthe rest of us. We have all joined since those days, and aretherefore not covered by the treaty, and so are liable to be triedas traitors. "

O'Neil shrugged his shoulders. 

"Well, we knew that when we joined, " he said. "However, I hardlythink they are likely to proceed to such an extremity. Very manyof our Brigade have been taken prisoners, at Blenheim and otherplaces, and they have always had the same treatment as otherprisoners of war. "

"That may be, " O'Sullivan replied; "but this is a differentmatter. It is not a question of war on foreign soil. We were goingto attack the throne of Anne, to promote civil war, and tooverthrow the Government. The attempt once made can be made again, and you may be sure that the news of our sailing has created atremendous scare throughout the country. However, we are in forit, and there is no use grumbling against fate. Already, you see, the rest of the fleet are leaving us--faster, I think, than theEnglish fleet are gaining on us--and I trust they will get safelyaway into Dunkirk. 

"The fact that we so nearly succeeded will, perhaps, act as aninducement to Louis to renew the expedition; and the loss of acolonel, fifteen lieutenants, and thirty noncommissioned officerswill not seriously affect anyone except ourselves. "

"However, " Desmond put in, "I think that, after all, things maynot be as bad as you think. In the first place, our executionwould have an extremely bad effect in Scotland and Ireland, andwould add to the general hostility to the present Government. Inthe next place, Louis has many English prisoners in his hands, andmight threaten reprisals. Lastly, there is always a chance ofescape. "

"Your first two arguments are good, Kennedy, " O'Neil said, "but Icannot say as much for the last. The chances of escape from anEnglish prison must be small indeed. "

"Nevertheless there must always be chances, " Desmond said. "If youwill take my advice you will at once go below, and conceal yourmoney. "

"Where are we going to conceal it?" O'Sullivan said. "You may besure that we shall be searched. "

"Well, you took my advice, in changing the silver in which youwere paid into gold, though you lost pretty heavily by thetransaction. We did it to prevent lugging about a heavy bag ofsilver. Now, it has its advantages. You could not hope to concealsilver, but we may, at least, hide a few pieces of gold. Mike is ahandy fellow, and I have no doubt will be able to help us. At anyrate, let us go below and see what can be done. "

Mike was summoned to the cabin. 

"Now, Mike, " Desmond said, "I suppose, in a campaign, a good manyof you carry what money you may have about you, and I dare saysome of you hide it so that, if you are taken prisoners, you mayhave means of adding to your prison fare. "

"We do, your honour; and, by the same token, I have a score ofcrowns in between the soles of my boots. It does not alwayssucceed, for if your boots happen to be good, the chances are thatsomeone takes a fancy to them. Still, on the whole, that is thebest place there is, for they are sure to feel all the lining ofyour clothes. "

"Well, we want to hide some gold, Mike. In another hour we shallhave the English within shot of us, and, of course, fighting isout of the question. Do you think that you will have time to hidea dozen gold pieces in each of our boots?"

Mike looked doubtful. 

"To do the thing properly, your honour, one should take off thelower sole, take some leather out of the upper one, put some moneyin, and then sew it up again; but it would take more than an hourto do one pair. "

He thought for a moment. 

"The quickest way would be to get out the inside lining of thesole, then to cut out enough leather for the money to lie in, thento put in the lining again. It would not be soft walking on atwenty-mile march, but I think, if I get the lining in tight, witha few little nails to keep it from dropping out, if anyone takesthe trouble to turn the boots upside down, I might manage it. "

"Well, let us commence at once, then, Mike. We have all got ridingboots, and can put them on before we are taken prisoners. Do youtake the linings out, as you say, and then we will help to cut outsome of the leather of the upper sole. "

They were quickly at work. Mike cut out enough of the thin liningto admit of a hole being made, large enough to hold ten louis ineach boot, and he and the two officers then set to work, to cutout a sufficient depth of leather for the coins to lie side byside. Half an hour sufficed for this. 

The coins were put in. Mike had, in the meantime, obtained ahandful of pitch and melted it at the galley fire. This he ran inover the gold, and then replaced the pieces of lining with hotpitch. 

"There, your honours, " he said, when he had finished. "I call thata neat job, and it would be hard, indeed, if the spalpeens findthat there is anything amiss. And, with these heavy boots, theextra weight won't betray that there is anything hidden. 

"Don't put them on till the last moment. Give them time to cool, for if any of it oozes out, you will stick your stockings so tightto it that you won't get your foot out without laving thembehind. "

Leaving their high boots in the cabin, the three young men went ondeck. The leading vessel of the British fleet was not more than amile astern, while the French fleet was three miles ahead, havinggained more than a mile since the chase began. Mike had been givenfour louis, which he said he could hide in his mouth. 

Five minutes later, there was a puff of smoke from their pursuer'sbow. The ball struck the water close to them. 

"Shall I hold on, Colonel?" the captain of the ship asked ColonelWauchop. 

"There is no use in your doing so. That ship will be alongside inan hour, and it might only cause a useless loss of life were we tokeep on. If she were alone I should say, let her come alongside, and with your crew and our officers and men we might, if we hadluck, take her by boarding; but, with the whole fleet close behindus, it would be madness to think of such a thing, as we have buttwelve guns, and those of small weight. "

Accordingly, the topsails were run down, and the courses brailedup, and the ship lay motionless till the English frigate came up. Signals had been exchanged between the English vessels, and asthey came along six of them dropped boats, each with some twentymen in it. While these rowed towards the prize, the fleet pressedon, under all canvas, in pursuit of the French squadron. 

The English officer in command of the boats received the swords ofthe French officers, and the noncommissioned officers were allsent below into the hold. All sail was at once got on to thevessel again, and she followed in the wake of the fleet. TheEnglish lieutenant then took the names of the prisoners. 

"You are all Irish, " he said, seriously. "I am sorry, gentlemen, that this should be so, for I fear that it will go harder with youthan if you were French, when, of course, you would be merelyprisoners of war. "

"We should be prisoners of war, now, " Colonel Wauchop said. "Weare in the service of the King of France, and were but obeying hisorders, along with our French comrades. "

"I hope they may see it in that light, in London, " the officersaid courteously; "but I doubt whether, at the present moment, they will take a calm view of the subject. However, I hope theywill do so, especially as no shot has been fired by you, and theycannot charge you with resisting capture. At any rate, gentlemen, I will do my best to make you comfortable while you are under mycharge. I must ask a few of you to shift your quarters, so as tomake room for me and the three officers with me; beyond that youwill continue, as before, to use the ship as passengers. "

When darkness set in, the pursuit was discontinued. The Frenchfleet was fully ten miles ahead, and it was evident that there wasno chance, whatever, of overtaking it; while there was a risk ofits doubling back during the night, and again making its waynorth. The greater part of the sails of the men-of-war weretherefore furled, while the frigates and corvettes made off, oneither hand, to establish themselves as sentries during the night, and to give warning should the French fleet be seen returning. Anhour and a half after the pursuit had ceased, the Salisbury joinedthe fleet, and the officer in command went on board the admiral'sship, to report the number of prisoners taken and the nature ofher cargo. 

The officers had, at his invitation, dined with him and hisofficers in the cabin. All political topics had been avoided, andno one who had looked in would have supposed that the majority ofthose present were the prisoners of the others. The Irishtemperament quickly shakes off a feeling of depression, and themeal was as lively as it had been during the voyage north. 

The lieutenant, however, omitted no precaution. A dozen men keptguard over the prisoners below, and as many more, with loadedmuskets, were always stationed on deck. The Irish officers sawthat, among many of the sailors, there was a strong feeling ofsympathy with them. The fleet had been largely recruited byimpressment; and by the handing over, to the naval authorities, ofnumbers of men imprisoned for comparatively slight offences; and, as was natural, these had but small feeling of kindness towardsthe government who had so seized them; while many shared in thefeeling of loyalty towards the house of Stuart, which was still soprevalent among the population. 

At daybreak, the cruisers all returned. None had seen any signs ofthe French squadron, and Sir George Byng, leaving the majority ofthe fleet to maintain watch, sailed with his prize for Harwich. Here the prisoners were handed over to the military authorities;while the admiral started for London, in a post chaise, to carrythe news of the failure of the French to effect a landing, and oftheir return to Dunkirk, --news that was received with exuberantdelight by the supporters of Government, and the commercialportion of the population, who had been threatened by ruin. Therun upon the banks had been unprecedented, and although the Houseof Commons had relaxed the regulations of the Bank of England, thepanic was so great that it could not have kept its doors openanother twelve hours. 

The treatment of the prisoners was now very different from what ithad been on board ship. Not only were they confined to prison, but, to their indignation, irons were placed on their legs, as ifthey had been common malefactors. The only mitigation allowed tothem was that their servants were permitted to attend upon them. Their clothes had been rigorously searched, and their boots takenoff, but no suspicions had been entertained that coin had beenhidden in those of Desmond and his friends. 

Two days later an order was received from Government, and theofficers were marched up to town, ironed as they were, under astrong guard, and were imprisoned at Newgate. Callaghan and theother servants remained in prison at Harwich. 

"Things are looking bad, Kennedy, " O'Neil said dolefully, for thethree officers had, at their own request, been allotted a celltogether. 

"They don't look very bright, but we must make allowance for theawful fright that, as we hear, has been caused by the expedition. Possibly, when they have got over the shock, things may bebetter. "

"I will never forgive them for putting irons on us, " O'Sullivansaid passionately. "If they had shot us at once, it was, Isuppose, what we had a right to expect; but to be treated likemurderers, or ruffians of the worst kind, is too bad. "

"Well, we were rid of the irons as soon as we got here. No doubtthese were only put on to prevent the possibility of any of usescaping. I am sure, by their looks, that some of our escort wouldwillingly have aided us, only that it was impossible to do so;and, knowing how large a number of persons would sympathize withus, I cannot blame them so very much for taking steps to preventour escape. "

"I never saw such a fellow as you for finding excuses for people, "O'Sullivan said, almost angrily. "You look at things as calmly asif they concerned other people, and not ourselves. "

Kennedy smiled. 

"If an opinion is to be worth anything, O'Sullivan, it must be animpartial one; and it is best to look at the matter calmly, and toform our plans, whatever they may be, as if they were intended tobe carried out by other people. "

O'Sullivan laughed. 

"My dear fellow, if you had not gone through those adventures, Ishould have said that you had mistaken your vocation, and were cutout for a philosopher rather than a soldier. However, althoughyour luck did not suffice to save the Salisbury from capture, wemust still hope that it has not altogether deserted you; andanyhow, I am convinced that, if it be possible for anyone toeffect an escape from this dismal place, you are the man. "

Newgate, in those days, stood across the street, and constitutedone of the entrances to the city. Its predecessor had been burnt, in the great fire of 1666, and the new one was at this time lessthan forty years old, and, though close and badly ventilated, hadnot yet arrived at the stage of dirt and foulness which afterwardsbrought about the death of numbers of prisoners confined there, and in 1750 occasioned an outbreak of jail fever, which not onlyswept away a large proportion of the prisoners, but infected thecourt of the Old Bailey close to it, causing the death of the lordmayor, several aldermen, a judge, many of the counsel and jurymen, and of the public present at the trials. 

The outward appearance of the building was handsome, but the cellswere, for the most part, small and ill ventilated. 

"This place is disgraceful, " O'Neil said. "There is barely roomfor our three pallets. The air is close and unwholesome, now, butin the heat of summer it must be awful. If their food is as vileas their lodging, the lookout is bad, indeed. "

"I fancy the cells in the French jails are no better, " O'Sullivansaid. "No doubt, in the state prisons, high-born prisoners aremade fairly comfortable; but the ordinary prisoners andmalefactors, I have been told, suffer horribly. Thank goodness Ihave never entered one; but even the barrack cells can scarcely becalled inviting. "

"You are learning philosophy from Kennedy, " O'Neil said, with alaugh. 

"I don't know that I shall feel philosophic, if we are served withnothing but bread and water. However, the turnkey told us that, until we have been tried and condemned, we are at liberty to getour food from outside--certainly a mockery, in most cases, considering that we all were relieved of any money found upon us, when we arrived in Harwich. It is a comfort that we are, as hesaid, to take our meals together, and the money we have in ourboots will alleviate our lot for some time. Probably, it will lasta good deal longer than we are likely to be here. "

When they joined their companions, in the room in which they wereto dine, all were astonished at seeing an excellent dinner on thetable, with eight bottles of wine. 

"Is this the way they treat prisoners here?" Colonel Wauchop askedone of the jailers, of whom six remained present. 

The man smiled. 

"No, indeed. It has been sent in from a tavern outside, and with amessage that a like meal will be provided, as long as you arehere. One of us was sent across, to enquire as to the person whohad given the order. The landlord said that he was a stranger tohim, but that he had paid him a fortnight in advance, and wouldcall in and renew the order, at the end of that time. "

"Well, gentlemen, " the colonel said, "before we begin to eat, wewill drink the health of our unknown benefactor. Not only is thegift a generous and expensive one, but it cannot be without dangerto the donor, for none but a strong adherent of King James wouldhave thought of thus relieving our necessities. "

It was plain that the authorities suspected that some messagemight have been sent in to the prisoners, concealed in the viands. The bread had been cut up into small squares, the crust had beenlifted from two pasties, the meat had evidently been carefullysearched; and the turnkeys placed themselves round the table sothat they could narrowly watch every one of the prisoners, as theyate, and notice any movement that would seem to indicate that theyhad come across some pellet of paper or other substance. 

Every day, the servants at the tavern brought in similar fare, andthis continued as long as the prisoners were in the jail; and itwas a matter of deep regret, to all, that they were never able todiscover the name of the person to whom they were so muchindebted. 

Chapter 9: An Escape From Newgate. 

After being allowed to remain an hour at the table, the prisonerswere again marched off to their cells. 

"I wish we had Mike with us, " Desmond said, as he and his comradesdiscussed the possibility of escape. "He is a shrewd fellow, andwould probably be allowed greater freedom in moving about theprison than we are; but I was sure that we should see no more ofhim after we left Harwich. 

"Of course, the first question is, are we to try bribery, or towork our way out of this cell?"

"I think that it would be dangerous to try bribery, " O'Sullivanremarked. "Our turnkey is a sour-faced rascal. I am convincedthat, if we were to try to bribe him, he would denounce us atonce. Not from any principle, you know, but because he would thinkthat it would pay him better to do so, and so obtain promotion andreward, rather than to accept our money and run the risk of beingdetected and hanged. "

"I don't blame him, " O'Neil said. "He is, as you say, asour-looking rascal, but I don't think that he is a fool, and nonebut a fool would run that risk for the sake of the money that wecould give him; for, in any case, we should have to retain aportion of our store, in order to obtain disguises and maintainourselves till we could find means of crossing the channel. "

"Then let us put that idea altogether aside, O'Neil, and give ourwhole attention to the manner in which we are to escape. "

"The manner in which we are to try to make our escape!" O'Neilrepeated, with a laugh. 

"Well, put it that way if you like. Now, in the first place, thereis the window, in the second the door, and lastly the walls andfloor. "

"The door would withstand a battering ram, " O'Sullivan said. "Inoticed, as I went out, that it was solid oak some four inchesthick, with two bolts as well as the lock, and, moreover, if wecould get through it we should be no nearer escaping than we areat present. What with the corridors and passages, and the turnkeysand the outer gate, that course seems to me impossible. 

"Let us come to the second point, the window. "

They looked up at it. The sill was fully six feet from the ground. The window was a little over a foot wide, with a heavy bar runningdown the centre, and cross bars. 

"The first point is to see where it looks out on, " Desmond said. "I will stand against the wall, and as you are the lighter of thetwo, O'Neil, you can stand on my shoulder and have a good lookout, and tell us what you see. 

"Give him your hand, O'Sullivan. 

"Put your foot on that, O'Neil, and then step on my shoulder. "

O'Neil was soon in his place. 

"You need not hold me, " he said. "The wall is very thick, the barsare placed in the middle, and there is just room for me to take aseat on the edge, then I can see things at my ease. "

He sat looking out, for a minute or two, before he spoke. 

"Well, what can you see?" O'Sullivan asked, impatiently. 

"This room is on the outer side of the prison, " he said. "Inoticed, as we came in, that it was built along on both sides ofthe gate; and, no doubt, this side stands on the city wall. "

"Then what do you see?"

"I see the ground, sloping steeply down to a stream that runsalong the bottom of it. There are a good many small houses, scattered about on the slope and along by the stream. Over to theleft, there is a stone bridge across it. Near this is a largebuilding, that looks like another prison, and a marketplace withstalls in it. Houses stand thickly on either side of the road, andbeyond the bridge the opposite side of the slope is covered withthem. Among these are some large buildings. 

"If we were once out, there would not be much chance of our beingdetected, if we had something to put over our uniforms; but, ofcourse, they would betray us to the first man we met. "

"Yes, of course, " O'Sullivan said; "but we might possibly obtainplain clothes at one of those small houses you speak of, thoughthat would be risky. "

"We might leave our coatees behind us, and go only in our shirtsand breeches; and give out that we had been attacked, and robbedof our money and coats by footpads, " Desmond said. 

"That is a good idea, " O'Neil agreed. "Yes, that might do, especially as, after dark, they would not be likely to notice thatour breeches were of a French cut. "

"But it seems to me that we are beginning at the wrong end of thebusiness. It is of no use discussing what we are to do, when weescape, till we have settled upon the manner in which we are toget out. Let us talk over that first. 

"Are the bars firmly in, O'Neil?"

O'Neil tried, with all his strength, to shake them. 

"They are as firm as the walls, " he said. "There is no gettingthem out, unless we have tools to cut away all the stonework roundthem. "

"I suppose there is no chance of cutting through them?" O'Sullivanasked. 

"There is not, " O'Neil said. "We have not got such a thing as aknife about us. If we had, we could never saw through these thickbars; it would take a year of Sundays. "

"You are rather a Job's comforter. Now, do you get down, and letKennedy and myself have a chance of a breath of fresh air, to saynothing of the view. "

A few minutes satisfied O'Sullivan, but Desmond, when he took hisplace, sat there considerably longer; while the other two, throwing themselves on their pallets, chatted gaily about Parisand their friends there. 

"Well, what conclusions do you arrive at?" they asked, when heleapt down from his seat. 

"They are not very cheering, " he replied, "and I recognize fullythat we cannot possibly make our escape, without aid fromwithout. "

"That is the same as to say that we cannot make our escape atall. "

"Not exactly. We have found one unknown friend, who supplied uswith our dinners. There is no absolute reason why we should notfind one who would supply us with means of escape. There must be agreat number of people who sympathize with us, and whose heartsare with King James. I have seen several men come from the market, stand and look up at this prison, and then walk off, slowly, as ifthey were filled with pity for us. Now, I propose that one of usshall always be at the window. "

"Oh, that is too much!" O'Sullivan said. "That ledge is so narrowthat I could hardly sit there, even holding on by the bars; and asto stopping there half an hour, I would almost as soon be on therack. "

"There will be no occasion for that, " Desmond said. "We can easilymove one of the pallets under it, pile the other straw beds uponit, and, standing on these, we could look out comfortably, for ourshoulders would be well above the ledge. "

"I don't see that we should be nearer to it, then, Kennedy. "

"We should have gained this much: that directly we saw any personlooking up, with a sympathizing air, especially if of a class whocould afford to do what is necessary for us, we could wave ourhands and attract his attention. If disposed to help us, he mightgive some sign. If not, no harm would be done. We might, too, tiea handkerchief to the bars, which in itself might be taken for anindication that there are followers of the Stuarts here. "

"But supposing all this turned out as you suggest it might, howcould even the best disposed friend do anything to help us?"

"That is for after consideration. Let us first find a friend, andwe shall find a way to open communication with him. We have nopaper, but we could write the message on a piece of linen and dropit down. As far as we can see, from here, there is nothing toprevent anyone coming up to the foot of the wall below us. "

For the next four days, nothing whatever happened. They could seethat the white handkerchief at the bars attracted some attention, for people stopped and looked up at it, but continued their waywithout making any gesture that would seem to show that theyinterested themselves, in any way, in the matter. 

On the fourth day, Desmond, who was at the window, said in a toneof excitement:

"There is a man down there who, after looking fixedly in thisdirection, is making his way towards us. He does not comestraight, but moves about among the houses; but he continues toapproach. I can't make out his face yet, but there is somethingabout him that reminds me of Mike; though how he could be here, when we left him in the prison at Harwich, is more than I cansay. "

O'Neil and O'Sullivan in turn looked through the window. Not beingso much accustomed as he was to Mike's figure and walk, they couldnot recognize in the man, in the dress of a country peasant, thewell-set-up soldier who attended on Desmond. Both admitted, however, that in point of figure it might well be the man. 

"If it is, " Desmond said, "all our difficulties are at an end, andI will wager that we shall be free in three or four days. Now, howare we to communicate with him?"

"I have a piece of paper in my pocket. It is only an old bill, andthey threw it down, contemptuously, when they searched me, " O'Neilsaid. "I picked it up again. I hardly know why, except perhapsthat the idea occurred to me that, some day, I might get a chanceof paying it. But as we have no ink, nor pen, nor charcoal, Idon't see how it can benefit us. "

He drew the bill from the pocket of his coatee. Desmond took it, and stood looking at it in silence for a minute. Then an ideaoccurred to him. 

"I have it!" he exclaimed, presently. "O'Neil, see if you can geta piece of this gold wire off my facings. I want it five or sixinches long, so that when it is doubled up and twisted together, so as to be an inch long, it will be stiff enough for ourpurpose. "

Somewhat puzzled, O'Neil did as he was requested. Desmondstraightened out the fine wire wrapped round the centre thread, doubled, and again doubled it, and finally twisting it together, reduced it to a length of about an inch, and the thickness of apin. The others looked on, wondering what was his intention. 

He held the paper out before him, and began pricking small holesthrough it, close together. He continued to work for some time, and then held it up to the light. The others understood the natureof his work, and they could now read:

Come ten tonight under window. Bring long thin string. Whistle. Wewill lower thread. Tie end of string to it. Will give furtherinstructions. 

He tore off the portion of the bill on which the message waswritten, twisted off two of the buttons of his coatee, folded themin the paper, and took his place at the window again. The man whohad been watching was standing some sixty feet from the foot ofthe wall. His back was towards them. Presently he turned, carelessly looked up at the window, and then, as if undecided whatto do, took off his cap and scratched his head. 

"It is Mike, sure enough, " Desmond exclaimed, and, thrusting hishand through the bars, waved it for a moment. 

Then, taking the little packet, he dropped it. Mike put on his hatagain, turned round, then looked cautiously to see that no one wasnoticing him, and strolled, in an aimless and leisurely way, towards the wall. Desmond could no longer see him, but felt surethat he would find the missive. 

Presently he came in sight again, walking quietly away. He did notlook round; but when nearly at the bottom of the hill turned, lifted one hand, and disappeared behind some houses. 

"He can't read, " Desmond said, "but I have no doubt he will getsomeone to do it for him. "

A vigilant watch was kept up, but nothing was seen of Mike, tilllate in the afternoon, when he emerged into one of the openspaces. They had now taken the handkerchief down from the window, and, directly they saw him, Desmond waved it, showing that theywere watching him. He threw up his arm, turned, and disappearedagain. 

"He has made out my message, " Desmond said. "We may expect himhere at ten o'clock. "

While he had been watching, his two comrades had, under hisinstructions, been unravelling a portion of one of their blankets. When enough thread had been obtained, the strands were tiedtogether and doubled, and Desmond had little doubt that it wassufficiently strong to draw up the string Mike would bring withhim. He now took another portion of the bill, and pricked upon itthe words:

At nine tomorrow night, bring, if possible, fine steel saw, twofiles, and small bottle of oil. Fasten these to string we willlower with further instructions. 

He then opened his coatee, took out some of the white wool withwhich it was padded, formed this into a loose ball, in the centreof which the note was fastened, and all being in readiness, waitedpatiently, until, just as the city clock struck ten, they heard alow whistle. The ball had already been attached to the end of thethread, and Desmond at once lowered it down. 

Presently, they heard another whistle and, hauling at it again, they found that the ball had gone, and attached to the end of thethread was a very light silken cord, which they drew in. There wasanother low whistle, and all was silent. 

"So far, so good, " Desmond said. "We are fairly on our way toliberty. How long do you suppose it will take us to cut throughthese bars?"

"It would take us a long while to file through them all, " O'Neilsaid, "but with a fine steel saw, I should think that a couple ofnights' work should do it. But of course that is mere guesswork, for I have not the least idea how fast even the best saw could cutthrough iron. "

"Well, there is no particular hurry, for we know that no day hasbeen fixed yet for our trial. So, whether it is one night or six, it does not matter much. "

On the following evening at nine o'clock the whistle was heard, and another ball lowered down at the end of the string. Theinstructions this time were:

When we are ready, we will show a handkerchief at window. Bringwith you, at nine that evening, rope strong enough to bear us, andhave disguises for three ready for us at foot of wall. Herewithare ten louis to purchase three disguises. 

The cord brought up a small packet, which contained two very finesmall steel saws, two files, and the oil. They did not lose amoment in setting to work, and, oiling the saws, one began to cutthrough the central bar, just above the point where the lowestcross bars went through it, as they determined to leave these tofasten the rope to. There was not room for two of them to worktogether, and they agreed to take it by turns, changing everyquarter of an hour. 

To their great satisfaction, they found that the saw did its workmuch more quickly than they had expected, and by the time each hadhad a turn the bar was cut through; and by morning the side barshad also all been cut. They did not attempt to cut the main barhigher up, as, had they done so, it would have been difficult tokeep the portion cut out in its place. 

When it was light, they filled up all the cuts with bread, whichthey had managed to secrete in the palms of their hands at dinner. This they kneaded into a sort of putty, rolled it in the dust ofthe floor until black, and then squeezed it into the interstices. 

"There is no fear of their noticing it, " O'Neil said, when theyhad finished. "I cannot see the cuts myself from the floor, thoughI know where they are; and unless they were to climb up there, andexamine the place very closely, they would not see anythingwrong. "

"Shall we hang out the flag today, Kennedy?"

"I think we had better wait till tomorrow. He will be hardlyexpecting to see it, today, and may not be ready with the rope anddisguises. "

The next morning the signal was hung out. They saw nothing ofMike, but as he would be able to make out the handkerchief from aconsiderable distance, they had no doubt whatever that he hadobserved it, but thought it prudent not to show himself near theprison again. As soon as it was dark they recommenced work, andhad cut through the main bar, and cautiously lowered the gratingto the ground, before the clock struck nine. Then, on hearingMike's signal, they lowered the cord, and soon brought up a ropewhich, although small, was more than strong enough to supportthem. 

"We had better tie some knots in it, " Desmond said. "They willhelp us to avoid sliding down too rapidly. If it was a thick rope, I think we could manage without them; but, not being sailors, I donot think that we could grasp this tightly enough. "

"How close shall we put them, Kennedy?"

"About two feet apart. Then we can come down hand over hand, helping our arms by twisting our legs round it. 

"Now, " he went on, when they had finished the knots, "who will godown first?"

"You had better do so, " O'Sullivan said. "You are the lightest ofus, and, I fancy, the strongest, too. "

"Very well. I don't think that it will make any difference, forthe rope is strong enough to hold the three of us together. However, here goes. We may as well leave our coatees behind us. They might get us into difficulties, if we took them. "

So saying, he took off his coat, fastened the end of the ropesecurely to the bars that had been left for the purpose, and, holding it firmly, made his way through the opening and swunghimself over. With his muscles strengthened by military exercisesand sword practice, he found it easier work than he had expected. The depth was some sixty feet, and in a couple of minutes his feettouched the ground. 

Mike had been hanging on by the rope to steady it, and as Desmonddescended, he seized him by the hand and shook it enthusiastically, murmuring brokenly, "My dear master, thank God that you are free!"

"Thanks to you also, my dear fellow. Now, hold on again. Myfriends O'Neil and O'Sullivan shared my cell with me, and arefollowing me. "

He added his weight to that of Mike, and it was not long beforeO'Neil came down; but not so quietly as Desmond had done, for hisstrength had failed him, and the rope had slipped rapidly throughhis fingers, and Mike and Desmond narrowly escaped being knockeddown by the suddenness with which the descent was made. He stoodfor a minute, wringing his hand, and swearing in an undertone inEnglish, Irish, and French. 

"By the powers, " he said, "it has taken the skin off the inside ofmy hands, entirely! A red-hot poker could not have done it morenately!

"Mike, you rascal, what are you laughing at? I have a mind tobreak your bones before thanking you. "

O'Sullivan succeeded better, but was completely exhausted when hejoined his friends. 

"Now, Mike, where are the disguises?"

"Here they are, your honour. They are just like my own. Loosecoats, rough breeches, white stockings and buckled shoes, and softhats with wide brims. I thought that you would pass better, likethat, than in any other way; for if you were dressed up ascitizens, your tongues might betray you, for somehow they don'tspeak English as we do; and whenever I open my mouth, theydiscover that I am an Irishman. "

Desmond laughed. 

"There would be no difficulty about that. Now, let us put on ourdisguises at once, and be off. Sometimes the turnkeys take it intotheir heads to look in during the night, and we had to keep one onwatch while we were at work, and take to our beds when we heard afootstep approaching. 

"I see you have brought shoes. I forgot to mention them. Our jackboots would have attracted attention, so we have left them behindus, after getting our stores of money from their hiding places. "

They were soon dressed. 

"What are we supposed to be, Mike?"

"You are sedan chair men, sir. Most of the chairs are carried byIrishmen, who seem to be stronger in the leg than these Londonfolk. You will have to cut your hair short, and then you will passwithout observation. "

"Where are you taking us to?" Desmond asked, as they descended thehill. 

"I have got a lodging in a house out in the fields. I said that Iwas an Irishman who had come to London in search of employment, and that I expected three friends to join me, and that we intendedto hire chairs and carry the gentry about, for here they seem toolazy to walk, and everyone is carried; though it is small blame tothem, for dirtier streets I never saw. They are just full ofholes, where you go in up to the knee in mud and filth of allkinds. Faith, there are parts of Paris which we can't say muchfor, but the worst of them are better than any here, except justthe street they call Cheapside, which goes on past Saint Paul's, and along the Strand to Westminster. "

"What have you brought these sticks for, Mike?"

For he had handed, to each, a heavy bludgeon. 

"Sure, your honour, 'tis not safe to be in the streets afternightfall. It is like that part of Paris where no dacent man couldwalk, without being assaulted by thieves and cutthroats. Dressedas we are, it is not likely anyone would interfere with us in thehope of finding money on us, but they are not particular at all, at all, and a party of these rascals might try to roll us in themire, just for fun. So it is as well to be prepared. "

However, they met with no interruption, passed out through HolbornBars, and soon arrived at the house where Mike had taken alodging. They were not sorry, however, that they were armed, for, several times, they heard outbursts of drunken shouting and thesound of frays. 

Mike had hired two rooms. In one of these were three straw beds, for the officers. He himself slept on a blanket on the floor ofthe other room, which served as kitchen and sitting room. 

Now, for the first time, they were able to talk freely. 

"Mike, we have not said much to you, yet, " Desmond began, "but Iand these gentlemen are fully conscious that you have saved usfrom death, for we hear that Government is determined to pushmatters to the extremity, and to have all the officers capturedcondemned to be hanged. "

"Bad cess to them!" Mike exclaimed, indignantly. "If I had two orthree of them, it's mighty little they would talk of execution, after I and me stick had had a few minutes' converse with them. 

"As to the getting you out, I assure you, your honour, there islittle I have done, except to carry out your orders. When I firstsaw the prison, and the little white flag flying from the window, I said to myself that, barring wings, there was no way of gettingto you; and it was only when I got your first letter that I saw itmight be managed. Faith, that letter bothered me, entirely. I tookit to the woman downstairs, and asked her to read it for me, saying that I had picked it up in the street, and wondered what itwas about. She was no great scholar, but she made out that it waswrit in a foreign language, and seemed to her to be a bit of anold bill. When I took it up to my room, I looked at it every way. I knew, of course, that it was a message, somehow, but devil a bitcould I see where it came in. 

"I fingered it for an hour, looking at it in every way, and then Isaw that there were some small holes pricked. Well, I could notask the woman what they meant, as I had told her I picked it up;so I went across to an Irishman, whose acquaintance I had made theday before, and who had recommended me, if I wanted work, to hireone of these chairs and get a comrade to help me carry it. I couldsee that he was a man who had seen better days. I expect he hadcome over in the time of the troubles, and had been forced to earnhis living as he could; so I went to him. 

"'I have got a message, ' I said, 'pricked on a piece of paper. Ipicked it up, and am curious-like to know what it is about. '

"So he held it up to the light, and read out your message. 

"'I think, ' says he, 'it is some colleen who has made anappointment with her lover. Maybe she has been shut up by herfather, and thought it the best way to send him a message. '

"'That is it, no doubt, ' says I; 'and it is plain that it nevercame to his hand. '

"The next day, I went to him again with the second letter. 

"'It's lying you have been to me, ' he said. 'It is some plot youare concerned in. '

"'Well, ' says I, 'you are not far wrong. I have some friends whohave suffered for the Stuarts, and who have been laid by the leg, and it's myself who is trying to get them out of the hands oftheir persecutors. '

"'In that case, I am with you, ' he said, 'for I have suffered forthe cause myself; and if you want assistance, you can depend uponme. '

"'Thank you kindly, ' says I. 'Just at present it is a one man job, but maybe, if I get them out, you will be able to give us someadvice as to how we had best manage. '

"So that is how it stands, your honour. "

"And now, tell us how you got away, Mike. You may guess howsurprised we were, when we first made you out, believing that youwere safe under lock and key at Harwich. "

"The matter was easy enough, " Mike said. "It took me two or threedays to get to understand the position of the place, with waterall round it except on one side; and it was plain that, if I wereto start running, it is little chance I should have if I did nothit upon the right road. Luckily, they were mounting some cannonthe day after you were taken away. We were ordered to go out andlend a hand, so it was not long before I learnt enough to knowwhich road I ought to take. I was always a good runner, yourhonour, and many a prize have I carried off, at fairs in the oldcountry, before troubles began. So it seemed to me that, if Icould have anything of a start, I ought to be able to get off. 

"There was nearly half a mile betwixt the town and the place wherethe narrow ground, at whose end it stood, widened out into thecountry. If I could only hold my own, as far as that, I could taketo the woods and lanes and save myself. 

"A guard of soldiers, with muskets and bayonets, went out with us, and at the end of the second day I managed to slip off, and hidebehind a pile of cannonballs. The rest assembled at a spot aboutfifty yards away, to be counted before they marched to prisonagain. As soon as the others had got there, and the guards hadgathered round, I went off as hard as I could tear. And a goodstart I should have got, if it hadn't been that a sentry on a fortclose by fired his piece at me. Still, I had a good hundred yards'start. 

"The guards set to, to run after me, and when they got in sight ofme fired their guns; but they were flurried, and the bullets flewpast without one of them touching me. Then I felt pretty safe. Ifthey stopped to load their muskets, I should get clean away. If, as I expected, they would not stop for that, they would not have achance with me, carrying their muskets and cartridge boxes andbelts. I had taken off my coatee and boots, while I was waitingfor the start, and went up the hill like a deer. 

"I did not look round, till I got to the top. Then I found that Ihad gained a hundred yards of them. I doubled down a lane, atonce, and then struck through some orchards; and ran, withoutstopping, maybe a couple of miles. 

"I never heard any more of the soldiers, and knew that, for thepresent, I was safe, though maybe they would send some dragoons toscour the country when the news came in. I went on at a jog trottill it was quite dark; then I sat down to think what I should donext. 

"I had got my four louis with me, for they hadn't found them whenthey searched me. The first thing was to get some duds, and Iwalked along till I saw a light in a cottage, which I entered. There were two women there. I told them at once that I wantedclothes, and was ready to pay for them; but that, if they wouldnot give them to me for money, I should take them without paying. Though I could see that they doubted the payment, and regarded meas a robber, they brought out the clothes, which belonged, one ofthe women said, to her husband. I took what I wanted. 

"'Now, ' I said, 'how much shall I pay you for these?'

"They were still terribly frightened, and said that I was welcome. However, I put one of my louis down on the table. This wascertainly more than the clothes ever cost, so I said:

"'Here is a gold piece, but I want a shilling in change, to buyfood with. '

"At first, they evidently hardly thought that I was in earnest. Then at last, when they found that I really intended to give themoney, they brightened up, and not only gave me a shilling inchange, but offered me some bread and cheese, which I was gladenough to take. 

"Then I put the clothes on over my own, not wishing to laveanything behind that would show searchers that it was I who hadbeen there. I told the woman that the coin was a French one, butthat it was worth about the same as an English guinea. I advisedthem to put it away, for the present, and not to try and change itfor a few weeks, as enquiries might be made as to how they hadobtained it. 

"I had no difficulty on my way up to London. I avoided the mainroad till I got to Colchester, and after that walked boldly on, having money to pay for victuals. When I got to town, I changedanother of my louis at a money changer's. He asked me where I hadgot it, and when I said that it was no business of his, but thatit had been paid me by a French Huguenot gentleman, who had latelyarrived, and for whom I had been doing some work; and as there aremany of these Huguenots in London, he was satisfied, and changedit for me. 

"I then fell across the Irish porter I told you of. He told mewhereabouts I could get lodgings, and advised me to apply to oneof the men who let out a number of sedan chairs, to hire one outto me by the week. 

"Well, your honour, once I had taken the lodging, I thought nomore of the chair, but went about the business for which I hadcome to London. I had not been an hour in the town before I madethe acquaintance of half a dozen, at least, of my countrymen, andfound out which was the prison in which you were kept. At first, Ithought of going there and giving myself up, on condition that Imight be employed as your servant. Then I thought, perhaps theywould not keep their word to me, but would send me back toHarwich; and then the thought struck me that I might, some way orother, get your honours out of prison. 

"When I first saw the place, it seemed to me that it wasimpossible. The place was mighty strong, the windows all barred, and I had no means of finding out where you were lodged. I spent awhole day in prowling round and round the jail, but sorra an ideacame into my thick head, though I bate it wid my fists till it wassore; for, says I to myself, there is no lock so strong but it canbe picked, if you do but know the right way. It was the secondday, when I espied a little bit of white stuff at one of thewindows. It might be a signal, or it might not, and even if itwas, there was no reason why it should be yours, except that, Isaid to myself:

"'Mr. Kennedy is not the boy to sit quiet in prison, if he can seeany possible way of slipping out of it. His head is crammed fullof ideas. So I will walk near and investigate the matter. '

"As I came close, I could make out that there was someone behindthe bars, but I could not see who it was. Of course, I did notcome straight to the spot, but went about promiscuously. 

"For anything I could tell, there might be someone in the towerswatching me. Then I saw a hand drop a little white parcel, and Ifound it without much trouble and went off with it. It was as muchas I could do, to keep myself from running like a madman, for Ifelt somehow sure that it was you who had dropped it, but ofcourse, it was not until I got it read for me that I was certain. 

"After that, your honour, it was all easy enough. You told me whatto do, and I did it. There was a little difficulty about the saw, but I got it through one of the chair men, who told me, when Iasked him, that he had the acquaintance of some cracksmen--moreshame to him--and that he could get such a thing as I wantedthrough them. I was not surprised, for I had already heard thatmany of the chair men worked in connection with the badcharacters, letting them know which way they were coming withpeople from an entertainment, and carrying them down lanes wherethere was little chance of the watch interfering. 

"It went against the grain to have dealings with such a man, for Iwas born of honest people, but if the ould gentleman himself hadoffered me a couple of saws, and I knew that I would have to givehim a thousand years extra of purgatory, I would have closed withthe bargain. Those two saws cost me another louis, and cheapenough, too. 

"After that, it was all plain sailing, and the money you loweredto me was much more than sufficient for all the other things. Andnow, what is your honour going to do next?"

"That is more than I can tell you, Mike. We must talk it over. "

This was a matter that they had already discussed, in their cell, after they had once made their preparations for flight. Closelywatched as they were, when with the other officers, it would havebeen impossible to communicate their plans to them; but, even ifthey could have done so, they could see no possible way in whichthe others could share in their escape. Doubtless the doors oftheir cells were also strong and heavy, and, could all thesedifficulties have been overcome, there would have been passages, corridors, and staircases to traverse, with the certainty ofmeeting with some of the night watchmen who patrolled them, andthey would finally have had to force the door into their cell. 

They were, therefore, reluctantly obliged to abandon the hope ofliberating their friends, and decided that, once away, they mustendeavour to cross to France without delay. The king woulddoubtless have been, before now, informed by his agents in Londonof the determination of the English Government to bring all theprisoners to execution, but nevertheless, it would be their dutyto obtain an audience, and implore him to take steps to save them. They would therefore, on their arrival in Paris, at once seeGeneral Hamilton, and other officers of rank, and beg them toaccompany them to Versailles to act as spokesmen, and to influencethe king in their favour. 

Chapter 10: Kidnapping A Minister. 

In spite of the war between the two countries, communications werefrequent. Smuggling boats brought over, with their cargoes of wineand brandy, Huguenot fugitives; and, by the same means, secretagents carried back news of events in Paris to the Government. Having decided upon making for the coast without delay, Desmondand his friends next discussed the port to which they had besttravel, and which seemed to offer the fairest opportunities. Theyagreed that Weymouth seemed to be most advantageous, as it wasfrom there that the communications with Brittany were chieflymaintained. 

At the same time, it was evident that considerable difficultywould be experienced in discovering the men engaged in suchtraffic, and in making an arrangement with them, and it wasall-important that no time should be lost, for there was no sayingwhen the trial might come on. 

"If we could but get hold of Godolphin, " Desmond said, nextmorning, "we might get an order, from him, to embark in one of theboats that carry his agents. "

The others laughed. 

"Yes; and if you could get hold of Anne, you might persuade her tosign an order for the release of our comrades. "

Desmond did not answer, but sat thinking for a few minutes. 

"It is not so impossible as you seem to imagine, " he said, atlast. "Doubtless, like everyone else, he goes in a sedan chair tothe meeting of the council, and returns in the same manner. Thereare two ways in which we could manage the matter. Of course, hehas his own chair, with his chair men in livery. We might eithermake these men drunk and assume their dress, or attack themsuddenly on the way; then we should, of course, gag and bind them, and carry him here, or to some other place that we might decideupon, and force him to give us an order for the boatmen to take usacross the channel, at once. Of course, we should have horses inreadiness, and ride for the coast. We should have a twelve hours'start, for it would be that time before our landlady came in asusual, with our breakfast, when Godolphin would, of course, bereleased. "

The two officers looked at each other, astounded at the audacityof the scheme that Desmond had quietly propounded. O'Sullivan wasthe first to speak. 

"Are you really in earnest, Kennedy?"

"Quite in earnest. I do not see why it should not be done. "

"Well, you are certainly the coolest hand I ever came across, "O'Neil said. "You are proposing to seize the first minister inEngland, as if it were merely an affair of carrying off a prettygirl quite willing to be captured. The idea seems monstrous, andyet, as you put it, I do not see why it might not succeed. "

"I hardly think that it could fail, " Desmond said quietly. "DeTulle managed to carry off the Baron de Pointdexter's daughterfrom the court of Versailles, and did so without any hitch ordifficulty. Surely three Irishmen could arrange an affair of thissort as well as a French vicomte. "

"If it is to be done, " O'Sullivan said, "I think the second planis best. You might fail in making the chair men drunk, or at anyrate sufficiently drunk to allow them to be despoiled of theirclothes; whereas you could have no difficulty in silencing acouple of chair men by a sudden attack--a sharp rap on the headwith these bludgeons ought to settle that affair. "

"Quite so, " Desmond agreed; "and while Mike and one of us were soemployed, the other two might throw open the doors of the chair, and gag Godolphin before he was conscious of what was happening. "

"It all seems simple enough, Kennedy, and, if it were a citizen, one would think nothing of the undertaking. But it is nothingshort of high treason for us thus to make free with the person ofthe chief minister of England. "

"That is a matter that does not concern me at all, O'Neil. If wewere captured now, we should be executed for high treason with theothers; and if we carried off Anne herself, they could not do muchmore to us. 

"Now, it seems to me that if you are both agreed that we shouldcarry out the plan, the first thing to be done is to arrange forhorses; or, better still, for a light cart to carry the four ofus. I should think that Mike would, among his acquaintances, beable to hear of a man with a couple of fast horses and such a cartas we require, who would agree to drive us to the coast, arranginga change of horses on the way. He could offer ten louis, whichwould be a sum that a man of that kind would be well satisfiedwith. "

"I will see to that, your honour. I have no doubt that I can findsuch a man without difficulty. When would you want him?"

"Tonight, certainly, with the arrangement that, if we do not cometo the appointed spot, we shall be there tomorrow night. Recollectten louis is all we can afford, but if he wants any more, he musthave it. 

"Well, we will leave that to you. "

Then he went on to the others:

"We had better go down to Saint James's. Mike can go out and buyus three shock wigs, with which we can cover our hair and look ourparts better. We had better separate when we get there, and watchthe entrances to the palace, gazing about like rustics; then wecan get into a conversation with any servant that we see, and tryand find out from which door members of the council usually issue, and at about what hour. We could succeed without that, because weshould notice the chairs waiting for them. Still, it is as wellthat we should get all the information we can. There will be, doubtless, personages leaving who have been with the PrincessAnne. They might go out by another entrance, and therefore weshould miss our man. "

"You will have more than the two chair men to deal with, yourhonour, for there are sure to be two link men with the chair. "

"Well, it will be as easy to dispose of four men as of two, Mike. "

"Every bit, your honour, and the more of them the more divarsion. "

An hour later they set out, now so well disguised that no onewould have dreamt that the three Irishmen were officers in aFrench regiment; and before noon Desmond succeeded in obtaining, from a scullion employed in the palace, the particulars that herequired. On saying that he had but just come to London, andwanted to get a sight of the great people, the present of ashilling sufficed to extract the information from the boy; andDesmond then rejoined his companions, and they at once returned totheir lodgings, where they found Mike awaiting them. 

"I have managed it, your honour, but it will cost twelve louis. Iwent to the man from whom I got the saws, and he said at once thatthe affair could be managed easily, and, sure enough, he took meto the shop of a man who, he said, sometimes acted with cracksmen. The fellow was sharp enough to see, at once, that it was somethingspecial that we wanted the horses for, but after some bargaininghe agreed to do it for twelve gold pieces, and, if necessary, toget a change of horses twice on the road. He will be ready withhis cart at twelve o'clock, a hundred yards or so outside the lasthouses on the south side of the Old Kent Road. I could not tellhim which port you would go to, but he said from there he could goto Dover, or turn off so as to make for Southampton or Weymouth. It is to be twelve pounds if it is to Dover or Southampton;fifteen pounds if it is to Weymouth. "

"That is satisfactory, " Desmond said. "Now we have nothing else todo till ten o'clock tonight, when, as the boy said, the councilgenerally ends; though we will be there an hour earlier, in casethey should leave before. Now I think we had better find out whereGodolphin's house is, and fix upon the best spot for the attack, and how we shall each station ourselves. "

This part of the business offered no difficulties. They found thatthe minister would probably be carried through Saint James's Park, and they fixed upon the spot where they would await his coming. 

Mike was to attack the first porter. O'Sullivan was to followclose behind him and, at the same moment, fell the rearmost man. O'Neil and Desmond, who were to conceal themselves among trees onopposite sides of the path, were to spring out and strike down thelink bearers, and then enter the chair and bind and gag theminister. 

Mike was sent out to buy a pot of black paint, with which toefface the gildings of the chair, and to reduce its appearance tothat ordinarily used by the citizens. He was ordered to get asupply of rope, and some wood, to make gags for the men they wereto stun. 

The others were to post themselves at the spot agreed on, whileDesmond was to remain at the entrance to the palace by whichministers would issue, to note Lord Godolphin's chair, and, whenhe was fairly on his way, to follow it for a short distance tomake sure that it was being taken through the park, and then torun on and warn the others to be in readiness. 

On their return to their lodging, they ate the dinner that Mikehad got in for them, and, as they drank their wine, laughed andjoked over their enterprise; for, now that they were fairlyembarked upon the scheme, the two officers were as eager asDesmond in the matter, and were much more excited over theprospect than he was. 

Before nine o'clock, they and Mike were posted in the park, andDesmond was at the entrance to the palace. Here seven or eightchairs, with their bearers and link men, were assembled. As mostof the porters were hired men, Desmond readily entered intoconversation with them, and expressed his desire to see the greatpersons and learn which were their chairs, so that he should knowthem as they entered them. 

In half an hour there was a stir, and a servant, coming out, shouted:

"His Grace the Duke of Somerset's chair. "

This was at once brought up to the door. Next came a call for thechair of Mr. Henry Boyle, who was followed by Harcourt, theattorney general, then the chair of My Lord Godolphin wassummoned. 

Desmond and three or four others, who had gathered to see themembers of the council come out, had been ordered off by thesentries as soon as the first chair was called, but remained nearenough to hear the names. To his satisfaction, Godolphin's chairwas carried off in the direction they had anticipated, and he atonce ran on and joined his companions. 

Presently, the lights carried by the two link men were seenapproaching, and, as the chair came abreast of him, he shouted:

"Now!"

Almost simultaneously, the four heavy cudgels alighted on theheads of the four men, levelling them senseless to the ground; andO'Neil and Desmond sprang to the chair, and wrenched the dooropen, while O'Sullivan and Mike bound the four men, and thrust thegags into their mouths. Lord Godolphin had been thrown from hisseat by the sudden fall of his bearers, and was seized and boundbefore he was conscious of what had happened. Then his captorsassisted the others in carrying the fallen men to some distancefrom the path. 

A couple of minutes sufficed to cover the gilding and armorialbearings upon the chair. The torches were still burning on theground. One of these was stamped out. Desmond took the other. Mikeand O'Sullivan went between the poles, and adjusted the leathernstraps over their shoulders, and started. 

Emerging from the park at Charing Cross, past the old church ofSaint. Martin's in the Fields, and keeping round the walls toHolborn Bars, they made their way to their lodging, and Godolphinwas carried into their room, which was on the ground floor. Mikeand O'Neil then took the chair away, and left it in a narrowalley, where it was not likely to attract attention until themorning. 

Not until they returned was anything said to their prisoner. Ithad been agreed that O'Neil, as the senior, was to be spokesman ofthe party. 

"Lord Godolphin, " he said, "I regret that circumstances haveobliged us to use force towards you, but our necessities compel usto leave the country at once, and it has appeared to us that in noway could we get away so expeditiously as with the aid of yourlordship. We will now set you free. I must tell you, beforehand, that if you attempt to raise your voice and give the alarm, weshall be constrained to blow out your brains. "

Mike now released him from the bonds, and removed the gag from hismouth, but for a time the minister was incapable of speech, beingchoked by anger at the treatment he had met with. 

"You will repent this outrage, " he burst out, at last. 

"I think not, sir, " O'Neil said, quietly. "At any rate, we arequite ready to take our chance of that. In order that you may feelat ease with us, I have no hesitation in telling you who we are. We are the three French officers who, as no doubt you have heard, yesterday escaped from Newgate, and we are anxious to get out ofthe country as soon as possible. It will be also a guarantee toyou that we have no designs on either your pockets or yourperson. "

Angry as he still was, it was evident, by the expression of thetreasurer's face, that the information was a relief to him, forindeed he had supposed that he had been carried off by politicalenemies, and was very uncertain as to what would befall him. 

"What is it that you require, then?" he asked, after a pause. 

"Merely this, sir. That you will give us an order, upon an agentthrough whom you communicate with France, to take us across thechannel immediately. "

"Well, gentlemen, " Godolphin said, more calmly, "I must say yourcoolness surprises me. Your escape yesterday was, of course, reported to us; and the manner in which you obtained that rope, bywhich you descended, is a mystery that the jail authorities arewholly unable to solve. 

"If you obtain the order you desire, will you give me your word ofhonour that it shall be used in a manner in no way hostile to theinterests of this country, but solely, as you say, for the purposeof conveying you across the channel?"

"That promise we give willingly. We must ask you to pledge yourhonour, as a gentleman, that the order you give us will be agenuine one--a matter that we cannot ascertain until we arrive atthe address given. We are willing to play fairly with you, sir, but if you do not do the same, we shall certainly return toLondon, though in some different guise, and, if so, I warn youthat no guards will save you from our vengeance. "

"You need not threaten, sir, " Lord Godolphin said calmly. "I willgive you the order, to the person to whom such communications areaddressed, and it shall be couched in the same words as usual. "

Desmond placed a sheet of paper, pen, and ink before him. He, dating it from the Treasury, wrote:

To John Dawkins, Mariner, High Street, Rye. Urgent. 

On the receipt of this, you will at once convey the bearer, andthree persons with him, and land them in some convenient spot inFrance. 

He then added his signature. 

"Now, gentlemen, what next?" he said, looking up. 

O'Neil looked at his companions, and then they spoke for a momenttogether. 

"We are about to start at once, my lord, " he said, "and it was ourintention to have left you bound and gagged, until the morning, when the woman of the house would have assuredly found you andreleased you. But, as you have acceded to our request at once, wewill, if you give us your word of honour that you will raise noalarm, and say no word of this business until eight o'clocktomorrow morning, let you depart at once. "

"Thank you for your courtesy, gentlemen, and for your confidencein my honour. I am, indeed, anxious to return home at once. If Ido not do so, there will be a hue and cry for me, and by the timeI return in the morning all London will know that I am missing. Inaturally should not wish this adventure to become a matter ofcommon talk: in the first place, because the position in which youhave placed me can scarcely be called a pleasant one; andsecondly, because the success of your enterprise might lead othersto make similar attempts on my person, or that of my colleagues. Even now, I fear that my servants, when sufficiently recovered, will go to my house and give the alarm. "

"I do not think that that is likely to be the case, my lord, "O'Neil said, "as we took the precaution of gagging and bindingthem, and laid them down some distance from the roadside. If, onyour return home, you find they have not arrived, you have but tosend a couple of your servants out to release them. You can givethem strict orders that no word is to be said of the affair, andmake them to understand you were attacked in error, and that theruffians who took part in the outrage at once released you, upondiscovering your identity. "

"Very good, sir, " Godolphin said, with a grim smile. "I mustreally compliment you all on your fertility of resource andinvention. And now, is there anything else that I can do for you?"

"There is one small favour, " Desmond said. "Your lordship hasdoubtless twenty guineas in your possession. You would greatlyoblige us if you would give us them, for so many louis. These youwill have no difficulty in exchanging, whereas the exhibition ofFrench money, on our part, might excite suspicion. "

Lord Godolphin placed his hand in his pocket, drew out a heavypurse, and, opening it, counted out twenty guineas. O'Neil tookthese up, and handed to him twenty louis pieces. 

"One more question, gentlemen. What has become of my sedan chair?"

"It is in an alley, hard by, " O'Neil said, "and as we areourselves going in your direction we will carry it to your door. "

"You are obliging, indeed, sir. If it had been found, theescutcheon on the panels would have shown that it was mine. "

"I fear, my lord, that you will have to have it repainted; for, before starting with you, we took the precaution to put blackpaint over the gilding and panels. Still, the lining and fittingswould show that it belonged to some person of wealth andimportance. As you have been so obliging to us, we will gladlyescort you, with it, to your door. "

"I shall be glad, indeed, of that, gentlemen, for I certainlyshould not care about travelling alone through these lanes andalleys, which have by no means a good reputation. "

"We are ready to start at once, my lord, " O'Neil said. "We have along journey to perform, and, although there is now no need forextraordinary speed, we shall be glad to be off. "

They were ready at once, having settled with their landlady beforestarting out in the evening, telling her that they had heard of ajob and should start early in the morning. Mike and Desmondfetched the empty chair, and they then started, Godolphin walkingwith the other officers in front. 

"This is the most surprising adventure that ever happened to me, "Lord Godolphin said; "and it is a pity that officers who possessthe wit to plan an escape from Newgate, and to ensure a speedyflight from the country by carrying me off, are not in the serviceof Her Majesty. "

"We may yet be in the British service some day, my lord, "O'Sullivan laughed; "but I may tell you that my friend, andmyself, disclaim any credit in contriving the matter of which youspoke, that being solely the work of our young comrade, who is atpresent the youngest ensign in our regiment. "

"Then he must be a shrewd fellow, indeed, " Godolphin said, "likelyto do service in any position to which he may attain. "

They walked sharply. Several times rough men came and peered atthem, but Godolphin was wrapped in a cloak, and the appearance ofthose with him showed that hard knocks, rather than booty, wouldbe the result of interfering with them. On reaching LordGodolphin's house they placed the sedan chair on the steps. 

"Goodnight to you, gentlemen, and good fortune!" Lord Godolphinsaid. "The lesson has not been lost, and I shall take good care, in future, to have a strong escort. "

They then crossed Westminster Bridge, and made rapidly for thespot where the cart was waiting for them. 

"You are an hour after your time, " the man said. "I had begun tothink that something had gone wrong with you. "

"That is not the case, " O'Neil said; "but we have certainly beendetained longer than we anticipated. "

"Where are we going to?"

"To Rye. "

"That will suit me very well, " the man said. "I have friends alongthat road, and shall have no trouble about horses. "

They started at once, at a rattling pace, the animals, though butsorry-looking creatures, being speedy and accustomed to longjourneys. It was evident, from the man's manner, that he believedhis passengers were cracksmen who had just successfully carriedout an enterprise of importance. He expressed surprise that theyhad brought no luggage with them. 

They did not care to undeceive him. Mike had brought with him abottle of good brandy, and a drink of this soon removed thevexation the man had felt at being kept waiting for them. 

Twice during the journey they changed horses, each time at smallwayside inns, where some password, given by the driver, at onceroused the landlord into activity. But a few minutes were spent inthe changes, and the fifty miles to Rye were accomplished in sevenhours--a very unusual rate of speed along the badly kept roads ofthe period. When the car drew up in the High Street of Rye, thefour occupants were scarce able to stand, so bruised and shakenwere they by their rapid passage over the rough road. 

They handed the twelve pounds agreed upon to the driver, addinganother as a token of their satisfaction at the speed at which hehad driven them, and then enquired for the house of WilliamDawkins. It was close by, and upon knocking at the door, it wasopened by the man himself. 

"I have a message to deliver to you, in private, " O'Neil said. 

The man nodded, and led the way indoors, where the letter washanded to him. 

"That is all right, " he said. "My craft is always ready to setsail, at an hour's notice, and if the wind holds fair I will landyou on the French coast before nightfall. I see that your businessis urgent, or you would not have put on disguises before leavingLondon. I suppose you have brought other clothes to land in?"

"We have not, " O'Neil said. "We came away in such a hurry that wedid not think of it until on the road, and then we thought that wemight procure them here. "

"There will be no difficulty about that, " the sailor said. "I willgo out, and warn my men that we shall sail in half an hour, andthen I can get any garments that you desire; for, doubtless, youdo not wish to attract comment by the purchase of clothes thatwould seem unfitted to your present position. "

"That is so, " O'Sullivan said, "and we shall gladly embrace youroffer. We should like three suits, such as are worn by persons offair position in France, and one proper for a serving man. "

"I cannot get you quite French fashion, sir, but they do notdiffer much from our own; and with a cloak each, I have no doubtthat you would pass without attracting attention--that is, ofcourse, if you speak French well. "

"As well as English, " O'Neil said. "Here are seven pounds in gold, which will, I should think, be sufficient. If not, we are providedwith French gold, for use after landing there. "

"I have no doubt it will suffice, sir. If not, I will pay what isthe excess, and you can settle with me afterwards. "

In three-quarters of an hour after their arrival at Rye, they weredressed in their new disguises and on board the little lugger, which at once started down the river, which was at that time muchmore free from shoals and difficulties than it is at present. 

"Your boat seems fast, " Desmond remarked, as, having cleared themouth of the river, she put out to sea. 

"She is fast, sir; the fastest thing that sails out of Rye. Sheneeds be, for the gentlemen who come to me are always in a hurry. "

"I suppose you have no fear of English cruisers?"

"Not at all. I have the order you brought with you, and have onlyto show it to any English ship of war that overhauls us, for themto let us go on at once. I am careful when I get near the Frenchcoast, for although their big craft never venture out far, thereare numbers of chasse-maree patrolling the coast. However, even ifcaught by them, it would be but a temporary detention, for I amwell known at Etaples, which is always my port, unless speciallydirected to land my passengers elsewhere. "

The wind was fresh and favourable, and at six o'clock in theafternoon they entered the little port. Some gendarmes came downto the wharf. 

"We need have no fear of them, " William Dawkins said. "Theirlieutenant is paid handsomely for keeping his eyes shut, andasking no questions. "

"So you are back again, " the officer said. "Why, it is not a weeksince you were here!"

"No, it is but six days since I sailed. "

"And you have four passengers?"

"That's the number, sir. The Irish gentlemen are desirous ofentering the service of France. "

The officer nodded. 

"Well, gentlemen, you will find plenty of your countrymen inParis; and, as everyone knows, there are no better or braversoldiers in His Majesty's service. "

The friends had already enquired, from William Dawkins, whetherthere was any passage money to pay, saying that they had forgottento ask before starting. 

"Not at all. I am well paid by Government. My boat is alwaysretained at a price that suits me well, and I get so much extrafor every voyage I make. No, sir, thank you; I will take nothingfor myself, but if you like to give half a guinea to the crew, todrink success to you, I will not say no. "

The party made no stay at Etaples, but at once ordered a chaiseand post horses. Then, changing at every post house, and sufferingvastly less discomfort than they experienced in the journey toRye--the roads being better kept in France than they were on theEnglish side of the channel--they arrived in Paris at eleveno'clock next day. 

Chapter 11: On the Frontier. 

On entering the barrack yard, they found that the regiment hadmarched, ten days before, for the frontier, and that Lord Galmoy'sregiment had taken their place. They went at once to his quartersand told him that, having effected their escape, they hadtravelled with all speed to inform the king of the determinationof the English Government to bring the Irish officers toexecution, and to implore him to intervene in their favour. 

"I will go with you to Versailles, at once, " Lord Galmoy said;"but, as you have no uniforms, and the king is very strict onmatters of etiquette, three of my officers will lend you theirsuits and swords. While they are being fetched, sit down and sharemy meal, for doubtless you have not waited to eat on the road. "

He then gave the necessary instructions, and half an hour laterthe three officers, now in uniform, started with him on horsebackfor Versailles. The king had just returned from hunting, and itwas an hour before Lord Galmoy could obtain an audience with him. He had, on the road, told the others he felt sure that the king, who was well served by his agents in London, had already heard ofthe intention of the English Government, but as to whether he hadsent off a remonstrance he was of course ignorant. 

"I shall press the matter strongly upon him, and point out thedeep feeling that will be excited, throughout his Irish and Scotchtroops, if nothing is done to save the prisoners. 

"Louis is a politic monarch, " he said, "and, knowing our worth andthat of his Scotch soldiers, I think that he will, on myrepresentations, bestir himself. Wauchop has many times performedbrilliant services, and deserves well of France. However, we shallsee. "

When they were admitted to the audience, Lord Galmoy introducedthe three soldiers of O'Brien's regiment as coming that morning toParis, having effected their escape from Newgate. As he repeatedtheir names, the king looked sharply at Desmond. 

"Ah, ah!" he said, "so our young ensign is in the thick ofadventures again. These we will hear presently. 

"Well, my lord, why have they come here so hurriedly after theirarrival?"

"They came to inform Your Majesty that the English Government havedetermined to execute Colonel Francis Wauchop, and the twelveofficers of their regiment who were on board the Salisbury, captured on the coast of Scotland. "

Desmond, who was watching the king's face closely, saw that thiswas no news to him, and that he was annoyed by its being nowbrought to his notice; for doubtless the fate of a colonel, and adozen young officers, was a matter that affected him little; andthat, had the matter not been forced upon him, he would not havetroubled about it, but, when it was too late, would have professedentire ignorance of the intentions of the English Government. 

He only said, however, "It is incredible that there can be anintention to execute officers in our service, captured upon awarlike expedition. "

"It is but too true, sir. Against Colonel Wauchop they have noground for severity. By the convention of Limerick, he and allother officers were formally permitted to enter Your Majesty'sservice; but the young lieutenants have, of course, joined longsince that time, and therefore cannot benefit by the terms of theconvention; and could, with a show of justice, be executed asEnglish subjects, traitors serving against their country. "

"We are afraid that our remonstrance would have but little effectwith the English Government. "

Lord Galmoy smiled slightly, for it was notorious thatnegotiations had gone on between King James and his councillors, and several of the members of the English Ministry, Marlboroughhimself being more than suspected of having a secret understandingwith the little court at Saint Germain. 

He only said, however, "Your Majesty has in your hands the powerof compelling the English Government to alter their determinationin this matter. "

"How so, my lord?" the king asked, in much surprise. 

"You have, sire, many prisoners, Frenchmen of the reformedreligion, who had entered the service of the Protestantprinces--your enemies--and who were taken in Dutch and Flemishtowns we have captured. These stand in the same relation towardsYour Majesty as the Irish officers towards England. You have, then, but to inform the government there that, if they in any wayharm the Irish officers and noncommissioned officers in theirhands, you will at once execute a similar number of these FrenchProtestant officers, whom you have hitherto treated as prisonersof war. Then, possibly, an exchange might be effected. 

"Your Majesty will, I think, pardon me for saying that, unlesssteps are taken to save these officers' lives, the matter islikely to have a very bad effect on the Irish and Scotchregiments, whose ardour will not be improved by the knowledge thatin case of a reverse they will, if not killed in the field, beexecuted as traitors; for nearly half of the men who are nowserving have joined since the formation of the Brigade, and arenot protected by the terms of the Limerick treaty. They aredevoted to Your Majesty's service, and are ready to lay down theirlives freely for the cause of France; but it would not be fairthat they should also run the risk of execution, if they are bymisfortune made prisoners. "

"There is much in what you say, Lord Galmoy, and you certainlypoint out a way by which these officers can be saved. A messengershall start, in an hour's time, with a letter to the EnglishGovernment. It shall be delivered at their headquarters inFlanders by noon tomorrow, with a request that it shall beforwarded by special messenger to the British minister; and wewill have a proclamation posted in Paris, and in the various campsof the army, saying that we have warned the English Governmentthat, unless the officers and men captured off the coast ofScotland are treated as prisoners of war, we shall retaliate bytreating all French officers taken in foreign service in the sameway; and that we have furthermore offered to exchange an equalnumber of such officers and men, in our hands, for those held bythe British Government. "

"I thank Your Majesty, most respectfully and heartily, in the nameof all the foreign officers in your service. Even should, unfortunately, the English Government refuse to pardon or exchangetheir prisoners, it will be seen that Your Majesty has done all inyour power to save them, and there will be a general feeling ofreprobation, throughout Europe, at the conduct of the EnglishMinistry. "

"We beg these officers to wait in the anteroom, while we dictateour despatch and proclamation to our secretary. We would fainquestion them as to how they effected their escape from theirprison, and how they have made so speedy a journey here. "

Lord Galmoy bowed, and retired with the others. 

"We have done well, " he said, "better indeed than I had hoped. Now, having succeeded in saving our countrymen's lives, which Idoubt not would have been otherwise sacrificed, I shall return atonce to Paris, for there is an inspection of my regiment thisafternoon. "

"We have been fortunate, indeed, " O'Neil said, when Lord Galmoyhad left. "I have no doubt the king had heard that the EnglishGovernment had resolved to execute the prisoners, but I questionwhether he would have stirred in the matter, had it not been forGalmoy's representation. "

"I am sure, by his manner, that he had received the news before, "Desmond said, "and, as you say, had not intended to interfere. Itwas the suggestion that he might threaten retaliation, and thatthe effect of his not moving in the matter would be very bad amonghis Irish troops, that decided him to interfere. He may have feltthat any mere protest made by him would have had little effect, and it is not his nature to expose himself to a rebuff; but, directly he saw that he had an effective weapon in his hands, hetook the matter up as warmly as we could wish. "

In point of fact, the king's threat had the desired effect, andtwo months later the imprisoned officers and men were exchangedfor an equal number of Huguenots. 

In a quarter of an hour, the three officers were again summoned tothe king's presence. With him was a tall dark officer, ofdistinguished mien, whom O'Neil and O'Sullivan both recognized asthe Duke of Berwick, one of the most famous generals of the time. He had been in command of the French forces in Spain, from whichhe had been recalled suddenly, two days before, in order that theking, who had a great confidence in him, might consult him as tothe general plan of operations, in that country and in the north, before despatching him to join the army in Flanders. This wascommanded by the Duke of Burgundy and the Duke of Vendome jointly;and as both were headstrong and obstinate, and by no means agreedas to the operations to be undertaken, the king had determined tosend Berwick there, in order that he might, by his military geniusand influence, bring matters to a better state between the twodukes, and arrange with them some definite plan by which the tideof fortune, which had hitherto gone against the French, might bearrested. 

The king appeared now to be in a good humour. 

"And now, young sirs, " he said, "I have an hour at leisure, andwould fain hear a true account of your adventures, omittingnothing. 

"I have no doubt, Monsieur Kennedy, that your ready wit had nosmall share in the matter. "

"With your permission, Sire, I will tell the story, " O'Neil said, "for Mr. Kennedy is not likely to place his own share of the workin its due prominence. "

The king nodded, and O'Neil gave a detailed account of the mannerin which they had made their escape, and succeeded in gettingthemselves conveyed across the channel in a vessel in theGovernment service, explaining that both affairs were due entirelyto Desmond's initiative and ingenuity. The king listened withgreat interest, and even laughed at the story of the capture ofLord Godolphin. 

"You have all three behaved extremely well, " he said. 

"You, Monsieur Kennedy, have again shown that you possess unusualshrewdness, as well as daring. 

"What think you, Duke, of this young subaltern, who is, we maytell you, the hero of whom you have doubtless heard, who twicerescued Mademoiselle de Pointdexter from the hands of herabductor?"

"I was told the story yesterday, Sire, and was filled withadmiration at the boldness and resource of her rescuer, who was, Iheard, an ensign in O'Brien's regiment; but certainly I did notexpect to find him so young a man. He has, indeed, a fertility ofinvention that fills me with surprise. The other officers deservepraise, for having so willingly followed the leadership of theirjunior, and their generosity in assigning to him the whole meritof their undertaking is highly commendable. It is no easy thing, Sire, to find in young officers--especially, if I may say so, among the cadets of good family, who form for the most part thestaff of your generals--men ready to exercise their own discretionwhen in difficulties, and to carry out with due diligence theorders committed to them. "

"O'Brien's regiment has marched to the northern frontier. Thevacancies in the ranks of its officers have been filled up fromthose of other regiments. I should, with Your Majesty'spermission, be glad to take these three officers on my own staff, as, leaving Spain privately in accordance with Your Majesty'sorders, I have brought with me only Captain Fromart, my secretary, and one young aide-de-camp. I should be glad if you would promoteMr. Kennedy to the rank of lieutenant. "

"We quite approve of both requests, " the king said graciously;"and indeed, " he added with a smile, "shall not be altogethersorry to see Lieutenant Kennedy employed outside our kingdom, for, after making war on his own account with one of our nobles, andkidnapping the first minister of England, there is no saying whatenterprise he might next undertake. And should he join any ofthose who trouble the country with their plots, we should feelcompelled to double our guards, in order to hold ourself securefrom his designs. 

"Well, gentlemen, since the Duke of Berwick has appointed you hisaides-de-camp, the least we can do is to see that you are properlyfitted out for the expedition. You have, of course, lost youruniforms, horses, and money in our service, and it is but justthat we should see to your being refitted. If you will wait in theanteroom, you shall each receive an order on our treasury for ahundred louis d'ors. "

The three officers bowed deeply in acknowledgment to the king, and, bowing also to the Duke of Berwick, returned to the anteroom, where presently one of the royal attendants brought to them thethree orders on the treasury, and also begged them, in the name ofthe Duke of Berwick, to wait until his audience with the kingshould be over. 

They were all highly delighted with the change in their position. The posts of staff officers were, as the duke had said, consideredto belong almost of right to members of noble families, and it wasseldom that officers of the line could aspire to them. 

"Did I not tell you, Kennedy, that your luck would bring goodfortune to us all! And, by the powers, it has done so! Faith, ifanyone had said a month ago that I should by now be on the Duke ofBerwick's staff, I should have laughed in his face, if indeed Ihad not quarrelled with him for mocking at me. And now here weare, with money to buy horses and outfit, and with no moredrilling recruits and attending parades. "

"But not an end to work, O'Sullivan, " Desmond Kennedy said. "Youwon't find much idle time, when you are serving with the duke. "

"No. He has the name of being a strict commander, sparing neitherhimself nor his soldiers; and I have heard that his staff have avery hard time of it. However, I am not afraid of hard work, whenit is done on horseback, and there are many more chances ofpromotion on the staff than there are in marching regiments. Well, I don't mind being taken prisoner a dozen times if this is whatcomes of it, providing always that you are taken with me, Kennedy, and are there to help me out of the scrape. "

"We should have to have Mike prisoner, too, " Desmond laughed, "forwithout his help we should be in Newgate at present. "

"I don't believe it. I am sure that, even if he hadn't turned up, you would have managed somehow. "

In a short time, the duke came out. 

"I am likely to be detained here another week, before I start forFlanders. That will give you time to procure your outfit of horsesand equipments and arms. You will require two horses each, andthese should be good ones. I doubt whether, if you get properoutfits, the sum that His Majesty has given you will suffice tobuy two horses. I have, however, in my stables here, plenty ofgood animals that have been taken from the enemy, and one will begiven to each of you. Therefore, it will be only necessary for youto purchase one. 

"I am staying here, and should be obliged, when you have taken alodging, if you would send me your address. I shall then let youknow where and when you are to join me. Is there anything elsethat you would ask me?"

"I would ask, sir, that I might take my servant with me, " Desmondsaid. 

"Certainly; and you can do so without further question. One man, more or less, will make no difference to O'Brien's regiment, andit would be a pity that you should not have him with you, for itis evident that he is at once faithful, and possesses a largeamount of shrewdness. "

After thanking the duke for the present of the horses, the threeofficers, having drawn their money, left the palace and rode backto Paris. They went first to the barracks, and returned the horsesand uniforms, with many thanks, to the officers who had lent them;had an interview with Lord Galmoy, and informed him of their newappointments. 

"You have well won them, " he said, "and I wish you every goodfortune. Assuredly, you are more likely to rise under the Duke ofBerwick than as subaltern in the Irish Brigade, though promotionis not slow there, owing to the vacancies that battle always makesin their ranks. "

They went out and took a lodging together, and then went to amilitary tailor, who promised them their undress and full dresssuits in four days. Then they ordered military saddles, bridles, and equipments. 

On the next day, after visiting half the stables in Paris, theypurchased three horses for themselves, and Desmond bought, inaddition, a serviceable animal for Mike, with a cavalry saddle andaccoutrements, and ordered a uniform for him. Each providedhimself with a sword and a brace of pistols. 

Mike was greatly pleased when Desmond communicated his promotionand appointment to him. 

"You will look grand, your honour, as a general's aide-de-camp, with your handsome uniform and your horses and all that, and 'tisglad I am that we are going to Flanders, for, from all I haveheard from men who have fought in Spain, little pleasure is to behad in campaigning there. The food is vile, the roads are bad. Youare choked with dust and smothered with heat. 

"As to their making you lieutenant, if you had your dues, it wouldbe a colonel they should have made you, or at any rate a major. "

"There is plenty of time, Mike, " Desmond laughed. "A nice colonelI should look, too, leading a thousand men into battle. If Iobtain a majority in another fifteen years, I shall considermyself lucky. "

Desmond did not share Mike's gratification that they were tocampaign with the army of the north, instead of with that inSpain. However, as he would be fighting against English troops ineither country, he concluded it would not make much difference, especially as, being an aide-de-camp, he would not himself have toenter into actual conflict with them. 

His friends were heartily glad that their destination was notSpain, for all had, like Mike, heard much of the hardshipssuffered by the troops in that country. 

"I know from what you have said, Kennedy, that if you had had yourchoice you would have taken Spain, but, putting aside the heatthere, it is but poor work, by all accounts. You are well-nighstarved, you can't get at your enemy, who knows all the mountainsand the paths over them, is as difficult to catch as one of theirfleas, harasses you while you are on the march, and shirksfighting as the old one shirks holy water. There has only been onefight which could be called a battle since the war began; and asfor the sieges, it means that you lose a lot of men, and havelittle credit when you take a place, especially as the moment yougo out one way the enemy enter on the other side, and there is allthe work to be done over again. "

"I admit that we shall see a great deal more of war in the north, "Kennedy said, "and Marlborough and Eugene on the other side, andthe Dukes of Berwick and Vendome on ours, are such skilfulcommanders that there will be far greater interest in theoperations, than in carrying on what is little more than apartisan war in Spain. "

"Not only that, " O'Neil put in, "but there will be a possibilityof getting decent food. While in Spain there are few great towns, and these a long distance from each other; in Flanders there aretowns every few miles, and you are sure of decent quarters andgood cooking. "

"Why, O'Neil, I did not know that you were particular as to yourfood, " Desmond laughed. 

"I can starve as well as another, Kennedy, but when I get goodfood and good wine and good lodgings, I own that I prefer itvastly to the fare that our troops have to put up with, in Spain. I can see no reason why, because you are going to risk your lifein battle, you should put up with all sorts of miseries andinconveniences beforehand, if they can be avoided. 

"As to fighting against the English, there are English both inSpain and Flanders, and in both armies they form but a smallproportion of the force, though I grant willingly that they arethe backbone of both armies. If you look at the thing sensibly, you will see that we have gained no slight advantage by Berwick'sgoing to Flanders, instead of returning to Spain. "

Three days after their preparations were completed, an orderlybrought a note from the Duke of Berwick. It was brief and to thepoint. 

The rendezvous is at six o'clock tomorrow morning, in front of LaLouvre. 

(Signed) Berwick. 

All were glad that the summons had come. They had discussed thefuture from every point of view, and were already growingimpatient, short as their stay had been in Paris. 

Five minutes before the hour, they were at the rendezvous. As theclock struck, the duke rode up with two officers and an escort ofsix troopers. He looked at their accoutrements and horses, andnodded his head approvingly. 

"You will do very well, " he said. "I can tell you that the glossof your uniforms will not last long, in Flanders. "

The other officers were Captain Fromart, who acted as the duke'ssecretary, and Lieutenant d'Eyncourt. Mike fell in with theescort, behind which also rode the body servant of the duke, andthe two cavalry men who were the servants of his officers. 

Once beyond the limits of the town, the party broke into a trot. The duke rode on ahead, evidently in deep thought, and the fiveofficers followed in a group. 

"I see, messieurs, " d'Eyncourt said, "that only one of you hasbrought a servant with him. "

"We only arrived in Paris a week ago, " O'Neil said. "Our ownregiment had left, and we did not care to ask for two soldiersfrom another regiment, as these might have turned out badly. Wethought it better, therefore, to delay until we joined the army, and wait till we could obtain a couple of good men from one of thecavalry regiments there. As it is, Monsieur Kennedy's servant canlook after the three of us, and, I have no doubt, two of thesoldiers of the escort will not object to earn a few livres bylooking after our horses on the way. "

"I think you are right, " the other said. "If one gets a good man, a soldier servant is invaluable. If, as is often the case, he is abad one, well, one is far better without him. It is curious howmen who have been smart soldiers, when in the ranks, are apt to goto the bad when they become servants. They have more time on theirhands, are free from most of the parades, have no sentry duty toperform, and the consequence is that they become slovenly andcareless, and in nine cases out of ten give way to drink at everyopportunity. If Mr. Kennedy's servant is really a good one, youwill be better off, with a third of his services, than you wouldbe with the whole of that of an ordinary soldier servant. 

"You have just returned from England, have you not? The duke toldCaptain Fromart that you were among those who were captured in theSalisbury, but that you had made your escape. He gave noparticulars, for indeed, the duke is not given to much speech. Asa general he is splendid, but it would be more pleasant for hisstaff if he were to unbend a little. "

"Yes, we managed to give them the slip, " O'Neil said, "thanks toMonsieur Kennedy and his servant. Did you return from Spain withthe general, Captain Fromart?"

"Yes. There was nothing doing at the moment, and he gave us theoption of accompanying him or staying behind. We vastly preferredthe trip, as we considered it, for of course we had no idea thatthe duke was about to be sent to Flanders. You hear a good deal ofthe climate of Spain. It is said to be lovely. I vow that it isdetestable. The heat, when it is hot, is terrible, and when it isnot hot, there is a bitter wind that chills you to the bone. Agreat portion of the country is but half populated, and you can goa day's march without coming to a village. The roads arevillainous. There is nothing to buy, and it is as much as thetransport can do to get, I will not say enough bread, but a baresufficiency to maintain the troops. Moreover, the duke has beenconstantly thwarted in his plans by the Spaniards, who are readyenough to make promises, but never take a single step towardstheir fulfilment. The duke's temper is of the shortest, and he hasquarrelled openly with most of the leading Spaniards, and hasthreatened, four or five times, to throw up his command and returnto France. He did do so a year ago, but affairs went so badly, without him, that the cause of France was seriously imperilled byhis absence, and it was at the urgent request of Philip that hereturned; for at that time the English general, Peterborough, wasstriking dismay all over the country, and if the duke's advice hadnot been taken, all our officers acknowledge that we shouldspeedily have crossed the Pyrenees. "

"And do the population incline towards Philip or the Austrian?"

"As a rule, they incline towards the party which seems likely towin. They would shout in Madrid as loudly for the Archduke Charlesas for Philip. Catalonia and Valencia are the exceptions. Therethe balance of feeling is certainly in favour of the Austrian, butthis is principally because they are afraid of Peterborough, whomthey regard as almost supernatural, and fear he would takevengeance upon those who deserted his cause. But there is noaccounting for them; cities have held out as stoutly for onecandidate as for the other, without any apparent reason, so far aswe can observe. 

"We fight for Philip because he is Louis's grandson, and it isimportant in the interest of France to stand closely allied withhis party. But as for the Spaniards with us, I can tell you thatwe have but little trust in them. "

"But some of them are good, are they not?"

"We do not consider any of them of much account. But then theSpaniards on the other side are no better. They seem to have lostall their military virtues, ever since their best troops weredemolished at Rocroi by Conde. That and the destruction of theirfleet by the English, and the drain of their resources both in menand money, entailed by the long war in Holland, altogetherdeprived the people of their martial spirit. The war is to someextent between the English and us, because, of the allies England, Holland, and Austria, neither the Austrians nor the Dutch take anygreat share in the struggle. The Dutch are wholly engrossed withthe defence of their fens, the Austrians are fully occupied inItaly and on the Rhine frontier, and it is only the English, who, fortunately, are not very numerous, who are against us, for thePortuguese can scarcely be counted in the business, being, ifanything, slower and more stupid than the Spaniards themselves. 

"However, at present the prospect is good. Peterborough has gone. Galway's army has been almost destroyed; though, to do themjustice, the English regiments fought magnificently, and if theyhad been seconded by the Portuguese the result might have beenaltogether different. "

"Then you found Spain much less rich than France?"

"There is no comparison, " Captain Fromart said. "It ought to befully as rich, but the plains lie almost uncultivated. The peopleseem wholly without energy, and the ruling class are alwaysintriguing, and seem to pay little attention to their estates. Yousee but few castles and chateaux, such as are dotted over France. I do not say that, at the present moment, France can be considereda prosperous country in material matters. The expenses of the warshave been enormous, to say nothing of the Court. The people areground down by taxation, and the misery in some parts of thecountry is extreme; but left to themselves the people will work, and work hard. Our soil will grow anything, and after twenty yearsof peace, France would altogether recover herself. "

"And yet the alliance of Spain is considered as of vitalimportance to France!"

"Of great importance, certainly. Spain has still soldiers who canfight well, as they have proved in Italy; and were the levies athome equally well drilled and disciplined, they would no doubtturn out good soldiers. But these are, at present, almostundrilled. They desert in numbers and return to their homes, afterthe slightest reverse, and prefer to act as partisans underleaders of their own choosing. But with Philip once firmly seatedon the throne, with French advisers and officers to assist him, and a few regiments to serve as a nucleus to his army, Spain couldturn out a force which would be a very valuable addition to thestrength of any European power. With Spain as our ally we can, inaddition to the force that she can put in the field, neglectaltogether our southern frontier, and employ our whole armyelsewhere. With her as an ally of Austria or of England, we shouldhave to keep an army in the south to guard our borders. "

Two days after leaving Paris, the party arrived at Peronne, wherea considerable body of troops were collected, of which, althoughan aide-de-camp, Desmond now learned for the first time the dukewas to take the command. No movements of importance had takenplace in the field, and as the force at Peronne still wantedseveral regiments, to bring it up to the intended strength, someweeks passed before it was set in motion. 

The four aides-de-camp, however, had a busy time of it. The mainarmy was stationed in the neighbourhood of Lille, and frequentcommunications passed between Berwick and Vendome. 

The allies were inactive. Eugene had, early in April, metMarlborough at the Hague, and had concerted with him the plan forthe campaign. He had then gone to Vienna to bring up reinforcements, and until these arrived Marlborough hardly felt in a position to takethe offensive, as the French armies were considerably stronger thanhis own, and he had not yet been joined by the troops from Hanover. 

Except to receive orders, the aides-de-camp saw little of theircommander. He was absorbed in the difficult problems of the war, and was occasionally absent for two or three days at the camp ofVendome. He always spoke kindly to them when on duty, but at othertimes dispensed altogether with their attendance, and as a ruletook his meals alone. 

"You see him at his worst, " d'Eyncourt said one day to his newcomrades, "He is a different man when he is in the field. Then heis full of life and activity, looking into every detail himself, endeavouring to infuse some of his own energy into others, full ofcare for the comfort of his troops, though ready to endure anyhardship himself. Then you see the real man; a noble character, idolized by the soldiers and loved by us all. You must not judgehim, in the slightest degree, by what he now is. He has a greatdeal on his mind, and has, so it is whispered, no small trouble inkeeping the peace between Vendome and Burgundy. The failure, too, of the expedition to Scotland must have greatly disappointed him, and I have no doubt he expected to be put at the head of anyFrench army sent over to place James upon the throne. However, hemay congratulate himself now that he was not with it, for nohonour and no gain has been earned by any concerned in it. "

"That certainly is so, " Desmond agreed. "It was a mismanagedaffair altogether. To begin with, twenty thousand men should havebeen sent instead of six thousand; and in the next place, thefleet should have assembled at Brest or Bordeaux, for in thatcase, although the news of its assembling would assuredly havereached England, it would not have been known whether it wasintended that the landing should be made in Ireland, Scotland, oron the English coast, while by gathering at Dunkirk no doubt wasleft as to the destination. This was proved by the fact that, whenthe English fleet watching the port was driven off by a gale, andan opportunity was thus given for a start, instead of coming backagain, as we had hoped, only to find that we had left, it sailedstraight for the north, making absolutely certain that we werebound for Edinburgh. "

"Well, we must hope, " O'Sullivan said, "that next time the forcewill, as you say, be fully twenty thousand men, will include theIrish Brigade, will be led by Berwick, and will land in Ireland. "

At this moment an orderly entered. 

"The duke requires your attendance, Lieutenant Kennedy. "

Desmond at once went to the duke's apartments. 

"You will start at once for Lille, Mr. Kennedy, and will reportyourself to Marshal Vendome. I have arranged with him that one ofmy aides-de-camp shall accompany the force that is about toadvance, and shall keep me informed of what is being done. I haveselected you because I know you to be active and shrewd. Themarshal is too much occupied to send me such full reports as Ishould wish, and I look to you not only to give me facts, but toconvey to me your impressions of what you see passing around you. Do not fear to speak plainly. Your communications will be strictlyprivate, and your views will be thus of far more use to me thanthe official expressions of the marshal and his staff. 

"You will, of course, take your servant with you, and I have toldoff three troopers to accompany you, for the purpose of bringingyour reports to me. There is no probability of a generalengagement at present, and until we obtain some idea ofMarlborough's plans, no extensive operations will be undertaken. "

From the manner in which he spoke, Desmond had no doubt thatBerwick himself was in favour of taking the initiative withoutdelay, but that he had been overruled. It was indeed of importanceto the French that, before advancing, they should securepossession of the towns of west Flanders, so that the great roadswould all be open to them. 

Half an hour after leaving the duke, Desmond was in the saddle, and, followed by the four soldiers, rode for Vendome's camp. According to instructions he halted for the night at Arras, andreached Lille at ten the next morning. He at once presentedhimself to the marshal, and handed to him the letter from Berwick, of which he was the bearer. 

The duke glanced through it. 

"I have been expecting you, Lieutenant Kennedy, and have arrangedthat you shall mess and ride with the junior officers of my staff. I will order a tent to be erected for you, at once. Should anyportion of my force move without me, I have arranged that youshall accompany it. You will find many of your compatriots incamp, for we have five battalions of the Irish Brigade with us, among them that of O'Brien, to which the Duke of Berwick informedme you belonged before you were appointed to his staff, havingdistinguished yourself markedly on several occasions. "

The marechal-de-camp coming in, Vendome placed Desmond in hischarge, requesting him to introduce him to the various officers ofhis staff, with whom he would have to mess, and to see that he waswell cared for. He was well received by the young French officers, all of whom, with scarce an exception, belonged to good families, and Desmond was not long in discovering that they regarded theiroccupation rather as a pleasant and exciting diversion, than as amatter of duty, and that the greater portion of their time wasdevoted to pleasure. They rode, practised with the pistol andrapier, made excursions into the country, dined, and spent theirevenings as if the army were nonexistent. A few only, and thesewere men who had served as officers, took their professionseriously, and divided among themselves what work had to be done, the young nobles gladly relinquishing it to them. 

Chapter 12: Oudenarde. 

Desmond did not remain long at the marshal's camp, but accompaniedexpeditions that were sent to Bruges, Ghent, and Ypres. Theinhabitants of these towns had, for some time, been in communicationwith the marshal. They were hostile to the English, and had a standingfeud, of many years' duration, with the Dutch. 

As soon, therefore, as the French columns approached, they openedtheir gates. The weak garrisons that had been placed there, finding themselves unable to at once control the population anddefend the walls, evacuated the town before the French arrived. 

Beyond writing confidential reports to Berwick, Desmond had hadlittle to do, and spent most of his time with his own regiment, bywhom he was heartily welcomed, and with the other Irish battalionsencamped near them. He and the other officers captured in theSalisbury had been given up as lost by their comrades; and theappearance of Desmond, in his staff uniform, was the firstintimation they had received of his escape, of which he had morethan once to give a detailed account. 

In doing this, he made no mention of the seizure of LordGodolphin. He knew that the minister was anxious that this shouldnot get abroad, and, as he had behaved fairly to them, Desmondconsidered that he ought to remain silent on the subject; andmerely said that, on their arrival at Rye, they had made anarrangement with a man who was in the habit of conveying personssecretly, to or from France, to take them across the channel. 

"You amaze me more and more, Kennedy, " the colonel said. "Sixmonths ago, when you joined, you seemed to me little more than aboy, and yet you have been through adventures that demanded thebrain and courage of a veteran. We missed you all much; but I hopewe shall soon get the others back again, for I had news the otherday, from Paris, that arrangements for their exchange were goingon, and no doubt they will rejoin as soon as they land. 

"There is little chance of you, O'Neil and O'Sullivan coming backto the regiment; but, at any rate, as Berwick's force is sure tojoin ours, as soon as operations begin in earnest, we shall oftensee you. "

It was the end of June before the main army advanced. Desmond hadreturned to Peronne after the capture of the three Flemish towns, and was warmly praised by Berwick for the manner in which he hadcarried out the work entrusted to him. On the 6th of July, hereceived orders to accompany the duke. 

"There is bad news, " Captain Fromart said, entering the room wherethe four aides-de-camp were together. "You know the marshal hadcommenced the siege of Oudenarde. We have news now that the enemyhas suddenly advanced towards him, and he has been obliged toraise the siege, and fall back across the Scheldt. The troops areto go forward at once. The duke will ride on, with all speed, inaccordance with Vendome's urgent request. All four of you are togo on with him. I shall accompany the force here. 

"There is no time to be lost. The duke's horse is to be at thedoor in a quarter of an hour, and it will not please him to bekept waiting. You had better leave your spare horses, for thepresent. I have already warned the escort. "

It was a short notice, but by the time named the fouraides-de-camp were in their saddles, as were their soldierservants, for by this time Desmond's two friends had obtainedservants from a dragoon regiment. They were but just in time, forthey had scarcely mounted when the duke came out, sprang into hissaddle, and went off at a canter. 

The distance was some fifty miles. They stopped once for twohours, to refresh themselves and their horses, and rode intoVendome's camp soon after nightfall. A large tent had been alreadyerected for Berwick's use, close to that of the marshal; andanother, close by, for the use of the officers who might come withhim. 

A quarter of an hour later, a soldier entered the aides-de-camp'stent, with a large tray. 

"The Duke of Berwick bids me say, gentlemen, that he is suppingwith the marshal, who has sent these dishes to you from his owntable. "

"Please to give our thanks to the Duke of Vendome, for hiskindness, " Desmond said; but when the soldier had left the tent, he went on, "I have no doubt that this is the result of asuggestion on the part of Berwick, and greatly obliged to him wemust feel. We had just been saying that we supposed we should getnothing to eat till tomorrow morning, while here is a supperworthy of the marshal, and four flasks of wine, which I doubt notare good. "

It was ten o'clock before the duke returned to his tent, when heat once sent for his aides-de-camp. 

"There will be nothing more for you to do, tonight, gentlemen. Sleep soundly, for we shall have a hard day's work tomorrow. Weare to cross the Scheldt again at daybreak. The enemy are on theother side of the Dender, and the next day a pitched battle willprobably be fought. You may be surprised that we do not wait untilmy forces arrive, but we have heard that Eugene's reinforcementsare within two days' march of Marlborough, and, as they are morenumerous than those I command, it has been decided to acceptbattle at once. Good night. "

"The general is in a good temper, " d'Eyncourt said, as theyreentered their tent. "I expect that his views have been adopted, and that there was a warm discussion over them. "

This was indeed the case. The Duke of Burgundy, an obstinate manwithout any knowledge of war, had been in favour of pushingforward, crossing the Lys as well as the Scheldt, and attackingthe allies as soon as they met them. Vendome, on the other hand, was of opinion that the army which was now collected near Ghenthad better advance against Oudenarde, which might be carried by acoup de main before Marlborough could come to its assistance, which he might be some days in doing, seeing that he was incommand of a mixed force, composed of Dutch, Danes, Hanoverians, Prussians, and British. Burgundy then maintained that they shouldretire, and fight near Ypres, where they would be close to thefrontier, and could retire upon Lille in case matters went againstthem. Berwick, however, at last managed to persuade him to agreeto Vendome's plan, as the capture of Oudenarde was a matter of theutmost importance, and it would be as easy to fall back thence toLille as it would be from Ypres. 

This Burgundy had sullenly assented to, and the next morning thearmy marched to the position fixed upon. This was on steeplyrising ground, with the river Norken running at its foot. Beyondthis were two other eminences, on each of which stood a windmill. That on the west was called the windmill of Oycke, and that on theadjoining hill the windmill of Royegham, the latter flanking themain position. Oudenarde being found to be strongly garrisoned, itwas decided, in spite of the opposition of Burgundy, to cross theScheldt at Gavre, and then to give battle to the allies betweenthat river and the Dender. 

Marlborough had, however, been joined by Prince Eugene, who had, like Berwick, hurried on in advance of his army, and the two greatgenerals decided, instead of attacking the French by the road fromBrussels, to sweep round across the Scheldt at Oudenarde, and byother bridges across the river, and so to place themselves betweenVendome and France. 

A portion of the French army was already in movement, when thenews came that the allies were fast coming up. Early the nextmorning their advance guard, composed of twelve battalions ofinfantry and the whole of the cavalry, reached the Scheldt; and, having thrown bridges over the river, crossed, and soon came incontact with the French advance guard, under Biron. There was somesevere fighting, in which neither party gained any greatadvantage, the French maintaining possession of the village ofEynes. 

While this conflict was going on, Marlborough and Eugene, with themain body, had reached the river, and were engaged in crossing it;and Vendome determined to attack them while carrying out theoperation. He was, as usual, opposed by Burgundy, who wished tocontinue the march to Ghent. Marshal Vendome pointed out that, ina country so broken and interspersed with hedges, an armypossessing the greatest strength--for the French numberedeighty-five thousand, while Marlborough had but eighty thousandunder him--would lose the advantage of that superiority; and, uponBerwick strongly siding with the marshal, Burgundy was forced togive way. 

The discussion lasted some time, enabling the allies to passbodies of troops across the river, where they were formed up at avillage a few hundred yards north of Oudenarde; and immediatelyMarlborough felt strong enough to risk an attack, orders were sentto Cadogan, who commanded the advance guard, to drive the enemyout of Eynes. 

Four English battalions attacked the seven French battalions inthe village, while the cavalry crossed higher up, and came down onthe back of the village. Three of the French battalions weresurrounded and made prisoners, while the other four weredispersed. 

It was now evident, even to Burgundy, that an action could not beavoided, but again an angry dispute took place. Vendome would havestood on the defensive, with the river Norken to be crossed beforehe could be attacked. He was, however, overruled by Burgundy, whohad nominally chief command. Marlborough took advantage of thedelay, and posted his troops in front of the castle of Bevere, andsent the twelve battalions at Eynes to reinforce his left, againstwhich he saw the main attack of the French would be directed. Hethen lined all the hedges with infantry, and stationed twentyBritish battalions, under Argyle, in reserve. 

Crossing the Norken, the French fell upon the Dutch andHanoverians, who constituted the left wing, and who, thoughfighting obstinately, were driven back. Marlborough moved from thecentre with twenty battalions to reinforce them, and despatchedEugene to command on the right. 

A desperate fight now took place. On both flanks, the ground wasbroken by enclosures with deep wet ditches, bridges, woods, andsmall villages; and the cavalry were unable to act on such ground. The infantry on both sides fought with extreme resolution; everyhedge, ditch, bridge, and house being defended to the last. Seldom, indeed, in modern warfare, has so obstinate and terrible afight taken place. Frequently the combatants were mingledtogether, and fought with bayonets and the butt ends of theirmuskets. 

Gradually, however, the Dutch and the Hanoverian battalions wontheir way forward, and drove the French back to the village ofDiepenbeck, where the latter successfully maintained themselves. Marlborough then ordered General Overkirk to move round and seizethe hill at Oycke, which, although it flanked the enemy'sposition, was not held by them. 

This he did, with twenty Dutch and Danish battalions, who had onlyjust crossed the river. He then pressed on and seized the mill ofRoyegham, thus cutting the communication between the French atDiepenbeck and the troops that still remained on the plateaubeyond the Norken. Eugene then swung round his right, and, pressing forward, surrounded the French on that side, socompletely enveloping them that his men and those of Overkirk eachbelieved the other to be French--for darkness had now fallen--andfought for some time before the mistake was discovered. 

As, in such a country, it was impossible to move troops in regularformation in the darkness, Marlborough gave orders for the troopsto halt in the positions they held. Had the light lasted two hourslonger, the whole of the French army would have been slain orcaptured; but, under cover of darkness, the greater portion madetheir way through the intervals of the allied troops. Many fled toGhent, while thousands made for the French frontier. Vendome lostin killed and wounded six thousand men, and nine thousandprisoners, and his total loss exceeded twenty thousand; while theallies lost five thousand, of whom the great majority were Dutch, Danes, and Germans. 

The French troops on the plateau withdrew, under the direction ofVendome, in good order; and before morning a large number offugitives had rallied. Marlborough sent forty squadrons of horsein pursuit of them, but the French showed so firm an attitude thatthe cavalry were unable to seriously interfere with their retreat. Berwick had remained, during the day, near the marshal; and hadplaced his aides-de-camp at his disposal, for the difficulty ofthe ground, and the distance from the plateau of the variouspoints at which the troops were engaged, rendered communicationmuch slower than it otherwise would have been, and Desmond and hiscompanions were frequently sent off with orders. 

It was the first time Desmond had been under fire, and the effectof the roar of musketry, the whizzing of bullets, and the shoutsof the combatants, gave him a much stronger feeling of discomfortthan he had expected. The roar of cannon was not added to theother sounds, for the guns of the day were clumsy and difficult tomove; and, owing to the rapid marches and countermarches of botharmies, the greater portion of the artillery had been left behind, and only a few guns were on the field, and these, in so close andconfined a country, were of little use. 

Desmond felt now that he would far rather be fighting in the thickof it, with O'Brien's regiment, than making his way alone alongthe lanes, impeded constantly by columns advancing to the front, while he was met by a stream of wounded men making their way tothe rear. 

At first, all was exultation among the troops, for as theHanoverians and Dutch were forced to give way before the assaultof the main body of the French, shouts of victory rose; and it wasconfidently believed that they would, this day, avenge the twogreat victories Marlborough and Eugene had gained over them. 

Having delivered his orders to the officer in command, Desmondrode back. Vendome and Berwick had both dismounted, and werestanding together, with a few of their staff, at the edge of theplateau, examining the field with their telescopes. 

"I have delivered your message, sir, " he said, riding up andsaluting. "The general bade me tell you all was going well. Theenemy were falling back, and will soon be in full flight. "

"Very well, Mr. Kennedy. By this time, he will have found out thathe was a little too sanguine. "

The fire had, indeed, for the past few minutes broken out withaugmented fury. Marlborough had arrived at the threatened point, and had placed himself at the head of the Dutch and Hanoverians, and, animated by his presence, these had not only ceased to fallback, but were in turn advancing. 

"The battle is not won yet, Kennedy, " O'Sullivan, who had returneda few minutes before from the front, said, as he joined him. "Onour left we are being driven back, for a large force hasreinforced the enemy there, and unless our main column defeats theallied left, and pushes them into Oudenarde, we shall have nightcoming on before we have finished; and, as our cavalry cannot actin these cramped fields, Marlborough will be able to draw offwithout any great loss. "

For an hour, there was no change. Then Berwick, looking round, beckoned to Desmond. 

"Mr. Kennedy, " he said, "a strong force of the enemy moved, halfan hour ago, towards their left. I have lost sight of them, owingto the high hedges and trees, but it does not seem to me that theycan have joined in the battle. Our troops are strongly posted atDiepenbeck, and should be able to maintain themselves thereagainst the whole allied army; but the enemy cannot see ourdispositions, and would surely have pushed forward and made adesperate assault on the village, had they been joined by thestrong force I saw moving in that direction. 

"It may be that this force has been held in reserve, in case ourline should be reinforced, and again advance. Marlborough may becontent to hold his own on his left, while Prince Eugene, who, wehave heard, commands on their right, turns our flank on that side. 

"I wish you to ascertain, if possible, what this force is doing, and where it is posted. If you ride across to the mill, on theeminence behind Diepenbeck, you may be able to get sight of them;or, if the smoke renders it impossible to discover matters fromthat point, ride on to the farther hill, and, descending there onthe enemy's left, you will be able to make your way close enoughto ascertain what is going on. You are well mounted, and need notgreatly fear capture, for they would hardly care to divert a partyof cavalry in pursuit of a single officer. Still, it is as wellnot to push your horse too hard on your way out, for you maypossibly need all his strength. "

A minute later, Desmond was cantering his horse down the declivityto the Norken. Crossing by the bridge near Mullen, he turned tothe right and rode up the hill of Royegham. Here a strong brigade, composed of cavalry and infantry, under General Grimaldi, wasstationed. Desmond rode up to him. 

"The Duke of Berwick has sent me to ascertain, sir, the positionof a strong body of the enemy's troops, whom he observed marchingfrom the river towards our right. May I ask if you have noticedthem?"

"We saw them move away, after crossing the river, but have notseen them since. I should fancy they are engaged in front ofDiepenbeck; but the ground is so undulating, and the view soobscured by smoke, that we have not caught sight of them sincethey issued from Oudenarde--indeed, the hill behind Diepenbeckprevents our seeing down into the low land beyond. "

"I will ride on there, sir, " Desmond said. "Certainly a betterview can be obtained than from this side. "

A canter of a mile took him to the summit of the hill at whosefoot Diepenbeck stood. He could see the masses of French troops, gathered in and in front of the village; but beyond that a veil ofsmoke covered the country, and entirely obscured the contendingparties, whose position could only be guessed by the incessantrattle of their musketry fire. 

Turning again, he rode down the dip that separated the hill fromthat of Oycke. He had just gained the crest, when he saw a largeforce marching rapidly towards the mill. Seeing at once theserious nature of the movement, he turned and galloped, at fullspeed, to the point where the generals were still watching theprogress of the fight. 

"I could learn nothing of the force you spoke of from GeneralGrimaldi at Royegham, nor on the heights above Diepenbeck; but, riding towards Oycke, I saw them advancing at full speed towardsthe windmill, at which they had already almost arrived. "

An exclamation of anger broke from the duke. 

"This is what comes, " he muttered, "of placing a fool in commandof the army. "

Turning away, he at once communicated the news to Vendome, whostamped his foot furiously on the ground. 

"Just when victory was in our grasp, " he said, and turned hisglass towards Oycke, which was some four miles distant. 

"I can make them out now, " he said. "There is a black mass issuingfrom the village of Oycke, and ascending the hill in the directionof Royegham. It is too late to reinforce Grimaldi there. They willbe upon him before we can cross the Norken. But, at any rate, wemust send a brigade down to Henhelm, where, with Grimaldi's men, they can try to keep open the road from Diepenbeck. "

Ten minutes later they could hear, by a sudden outburst of fire, that Grimaldi was engaged. The sun had already set, but Berwickwas able to make out, with his glass, that the left was giving waybefore the attack of Eugene, and that the twenty battalions underArgyle, which had hitherto remained inactive, were advancing bythe main road leading, through Mullen, to the plateau on whichthey stood. 

"The day is lost, " Berwick said bitterly. "The troops atDiepenbeck are completely cut off. Darkness alone can save themfrom annihilation. And to think that, if it had not been forBurgundy, we could have maintained ourselves here against doublethe force of the allies! So long as the system of giving thecommand of armies to royal incapables continues, we cannot hopefor success. "

Vendome lost no time in issuing orders. The troops still on theplateau were brought forward, whence their fire would command itsapproaches. Aides-de-camp were sent in all directions, to orderthe generals of divisions to draw off at once, and to make theirway up to the plateau; and Berwick's four aides-de-camp were toldto make their way, if possible, by different routes to Diepenbeck, and to give orders for the troops there to maintain themselves, atall costs, until darkness had completely fallen; and then to maketheir way as best they could to the plateau; if that wasimpossible, to march for either Ghent or Lille. 

"The service is a desperate one, gentlemen, " Berwick said, as heturned to give the orders to his officers, "but it is necessary, for if the force remain there until morning, they are allirretrievably lost. It is getting dark already, and you may, therefore, hope to pass unnoticed between the intervals of theenemy. If you get there safely, do not try to return at once, but, like the rest, endeavour to make off during the night. "

Without waiting for orders, Mike followed his master. Going down, they met the remnants of Biron's division flying in disorder. Theyseparated at the bridge of Mullen, and, with a word of adieu tohis comrades, Desmond turned to the right, and rode forGroenvelde. 

Suddenly, a volley of musketry was fired from the hill to theright. Desmond staggered for a moment in the saddle, and thebridle fell from his left hand. Mike was by his side in a moment. 

"Where are you hurt, master?"

"In the left wrist, I fancy. By the way the hand hangs down, itmust have smashed both bones. However, there is no time to wait, now. It is a matter of life and death to get to Diepenbeck. "

"One moment, your honour. Let me put your hand into the breast ofyour coatee; then, if you keep your elbow tight against your body, it will keep it steady. "

Although Mike carried out his suggestion as gently as he could, Desmond almost fainted with pain. 

"Take a drop of brandy from your flask, master. It won't take halfa minute, and then we will be off. "

They continued their journey. The rattle of musketry, ahead ofthem, showed that the combat had already commenced close by;between either the advancing troops of Argyle, or those who hadcrossed the hill of Royegham; and Grimaldi's brigade, which wasprobably endeavouring to hold them in check, until the troops atDiepenbeck came back. 

It was already too dark to distinguish the uniforms, except at adistance of a few yards. Dashing on, he saw a dark massahead--three officers rode out. 

"Who are you, sir?" they shouted. 

"I am carrying a report from the general, " he replied, in English, and without drawing rein dashed on, passing within twenty yards ofthe column, and reached Diepenbeck without further interruption. 

In the centre of the village, the French general was sitting onhis horse, surrounded by his staff. The combat beyond raged asfuriously as before. Desmond rode up, and saluted. 

"I am the bearer of orders from Marshal Vendome, sir, " he said. "He bid me tell you that a large force of the enemy has crossedthe hills of Oycke and Royegham, and is already in your rear, theenemy's right overlapping your left; while the whole Britishreserve is pressing forward, and will ere long effect a junctionwith both these forces. Your retreat, therefore, is entirely cutoff. The orders are that you shall maintain yourself here as longas possible, as in the darkness and confusion, it is unlikely thatthe allies can attack you from the rear before morning. 

"The marshal himself holds the plateau, and will continue to doso. You are to make your way tonight, if possible, in battalionsand in good order, through the intervals between the variousdivisions of the enemy; or, if that is not possible, singly. Allare to endeavour to join him on the plateau. Those who cannot dothis are to make for Ghent or Lille. "

"Your order scarcely comes as a surprise, sir, " the general saidbitterly. "We have heard firing in our rear for some time, and wewere afraid that things had gone badly with us, after all. "

He at once gave orders that the troops behind the village were totake up a position to resist any attack made in that direction. Desmond dismounted, as did Mike, and the latter took the twohorses, fastened them to a tree, and then, with Desmond's scarf, bound his arm firmly against his side. 

"We have made a mess of it entirely, your honour, " he said, "andhave got a terrible bating. Sure we were lucky in getting here. Faith, I thought we were caught when you were hailed. "

"It was a narrow escape, Mike; and if they had waited till I hadgot a little nearer, and had seen my uniform, I must havesurrendered. "

"It seems to me that we are like rats in a trap, Mr. Kennedy. "

"Something like it, Mike; but it is hard if we can't get throughthem, in the dark. "

"That we will do, sure enough, " Mike said confidently; "but whichway should we go?"

"That I can't tell you. You see, they are in strength in front, Marlborough and Eugene are on the left and partly behind us, andthe troops you saw come across the hills are somewhere in therear. If it were daylight, not a man of us would escape; but as itis, it will be hard if we cannot make our way through. 

"What I am thinking about chiefly, at present, is the safety ofO'Sullivan, O'Neil, and d'Eyncourt. They ought to have been hereas soon as we were. They may either have lost their way in thedarkness, or fallen into the hands of the enemy. However, I shallnot give them up for another half hour. "

The firing was now abating, and presently died away completely;except for a few scattered shots, showing that the allies had beenhalted where they stood, and were no longer pressing forward. Another hour passed, and Desmond's comrades were still absent. 

In the meantime, the general had called together the colonels ofthe several regiments, had explained the situation to them, andrepeated Vendome's orders. The news came like a thunderbolt uponthem, for the din of firing round the village had completelydeadened all distant sound, and they were wholly unaware of whatwas passing in other parts of the field. 

"I must leave the matter to your individual discretion, " thegeneral said. "Those of you who think your men can be relied on, can try to escape and join the marshal in a body. Those who havenot that confidence in their regiments--and indeed some of thesehave been almost annihilated--had best tell them to scatter. Thosewho remain here will assuredly be made prisoners in the morning. 

"It is possible that that may be the better plan, for it is betterto surrender than to be cut to pieces. I therefore leave thematter entirely in your hands. I myself shall remain here. We havedone all that men can do in the way of fighting, and, as I wastold to hold this place till the last, I shall remain at my post. "

Desmond was present when this conversation took place. 

"We will wait another hour, Mike, " he said, as he rejoined hisfollower. "We may be sure that the greater part of the enemy'stroops will be asleep by that time. They must have made atremendous march, for the news last night was that they weretwenty miles away; and they have been fighting twelve hours. Aftersuch work as that, the men will drop down to sleep as soon as theyhave halted. "

"Shall we go on horse or on foot, your honour?"

"I think the best plan will be to lead our horses, Mike, acrossthis country. It would seem natural to do so, and once throughthem, we could then gallop round and join the troops on theplateau. "

"I should say, sir, that if I were to steal out to where they havebeen fighting for the last six hours, I might get a couple ofuniforms to put over our own. They will be lying thick enoughthere, poor chaps. If we had them on, we might pass through anytroops we might meet, as we both speak English. "

"That is a good idea, Mike, if you can carry it out. "

"Sure I can do that, and without difficulty, your honour. I expectthe enemy have drawn back a little, so as to be in some sort oforder if we were to fall upon them in the night; and I know thatall our men have been recalled. I will fasten the horses to thistree, and perhaps your honour will keep an eye on them. "

"I will stay with them, Mike. "

The soldier at once made off. The village was now crowded withtroops. All order was at an end, and the regiments wereconsiderably mixed up. The officers went among them, saying thatan attempt was going to be made to pass through the enemy, andjoin the force on the plateau. They pointed out that there was atleast as much hope in being able to do so as in making off singly. 

Many of the soldiers, not having themselves suffered defeat, responded to the call; and several bodies, four or five hundredstrong, marched out into the darkness. The majority, however, decided to shift for themselves, and stole away in threes andfours. Of those that remained, some broke into the village wineand beer shops and drank to stupefaction; while others, exhaustedby the efforts of the day, threw themselves down and slept. 

Mike was away half an hour. 

"I have got an officer's cloak for you, and a helmet withfeathers. I think he must have been a staff officer, who waskilled while delivering his orders. I have got a soldier'sovercoat and shako for myself. "

"Capital, Mike! Now I think that we can venture, and we will gothe shortest way. We might very well lose ourselves among thesehills, if we were to try to make a circuit. "

Having put the Dutch uniforms over their own, they set out, takingthe way to the left until they came to the main road by which theBritish reserve had advanced. Then they mounted their horses. 

"It is no use trying to make our way through the broken ground, Mike. There is another road that goes through Huerne. We willstrike that, and must so get round on the right of the enemy. Evenif we come upon them, we are not likely to excite suspicion, as weshall be on a road leading from Oudenarde. 

"I was noticing that road from the height. It runs into thisagain, near Mullen, and the enemy are not likely to have postedthemselves so near to the river. "

They rode on through Huerne. The village was full of wounded. Noone paid them any attention, and they again went on, untilsuddenly they were challenged with the usual "Who comes there?"

"A staff officer, with despatches, " Desmond replied. 

He heard the butt of the soldier's musket drop upon the ground, and rode forward. 

"Can you tell me, my man, " he said as he reached the sentinel, "where the Duke of Marlborough is to be found?"

"I don't know, sir, " the man replied. "Only our regiment is here. I know there are a number of cavalry away there on the left, and Iheard someone say that the duke himself was there. There is acrossroad, a hundred yards farther on, which will lead you tothem. "

Thanking the man, Desmond rode on. A few bivouac fires had beenlighted, and these were already beginning to burn low, the troopshaving dropped asleep almost as soon as they halted. 

"I hope we shall meet no more of them, Mike, " Desmond said, asthey went on at a brisk trot. "I sha'n't feel quite safe till weget to Mullen. "

They met, however, with no further interruption. As they crossedthe bridge, they halted, took off the borrowed uniforms, threwaway the headgear and put on their own hats, which they carriedunder their cloaks, and then rode on up the hill, after havingfirst satisfied the officer commanding a strong guard placed atthe bridge that they were friends. 

Another ten minutes, and they were upon the plateau. Desmond hadno difficulty in finding out where the headquarters wereestablished at Hayse, and, riding there, he at once went into thehouse occupied by Berwick, and reported his return. 

"I am glad to see you back again, Kennedy, " the duke said, heartily. "It is something to have recovered one friend from thewreck. Now, what is your news?"

Desmond related what had happened to him from the time he left, and said that a large proportion of the troops at Diepenbeck hadalready left, and, as he heard no outburst of firing, he hopedmost of them had got safely away. 

"I see you are wounded. "

"I have had my wrist smashed with a musket ball, fired by a partyon a hill to the right, belonging, I suppose, to the force thatcame up from Oycke. "

"You had a narrow escape of your life, " Berwick said. "If you hadbeen hit a little farther back, the ball would have gone throughyour body. Sit down at once. I will send for my surgeon. "

And he instantly gave orders for the surgeon of the staff to cometo his tent, and then made Desmond, who was suffering terriblyfrom the agony of the wound, drink a tumbler of wine. 

"I know you are all busy, doctor, " the duke said, as the surgeonentered, "but you must do something for Mr. Kennedy, who is badlywounded in the arm. "

The surgeon examined the wound, and shook his head. 

"Both bones are fractured, " he said, "and I am afraid that thereis nothing for it but amputation. "

"Then leave it till tomorrow, doctor, " Desmond said faintly. "There must be a number of poor fellows who want your attentionmuch more than I do. "

"That would do, if I could make you a cradle, but we are badly offfor all surgical appliances. "

"Could you cut one out of one of my jack boots?"

"A capital idea, Mr. Kennedy. Nothing could be better. And I willput it in operation, at once, with some of my other patients. "

"Mr. Kennedy is full of expedients, doctor, and it seems to methat this may be really a valuable one. All the cavalry men havejack boots, and I will give you an order to requisition as many asmay be required. The men can get new ones from the stores atGhent. "

The surgeon at once cut off the foot of one of Desmond's boots, and then divided the leg longways. "There, " he said, taking up oneof the halves; "you could not wish for a better cradle. "

He took out some lint that he had brought with him, together withsome flat splints, bound the hand in its proper position, and thenlaid the arm from the elbow to the fingers in the cradle, roundwhich he tightly put a few bandages to keep it in position. 

"Now for your scarf, " he said, and with this made a sling tosupport the arm. 

The whole operation did not take five minutes. 

"Now, Mr. Kennedy, you had best lie down and get what sleep youcan. I will take the other half of your boot, and the other bootalso. It will be no use without its fellow. It will make threewounded men comparatively comfortable, and I will send for somemore from the troopers. "

"Yes, lie down at once, Kennedy, " Berwick said. "We are going tomarch off at daybreak, and the marshal and I have arrangedeverything between ourselves. You had better try and eatsomething, if it is only a wing of that chicken and a fewmouthfuls of meat. Your faintness must be due as much to hunger asto your wound, for you have been at work since early morning, andcannot have had time to eat anything. "

This was indeed the case, and Desmond managed to swallow a fewmouthfuls, and then lay down upon the sofa, where, in spite of thepain of his wound, he presently dozed off, being utterly worn outwith the work and excitement of the day. 

Before morning, some five thousand of the troops from Diepenbeckhad marched into the camp, in good order and with their arms, andas soon as it was daylight the whole force started for Ghent. Withdeep regret, Desmond had learned from the marshal, before lyingdown, that none of his comrades had returned; and as they had notreached Diepenbeck, he felt sure that they were either killed orprisoners. 

"D'Eyncourt will, of course, be treated as a prisoner of war; butif the identity of O'Sullivan or O'Neil is proved with theofficers of that name who escaped from Newgate, it is likely to gohard with him. "

After repulsing the cavalry sent in pursuit, the army marched awayunmolested, being joined as they went by large numbers offugitives, who had made their way through the allied lines insmall parties. Marlborough's army remained on the ground they hadwon, collecting and caring for the wounded of both armies. 

Two days later, Berwick's corps joined Vendome, and that of Eugenemarched into Marlborough's camp. In spite of the loss that he hadsuffered at Oudenarde, this reinforcement raised Vendome's army toover one hundred and ten thousand men, which was about the sameforce as Marlborough had under his command. 

After Eugene had joined him, standing as he did between Vendome'sarmy and Paris, Marlborough proposed that the enemy's fortressesshould be neglected, and that the army should march directly onParis. The movement might have been attended with success, but wasof so daring a description that even Eugene opposed it, while thecommanders of the Dutch, Danes, and Prussians were unanimouslyagainst it; and he consequently decided to lay siege to Lille--atremendous undertaking, for Lille was considered the strongestfortress in France, and Vendome, with over a hundred thousand men, was within a couple of days' march of it. 

His dispositions were made with extreme care, and a tremendousconvoy of heavy artillery, ammunition, and provisions was broughtup from Ostend, without the French being able to interfere withits progress. Marlborough, with his British contingent and theHanoverians, was to cover the operations of the siege, which wasto be undertaken by Prince Eugene with the rest of the alliedarmy. 

Vendome marched at once with his army, and, making a circuit, placed himself between Lille and Paris, deserting his recentconquests in Ypres, Ghent, and Bruges, all of which fell into thehands of the allies. 

Chapter 13: Convalescent. 

Desmond was not present with the French army, for many hours aftertheir arrival at Ghent. He suffered intense pain on the ridethither, and was then taken to a hospital that had been hastilyformed for the reception of wounded officers. Here the surgeonshad agreed that there was nothing for it, but to amputate the armhalfway between the wrist and the elbow. The limb was alreadygreatly swollen. 

"Under ordinary circumstances, " the surgeon said, "we should waituntil we had reduced the inflammation, but this might be a matterof a week or ten days, and there is no time to spare, as the armywill probably march away in a few days, and travel would increasethe inflammation to such an extent that your life might besacrificed. "

"I would rather have it taken off at once, doctor, " Desmond said. "The operation cannot hurt very much more than the arm is hurtingalready, and the sooner it is over, the better. "

Surgery was in its infancy at that time. Anesthetics were undreamtof; but the surgeons of the French army had large experience, andthe operation was very skilfully performed, for the time. Thestump was then seared with a hot iron. 

"You have stood it well, " the surgeon said, for, except when theiron was applied to the wound, no groan had issued from Desmond'slips. "Now, your servant must keep these dressings continuallysoaked with water, and, in a few days, we may hope that you willbe able to travel in a waggon without danger. "

When the army marched away a week later, Desmond was placed in awaggon, half filled with hay, with several other wounded officers. At Arras, where there was a large military hospital, he was keptfor a few days, and then sent on to Amiens, only the most severecases being retained at Arras, as another engagement might takeplace at any moment, and the resources of the town would be taxedto the utmost. He gained strength very slowly, and it was sixweeks before the surgeons pronounced him to be sufficientlyconvalescent to be moved. 

"It would, " they said, "be probably some months before he would befit to return to active service. "

He was sitting, looking listlessly out of the window of thechamber that he and three other officers occupied, when Mike camein, followed, to Desmond's intense surprise, by Monsieur de laVallee. 

"My dear Desmond, " the latter exclaimed, hurrying forward andgrasping his hand, "you must have thought that we had allforgotten you. "

"Indeed, I never thought anything of the kind, Philip. I did notsuppose that you had ever heard of me, since we parted atMoulins. "

"News travels but slowly, but we did hear that fifteen subalternsof O'Brien's regiment were captured in the Salisbury. I wrote to afriend in Paris, and he told me that you were among the number, but that, on making enquiries, he found you had, in some manner orother, effected your escape, and that you and two other officershad had an audience with the king, and had then gone to thenorthern frontier on the staff of the Duke of Berwick. I wrotebegging him to get, if possible, a sight of the despatches, and ifyour name appeared, to let us know. Ten days ago, I received aletter from him, to say that you had been wounded at Oudenarde. The Duke of Berwick had, in his private despatch to the king, mentioned your name with very high praise, saying that it was dueto you, alone, that so many of the troops hemmed in at somevillage or other--I forget its name--managed to make their escapeduring the night, for, although he sent off four aides-de-campwith orders, you alone managed to get through the enemy, thoughwounded by a bullet which had caused you the loss of your hand. Hesaid he had written to the chief surgeon on Berwick's staff, whowas a personal friend of his, to ascertain, if possible, where youwere. Of course, I set out as soon as I received his letter. "

"What! Have you ridden all the way from the south of France tocome to me, Philip?"

"Of course I have, and should have ridden all across Europe, if ithad been necessary. I went round by Pointdexter. The baron is laidup with an attack of gout, or he would have accompanied me. Hesent all sorts of messages, and so did Anne, and the latterinformed me that I need not show my face at the chateau again, until I came accompanied by you. When I reached Paris my friendhad learned from the surgeon that you were at Amiens, and so, hereI am. 

"I met your faithful Mike at the gate of the hospital. I was glad, indeed, to see that he had come out unharmed from that terriblefight. When I told him I had come to take you away, he almostcried with joy. "

"It will be the saving of him, " he said. "He has been going downthe hill for the last fortnight, and it is change and good nursinghe wants. "

"He will get good nursing, I warrant, " I said, "and the soft airof the south will soon set him up. "

"It is wonderfully kind of you, Philip; but I am sure I am notstrong enough to ride. "

"No one is thinking of your riding, at present, Desmond. I havebrought down a horse litter with me, and four of my men, with thequietest horses on the estate, and all you have to do is to liedown in it, and talk with me whenever you are disposed. You have awhole batch of adventures to tell me. "

"I feel better already, Philip. I own that I have been downheartedof late, for it seemed to me that I should be an invalid formonths, and be living in Paris without a friend except Mike, forall the regiments of the Brigade are either with Vendome or inSpain. The sight of your face, and the thought of your kindness, so cheers me that I feel capable of anything. "

"Well, we will start tomorrow morning, Desmond. I shall go at onceand see the director of the hospital, and get an order for yourdischarge. "

The next morning they set out. Desmond had to be assisteddownstairs. There he was laid on a litter, packed with soft rugs. This was raised and placed between two horses, ridden by two of dela Vallee's men. De la Vallee himself took his place by the sideof the litter, Mike rode on ahead leading Desmond's charger, andthe other two servants fell to the rear, in readiness to changewith those bearing the litter, when half the day's journey wasdone. 

Seeing that the exertion of being moved had exhausted his friend, de la Vallee rode for some time in silence. Then, when Desmondopened his eyes and smiled at him, he said:

"I hope you are feeling comfortable?"

"Perfectly. I hardly feel any motion. "

Every care had been taken to prevent jolting. The poles of thelitter were unusually long, thus adding to their elasticity. Theends passed through leathern loops suspended from the saddle; andwere, at this point, covered with a thick wrapping of flannelbandages, which aided in minimizing the effect of any jar. Thefirst day's journey was performed at a walking pace, and theyreached Beauvais, twenty-five miles being accomplished. 

The fresh air and the slight easy motion were beneficial, and inthe afternoon, Desmond was able to talk cheerfully with hisfriend. There was, however, no continued conversation, Philipsaying he would ask no questions about Desmond's doings until hewas stronger. His story had better be told while sitting quietlyin a room, where it would not be necessary, as it was on the road, for the voice to be raised. 

In the evening, however, after partaking of supper, Desmond, without being asked, related the incidents, so far as he knewthem, of the battle of Oudenarde, and of the manner in which hereceived his wound. 

"The whole disaster was due entirely to the Duke of Burgundy, orrather to the king, who placed him in command over two generals ofthe highest skill and reputation. If he had wanted to accompanythe army, Burgundy should have done so just as our King James did, merely as a volunteer. 

"I am told that the king showed great courage in the battle. Formy part, I think his presence was altogether a mistake. He claimsthat the English are his subjects, and yet he takes part with aforeign army in battle against them. His being present willcertainly not add to his popularity in England. "

"I agree with you, " de la Vallee said. "It would have been muchwiser for him to have abstained, altogether, from interference inthe matter. It was, of course, a different thing when he attemptedto land in Scotland. Then he would have been leading the loyalportion of his subjects, against those whom he considers rebelsagainst his authority. That was quite a different thing fromacting, without cause or reason, as a volunteer in the Frencharmy, against those whom he regards as his countrymen andsubjects. 

"I am afraid, Desmond, that, though it may shock you to think so, these Stuart princes of yours are not wise men. Legitimatemonarchs of England though they may be, they do not possess thequalities that endear kings to their people. From what I haveheard, James was a heavy pedant, a rank coward, essentially not aman to be popular among a spirited people. Charles had a noblepresence and many fine qualities. But, although his ideas ofkingly power would have suited us well enough in France, hisarbitrary measures alienated a large proportion of his people, andbrought ruin upon him. 

"Your second Charles, in spite of his numerous indiscretions, wasnot unpopular, because the people were wearied of the sternrepression of Puritan rule, and were therefore disposed to lookleniently upon his frailties, while they appreciated his goodtemper and wit. His fatal mistake was allying himself so closelywith us--a grievous mistake, indeed, when we remember that forcenturies the two nations had been bitterly opposed to each other. As for his brother, he forfeited his throne by his leaningstowards the Catholic Church, in whose communion he died. Decidedly, the Stuart kings were not a success. 

"As to James the Third, as you call him, I know nothing beyond thefact that he is a protege of the king of France, and has nowfought against his own people--a blunder, as it seems to me, ofthe worst kind, and one which is certain to alienate many of hissupporters on the other side of the water. Were he to mount thethrone, it would be partly due to the aid of French troops andFrench money--men and money, mind you, of a power at war withEngland! He would therefore, necessarily, like Charles the Second, be regarded as a protege of France. He would be bound in gratitudeto Louis, and the position of England would be altogether changed. She would become the ally of Spain and France, her ancientenemies; and opponent of her present allies, Holland, Austria, Protestant Germany, and Denmark. "

Desmond was silent. He could not but agree with what his friendsaid, and had himself considered that it was a most unwise stepfor James to appear in the field, fighting against his countrymen. 

"I don't think I am strong enough to argue, Philip, " he said witha smile, after a long pause, "and I don't mean to give you avictory, when I am fighting under disadvantages. The Stuartscertainly never did any special benefit to Ireland, and assuredlybrought ruin and misery upon us; and at the present moment, Idon't seem able to explain why we should be so devoted to thecause of these Scottish Stuarts, rather than to that of Anne, whois, after all, of the same family and race. However, we will fightit out when my brain is not so dull as it is at present. "

They slept the next night at Pontoise, having made a somewhatshort journey, though Desmond protested that he felt quite equalto going on to Paris. 

"You are a good deal better today, Desmond, but there is no hurry, and we will take matters quietly. If you continue to makeimprovement we shall be able, in another day or two, to travelfaster; and I hope that, before we get to the end of our journey, you will be strong enough to sit your horse for a few miles eachday. "

They made no stay in Paris, but proceeded on their way, themorning after their arrival. Melun and Montargis were their nexthalting places. Desmond was gaining strength rapidly. His goodspirits were returning, and at their evening halt, he had beenable to recite the history of his escape from England. His woundhad a less angry appearance, and on the day of their leavingMontargis the horses, at his request, occasionally broke into atrot for a mile or two. 

"You are looking paler. I think the motion is too much for you, "Philip said after one of these occasions, when they again settleddown to a walking pace. 

"I feel a bit tired, Philip, but one must make a beginning, and Ishall never get strong unless I begin to use my muscles. Atpresent, I acknowledge I feel as if I had been beaten all overwith sticks, but I have no doubt that I shall shake this off, after a bit. "

This was indeed the case, and on the last three days of theirjourney to Pointdexter, he sat his horse for two or three hours. Philip had, on the last day, sent on one of his men to inform thebaron that he would arrive that evening with Desmond, and as theywere seen approaching, the baron and his daughter came out fromthe chateau, and welcomed them as they alighted. 

"Do not upset the young fellow by appearing shocked at hisappearance, " the former had said to Anne. "It was certainly ablow, this morning, to hear that he had lost his left hand, andthat the greater portion of the journey had had to be performed ina litter, so you must expect to find him greatly pulled down. Butsee, they are breaking into a trot, so he has evidently gainedstrength on the way. "

In spite of the warning, the girl's eyes filled with tears as shesaw Desmond's thin face and wasted figure, and his left arm in asling. 

"Welcome to Pointdexter, Monsieur Kennedy! Many have entered here, since the old chateau was built, but none who have rendered suchvital service to our race. Do not try to speak. I see that you areshaken with your journey. We will soon put that all right. "

"It has been a rather longer journey than we have previouslymade, " Desmond said, after dismounting and shaking hands with thebaron and his daughter, "and we rode somewhat faster than usual, as we were both of us anxious to be here. It was good, indeed, ofPhilip to make such a journey to find and bring me to you. "

"If he had not done so, assuredly we should. My foot was so bad, with this villainous gout, that I could not put it in a stirrup, but we should have had out the family coach. I had half a mind todo so as it was, and Anne was most anxious to try her powers ofnursing, but Philip overruled us, and said that he would be withyou a week earlier than we could reach you in the coach, and that, moreover, he was sure the journey in an open horse litter would befar better for you than being jolted in a close carriage. So, asusual, he had his own way; though I must say that, for once, Annerebelled strongly against his authority. "

"You are all very good, Baron, " Desmond said; "but, indeed, Ithink that Philip was right. I can assure you that the journey hasdone me an immense deal of good, and he will tell you that I amvery different, now, from what I was when he found me at Amiens, for I had begun to think that I should never get away alive. "

"Do not let us stay talking here, " the baron said. "Anne has hadsome soup prepared for you, under her own eyes; and that, and aglass or two of good Burgundy, will do wonders for you. "

Desmond, indeed, was greatly revived, and was able to join in acheerful conversation with his hosts. 

"We are both dying to hear your adventures, " the baron said, "andhow you managed to escape from that jail in England, as you did, and also how it was that we met with that dreadful disaster atOudenarde. It really seems that those terrible fellows, Marlborough and Prince Eugene, are invincible. "

"They are good generals, Baron. Beyond troubles with thecommanders of the forces of their allies, they are able to carryout their own plans. The Dukes of Vendome and Berwick are alsoable commanders, but they were hampered by the presence of theDuke of Burgundy, who, on several occasions, overruled theiropinions and ruined their plans. It is to him, alone, that thedefeat at Oudenarde is due. The French soldiers fought as well asever, and it was the position in which they were placed, and notthe superior fighting powers of the enemy, that caused theirdefeat. "

"But how is it, " the baron asked, "that with, as I hear, onehundred and ten thousand men, Vendome does not raise the siege ofLille? It seems incredible that, with so great a force, he shouldremain inactive while the enemy are carrying out their works forthe siege. "

"That I cannot tell you, sir. We heard all sorts of rumours atAmiens, but it seems that Marlborough had taken up a strongposition, and entrenched himself there with seventy thousand men, while Eugene is conducting the siege operations. "

"I don't understand it, " the baron said, irritably. "There must bemore ways of marching to Lille than one. If one road is barred, why not advance by another? The Duke of Burgundy is not with thearmy now, so the blame cannot be put on him. "

"No, sir; but Berwick's army is still, as I hear, under hisindependent command, and the duke, excellent soldier as he is, isnot one to be easily led. If his opinion differs from that ofVendome, he would assuredly maintain it; and as his manner is notconciliatory, and his opinions are very strongly expressed, it maywell be that there are, as was rumoured at Amiens, constantdissensions between him and Vendome. "

"Well, it seems to me very strange, Monsieur Kennedy, after havingduring the last reign defeated the best infantry of Spain, humbledAustria, subdued Bavaria, crushed the enemy in Italy, and shownourselves to be the best soldiers in Europe; that we should nowsuffer defeat after defeat, by an army containing men of half ascore of nationalities, though led by the greatest general thatEngland has ever produced. "

"And, Baron, with English troops under him who have, for hundredsof years, shown themselves invincible!"

"Yes, yes, " the baron said, hastily. "We know all about Crecy, Poitiers, and Agincourt; and how well they fought in Holland; butI thought, Kennedy, that you were the enemy of the English, andwere here with your brave countrymen to fight against them. "

"Not in my case, assuredly, Baron. I came over here because thereis no opening for Irish gentlemen at home, and because only by theaid of France could our lawful king be placed on the throne. It istrue that a section of the English people, under Oliver Cromwell, not only conquered us, but divided a great portion of our landamong themselves; and, although we were again defeated by ausurping Dutch king, with the Dutch troops under his command, thatis no reason why I should feel any animosity to the people atlarge, whose qualities I admire, and the majority of whom are, intheir hearts, attached to the cause of the Stuarts, and hate thosewho are keeping the king from his throne. I own that I wouldrather that it had fallen to my lot to fight for France againstSpaniards, Germans, and Italians, than against the English. "

"Did you lose many friends at Oudenarde, Monsieur Kennedy?" Anneasked. 

"I lost my two greatest friends, " Desmond said. "At least, I fearthat both are dead. They were the two who escaped with me from theEnglish prison. They, with Monsieur d'Eyncourt, another ofBerwick's aides-de-camp, started with me to carry orders to thetroops, who were all but surrounded by the enemy. We went bydifferent roads, to increase the chances of one of us gettingthere. 

"I succeeded with but this comparatively trifling wound, " and hepointed to his empty sleeve, "but none of the other three gotthrough, nor did their names appear when the lists were exchangedof the prisoners captured. Therefore, I have no doubt that allfell in the performance of their duty. We had been great friends, ever since I came out, and their loss has greatly affected me. "

"You are young, and will find fresh friends, " the baron said, briskly. "Do not let us dwell on the past. You have now to applyall your energy to getting strong, and if you show as much vigourin that, as in other matters, I hope that in a month's time youwill be well on the road towards complete recovery. "

"I mean to try hard, Baron, " Desmond said, with a smile. "If Icontinue to gain strength as quickly as I have done during thejourney, I shall certainly insist, before long, on beingconsidered convalescent. "

Day by day, indeed, his strength increased. At first he wanderedabout in the park, accompanied by Philip and Anne, for the baron, although somewhat recovered from his attack of gout, still walkedwith difficulty. In a week, he again took to horse exercise, andwas ere long able to join in hunting and hawking parties. 

The house was gay, for the baron, as soon as Desmond was able to takehis share in conversation, invited many of the neighbouring gentry tothe chateau, and introduced him to them as the man who had done somuch for his daughter and himself. Several entertainments were given, at which the chateau was thrown open to all comers, in honour partlyof Desmond and partly of the approaching marriage of the baron'sdaughter to Monsieur de la Vallee. 

This had been arranged to take place in September. Before thattime arrived, Desmond had completely recovered his strength, andbeing now fit for service, was anxious to join. But his friendswould not hear of his departure until after the marriage; and asnews came that Lille had been captured by the allies, and it wascertain that both armies would soon go into winter quarters, andwould fight no more that year, he allowed himself to be persuadedto stay. 

The siege had been one of the most terrible in history. The placewas nobly defended, and its conquest cost the allies dearly, twelve thousand being killed and wounded, and over seven thousandsuccumbing to diseases; while of the garrison, nearly seventeenthousand strong, but four thousand five hundred remained alive atthe time it capitulated. Its fall caused general consternationthroughout France, for it opened the road to Paris, and during thewinter Louis made strenuous efforts to obtain peace; but the termsdemanded by the allies were so onerous that the negotiations werebroken off. 

In spite of the general distress throughout the country, thewedding was a gay one. 

Desmond had written to the Duke of Berwick, who was now in Paris, saying that he was fit for duty, and would report himself at theend of the month; and, on the day before he was about to leavePointdexter, he received a reply from him. 

It ran as follows:

Dear Monsieur Kennedy:

I am heartily glad to hear of your restoration to health. Imentioned you to His Majesty today, who was pleased to speak veryhighly of you. 

The campaign is virtually at an end, for the present year. HisMajesty has informed me that various changes will be made in thespring. Marshal de Villars is to replace the Duke of Vendome inthe command of the northern army. The latter has been unfortunate, and misfortune on the part of a soldier is regarded as next doorto a crime. Certainly the defeat at Oudenarde was not his fault, but had he taken my advice, Lille might have been saved. Doubtlesshe was as much dissatisfied with me as I was with him, and perhapswith reason; for, as you know, I am not accustomed to mince myphrases. However, as His Majesty was pleased to say, it is evidentthat having two generals acting together, each with an independentcommand, is a mistake, and one that should not be again committed. Therefore, next spring I am to take the command of an army inDauphiny, and to check the Austrians and Italians. 

He said, "If you can spare him, Duke, I should be glad if youwould let me have this young Irishman for a time. I shall promotehim to the rank of captain, for the great service he rendered incarrying, as you say, at grievous risk and with the loss of hishand, the order to the troops at Diepenbeck to scatter during thenight, thus saving me at least ten thousand of my soldiers. Ishall also settle upon him a pension of fifty louis a year, forthe loss of his hand. I will send him to Spain, having had severalcomplaints from the Duke of Orleans" (who, as you know, is now incommand there) "of the incompetence of many of his staff". 

I said that, although I had found you a most zealous and usefulofficer, and had a warm regard for you, I would of course accedeto His Majesty's wishes in the matter. Enclosed in this letter isthe order for you to join the Duke of Orleans, and a privateletter from myself to the duke, giving a sketch of your servicesand exploits, which will doubtless give you, at once, a place inhis favour. 

I do not think that this war will last very much longer. France iswell-nigh ruined by the sacrifices she has made, and the drainupon the allies must be almost as great. Therefore, I trust thatanother campaign will bring it to an end. If not, you may beassured that when the duke no longer requires your services--andit is probable that, after a year's campaigning, he will beheartily tired with the difficulties that he, as I did, will meetwith from the procrastination and general stupidity of theSpanish--you will be free to return to me, and I shall be glad tonumber you again among the members of my staff. 

Desmond was sorry to leave the service of the duke, but consoledhimself with the hope that it would be only temporary; and theprospect of a year's campaigning, in a new country, was by nomeans displeasing to him. Therefore, after writing a suitableletter to the duke, he took leave of the Baron Pointdexter, withmany thanks for his kindness, and, attended by Mike, started forSpain. 

"It's glad I am to be on the move again, Captain Kennedy, " thesoldier said, as they rode away. "Sure, your honour, idleness isnot good for a man, especially when he has lashings of the best offood and drink. When I came to buckle on my sword belt, thismorning, I found it would not meet within three inches, and thecoatee is so tight that I feel as if I was suffocated. "

"You will soon work it down again, Mike. From what I hear ofSpain, there is no fear of your getting too much food there. Roughwork and small rations are, I hear, the rule. "

"I am ready for a good spell then, your honour. I hardly knowmyself now, for I am flabby and short of wind. Still, I am sorryto leave the chateau, for I have had the best time I ever had, inmy life. Everyone was mighty kind, and seemed to think that I haddone great things in helping to rescue Miss Anne, whereas I didnothing at all, except to follow you. "

Chapter 14: A Mission. 

On arriving at Madrid in the first week in December, 1708, Desmond, after putting up at an hotel, and changing the uniform inwhich he travelled for his dress suit, proceeded to theheadquarters of the Duke of Orleans, and sent in his name, together with Berwick's letter of introduction. In a few minuteshe was shown into his room. The duke looked at him in somesurprise. 

"Are you Captain Kennedy?"

"I am, Your Royal Highness. "

"The Duke of Berwick has very strongly recommended you to me, saying that you had performed excellent service under him, andthat he parted with you, with regret, at the express wish of HisMajesty. He speaks of you as a young officer, but I was hardlyprepared to see one so youthful. He says that you are devoted toyour work, active and intelligent as well as brave; and as suchyour arrival is very welcome to me, for although excellent inbattle, I own that my officers are less devoted to the hard workand detail that are as necessary as bravery on a general's staff. 

"By the way, I seem to have heard your name before. Let me see, itwas in connection, was it not, with that affair of the Marquis deTulle and Baron de Pointdexter's daughter?"

"I certainly had the good fortune to take part in that affair, sir. "

"The king himself was pleased to tell me the details of thatadventure, and to speak very highly of your courage and energy incarrying it out. And so, you are really the hero of that affair?He said that you were a young ensign in O'Brien's Irish regiment. You have risen rapidly, sir, for it is but eighteen months sinceit took place. "

"His Majesty graciously promoted me to the rank of lieutenant whenI was appointed by the Duke of Berwick to his staff. I obtained mynext step after the battle of Oudenarde, for carrying a despatchto the force cut off in the village of Diepenbeck, in whichservice I received a wound which resulted in the loss of my lefthand. I was several weeks in hospital, and then obtained sickleave and went down for two months to Baron de Pointdexter, whichvisit resulted in my complete restoration to health. At the end ofthat time the Duke of Berwick, who had also returned from thearmy, was good enough to recommend me to His Majesty, and hethereupon promoted me and appointed me to join your staff. "

"If Marshal Berwick spoke approvingly of your conduct, CaptainKennedy, it is in itself a sufficient recommendation, for the dukeis not easily satisfied. I am sure that I shall find you avaluable acquisition to my staff. "

The duke invited Desmond to dine with him that evening, andpresented him to several of his staff who were among the company. These were, for the most part, personal friends and associates ofthe duke; gallant gentlemen, but wholly ignorant of war, andadverse to hard work, and it was not long before Desmond foundthat his services were called into requisition whenever it wasnecessary that a despatch should be carried to a distance. He wasby no means sorry that this should be the case, for he soon tiredof the stiffness and ceremony of the Spanish Court, and of theconversation (chiefly relating to ladies in Paris, whose verynames were unknown to him) among the French officers, and it was arelief to him, indeed, when he could get away from attendance atheadquarters, and enjoy an evening's talk with the officers of oneor other of the four Irish regiments there. 

Many of these expeditions were attended by considerable danger, for the wars that had for some years devastated the country hadresulted in general disorder. Armed bands, under the pretence ofacting in the interest of one claimant or other to the throne, traversed the country, pillaging the villages, driving off flocksand herds to the mountains, and ruthlessly slaying any whoventured to offer the smallest opposition. Catalonia and Valenciahad been the scene of the greater portion of the conflicts betweenthe rival claimants. Throughout the rest of the country thepopulation looked on apathetically at the struggle for mastery, caring but little which of the two foreign princes reigned overthem; but, in the out-of-the-way districts, the wilder spiritsleft their homes in numbers, enticed by the prospects of plunder, under the leading of one or other of the partisan chiefs. 

Desmond had, from the moment of his arrival, spent the greaterportion of his spare time in the study of Spanish, and, aided muchby his knowledge of French, had made rapid progress, and in threemonths was able to converse fairly in it. It was, indeed, essential for his work, as without it he could not have made hisway about, and safely delivered the orders of which he was thebearer. 

In the beginning of March, the duke sent for him. 

"I have been greatly pleased, Captain Kennedy, with the activitythat you have displayed, and am going to make a further call uponyou. This mission is of greater importance than any on which youhave hitherto been engaged, and is one which, ordinarily, would beentrusted to an officer of higher rank; but I feel that I cannotdo better than place it in your hands. From what we learn, Ibelieve that it is the intention of the enemy to commence thecampaign by crossing the frontier, near Badajos. By so doing, theycan either follow the valley of the Guadiana to the sources of theriver, and then come down into Valencia; or they could cross thesierras, come down into the valley of the Tagus, and march onMadrid. 

"In the first place, I wish a report as to the state of thefortifications of Badajos, and the efficiency of its garrison. Iam, of course, acquainted with the official reports, sent by theSpanish commander of the town to his Government, but I have cometo place no faith whatever in Spanish reports, which, for the mostpart, are a tissue of falsehoods. Your first duty, then, will beto give me as complete a report as possible of the state of thingsthere; of your impressions of the capacity of the governor, asshown by his preparations; also of the morale of the troops. Inthe next place, I shall be glad of any information you can gatherof the country beyond the frontier, and the state of the roads inall that neighbourhood. Here, again, the native reports areabsolutely untrustworthy. The line of the enemy's advance would beeither direct from Lisbon through Vicosa, or up the Tagus, whichoffers them great facilities for carriage, and down throughPortalegre and Alvas. 

"During the past four years, there has been a good deal offighting near the frontier, but the reports of the officerscommanding the Spanish forces there are devoid of any practicalinformation as to the roads on our side of the boundary. As it hasbeen resolved to give the enemy battle, as soon as he crosses thefrontier, it is most important that I should know the best linesby which troops can move, the state of the bridges, and thepositions in which a battle on a large scale can best be fought. 

"You see, the mission is an important one, and I selected you forit as a proof of the confidence I feel in your ability. Whilecarrying out this duty you shall have the temporary rank of major, as it will less ruffle the susceptibility of the Spaniards, if anofficer of that rank be employed, than if a captain be sent toinstitute such enquiries. 

"You will, of course, be provided with a letter to the Governor ofBadajos, couched in such terms that he will not consider yourmission has any reference to himself, its object being to discoverwhether the magazines at Badajos are sufficiently well supplied toadmit of their being, if necessary, drawn upon for the subsistenceof the army; also, whether the garrison needs strengthening, incase the enemy should lay siege to the town before our army is athand to give battle. Thus you will ostensibly confine yourenquiries to the amount of provisions and ammunition, and consultthe governor as to whether he considers the force at his disposalsufficient for the defence of the fortress against a vigorousattack. Fortunately, the Spanish methods are so slow that, beforeyou get these particulars, you will have ample time to ascertainthe points as to which I am chiefly concerned. 

"You will be furnished with a native guide, well acquainted withthe passes of the sierras between the Tagus and the Guadiana. Thispart of your journey will not be unattended with danger, for themountains swarm with bands of partisans; that is to say, bandits. I shall, however, give you an order, to the officer in command ofthe garrison at Toledo, to furnish you with an escort of tentroopers under an officer, to conduct you across the mountains. Four of these will accompany you to Badajos, and remain with youuntil you return to Toledo. Once in the valley of the Guadiana, you should have little chance of falling in with any bands ofguerrillas, but an escort will add to your weight and importancein the eyes of the Spaniards. "

"I feel greatly honoured, Your Royal Highness, by your selectingme for the mission, and will carry it out to the best of myability. "

"In an hour the papers will be ready for you, and you can start atdaybreak tomorrow. "

"We are going on a long trip this time, Mike. "

"Back to France, your honour?"

"No; we are going to the western frontier, by Badajos. "

"It makes no difference to me, sir, where we are going; but, intruth, I shall be glad to go anywhere, for I am mightily sick ofthis town, where the people have no great love for the French, andthe best part of them seem to look down upon us soldiers, as if wewere dirt under their feet. It is unsafe to go through the streetsalone at night. A score of men have, since we came here, beenfound lying dead with a knife between their ribs. "

"Yes; the population here is very much divided, Mike, and even thosewho are favourable to Philip have no love for the foreign soldierswhose bayonets keep him on the throne. The duke has, many times, made formal complaints to the king and the city authorities. Philiphas given strict orders for the arrest of bad characters, but thecity civil authorities protest that they cannot lay hands upon them, and I believe have never taken the slightest trouble to do so. "

"How long shall we be away, your honour?"

"I should say, a month. I am to have temporary rank as major, while engaged on this business. Anyone under that grade wouldreceive but little courtesy from the Spaniards. "

"They are a mighty haughty lot, " Mike grumbled. "I believe theythink that, when the flood came, the Spanish grandees had an arkall to themselves, as they could not be expected to put up with aconveyance full of animals. "

Desmond laughed. 

"They haven't yet taken in the fact that Spain is no longer thegreat power she was when she was mistress of half of Europe. Theywere fine fighters then, Mike. For my part, I own that I cannotunderstand how it is they have fallen off in that respect; forcertainly, without our troops, they would make but a poor standagainst the Portuguese, backed up by the English and Dutch. "

"I have not seen them fighting yet, sir, but to my mind people sofond of using their knives are not likely to be of much account, when it comes to manly, straightforward fighting. 

"Well, your honour, if you are to go as a major, you will needsome slight alterations in your uniform--more gold lace, and suchlike. So I had best see about it, at once. "

"I did not think of that, Mike; but you are right. I don't knowwhether, as I only hold temporary rank, I have a right to wear theuniform of a field officer; but, as the duke wishes me to be ableto speak with some authority, there can be no harm in making thechange, and the additions can easily be taken off, upon myreturn. "

"The duke ought to have given you the full rank, instead of thetemporary one, sir. You have done more work, since you came here, than all the colonels and majors on his staff. "

"As far as work goes that may be so, Mike; but as the workconsisted in carrying despatches about on horseback, it certainlyaffords no claim for promotion. And, indeed, I have no wishwhatever for it. I am already the youngest captain in the service, except the young nobles who got their commissions as colonels, without even serving a day in inferior rank. I feel uncomfortablenow when I go to our regiments, to see men who have been years inthe service, and gone through many a desperate action, stilllieutenants; while I, after two years' service, and still undernineteen, am a captain. "

"Yes, sir; but you know that you saved eight or ten thousand mento France at Oudenarde, and you lost a hand in the service of thecountry. That would count for a great deal. "

"It counts for something, no doubt, Mike, but many of theseofficers have risked their lives a score of times, and beenwounded frequently, though they may not have lost a limb. "

"Ah well, sir!" Mike said, philosophically, "Luck is everything. And who would go soldiering, if it was not so? When going intobattle, everyone knows that a lot of his comrades will be killed, but he trusts to his luck to get through safely. One man getspromoted and another doesn't, and he hopes that luck will come hisway next time. I don't say that your honour's promotion has beenluck, but you have had luck in being on the staff of the Duke ofBerwick, and everyone knows that it is the staff officers who getthe credit and promotion, while the men who do most of thefighting get passed over. There would be nothing to say againstthat if, as in your honour's case, a man was chosen for the staffbecause he had done something that showed that he was fit for it. But it isn't so here. If a man belongs to a good family, and hasinterest, he gets a good appointment; and it is mighty seldom thata man is taken from his regiment, and put on to the staff, becausehe has done something which showed he was a good soldier. "

"That is so, Mike. There is no denying it. And I believe it is onereason why so many disasters have befallen the French army. Thegenerals are, as a rule, good, and the soldiers are excellent, butthe staff are generally altogether incompetent, and seem toconsider that the fact that they are nobles renders it unnecessaryfor them to give attention to details, or to be more thanornamental figures in the general's train. And when we see theauthority of Vendome overruled by a young prince, who is grandsonof the king, and nothing else, one must not be surprised that itis the same all through the army. "

That evening, Desmond received a packet containing his appointmentas major while on special service, details of instructions as tothe points to be attended to, and letters from the duke to thecommandant of the garrison at Toledo, and from Philip to theGovernor at Badajos. 

The next morning he started at daybreak, accompanied by Mike, andarrived that evening at Toledo. Here he presented his letter tothe commandant. 

"Very well, sir, " the officer said, when he had read it. "At whathour do you wish the escort and guide to be ready in the morning?"

"I should like to start as early as possible, Colonel. I myself, being well mounted, might cross the sierra in a day; but thetroopers' horses could not do that. "

"You would not gain anything if they could, Major Kennedy, foreven if your horse could carry you over sixty or seventy miles ofmountain roads in a day, you would certainly need a couple ofdays' rest before proceeding farther. If you get as far asEnmedio, which is in the heart of the sierra, you will have donewell. You will then have another long day's ride down to CiudadReal, from which place the officer with six of the troopers willreturn. The general says nothing about a noncommissioned officer, but I shall take it upon myself to send one to accompany you, withthe four men. It will take a good deal of trouble off your hands. "

"I am much obliged to you, Colonel. "

"Now that we have finished business, " the officer said, "we cantalk of other things. You will, of course, put up here. I have twoor three spare rooms, and the accommodation at the inns iswretched. I am always very glad when an officer rides through, because we hear little enough about what is passing, and as thereis no sort of sociability among the Spaniards, life is very dullhere, and one is very glad of the change. "

"Thank you, Colonel. I will gladly accept your invitation. "

The colonel rang a bell, and ordered a servitor, who answered, toshow Major Kennedy's servant where to put up his master's horsesand his own, to bring up the officer's valises, and to make thesoldier comfortable below. 

"We shall sup in half an hour, " he said to Desmond, when the manhad left. "Two of my majors are going to share the meal. "

As soon as the valises were brought up, Desmond changed hisuniform, got rid of the dust of the road, and was just ready whena servant knocked at the door and said that the supper was served. The meal was a pleasant one. The three French officers wereanxious to hear the last news that had reached Madrid from France. The conversation did not flag for a moment during the meal. 

After this was over, and cigars were lighted--for the officers hadall adopted the custom of the country--the colonel saidcourteously, "Would you mind telling us, Major Kennedy, how it isthat you, who by your name are Irish, although you speak excellentFrench, have made your way so rapidly as to be already a major?"

"Not at all, Colonel. I am, myself, as much surprised at it as youmay be. But, really, my present rank is only temporary. I am goingdown to Badajos, on a special mission for the Duke of Orleans, andas he thought that I should be received better were I a fieldofficer, instead of captain, he has given me the temporary rank ofmajor while so employed. 

"I will briefly tell you how I obtained the other steps. The firstwas given me, by the king, on my appointment as aide-de-camp tothe Duke of Berwick; His Majesty being good enough to take aninterest in me, owing to a little adventure in which I had becomeinvolved. It concerned, I may say, the almost accidental rescue ofa lady, who had been carried off by a nobleman of the court. "

"I remember now, " the colonel said. "The lady was Mademoiselle dePointdexter, and her abductor Vicomte de Tulle. It happened amonth or so before our regiment left Paris for Spain, and was thechief topic of talk. I recall your name, now, in connection withthe affair, and how warmly everyone spoke of your gallantry. Well, Major, how did you gain your next step?"

"I had the good fortune to be the only one who survived, of fouraides-de-camp who were sent off by the Duke of Berwick, atOudenarde, to make their way through the allied lines with orders, to the division cut off from the rest of the army in the villageof Diepenbeck, to disperse and make off across the country, asbest they could. My comrades were all killed, but I was luckyenough to succeed in reaching the village uninjured, with theexception of a ball in the wrist, which caused the loss of myhand, and, I may say, almost of my life. It was because of thefavourable report, which the duke was pleased to make of thisservice, that I received my rank as captain. "

"It was well earned, too, sir, " the colonel said warmly. "Iconfess, I thought when you arrived that, although Irish by name, you must have had some very powerful influence at your back tohave risen so early. Unhappily, promotion often bears no relationwhatever to merit; and one sees young nobles, with no otherrecommendation than that of their birth, placed over the heads ofofficers of five-and-twenty years service. No one is jealous of aman who owes his rise to brilliant deeds of courage, or signalability; but it is galling to see these young popinjays thrustforward, simply by family influence. "

In passing over the hills the next day, a large party of armed menmade their appearance, suddenly, on a height above; but, seeingthat an attack was likely to meet with a stout resistance, and aslittle booty would be obtainable, they did not interfere withtheir passage. Desmond congratulated himself on having an escort, for it would have gone hard with him, had he been accompanied onlyby Mike. 

On the fifth day after leaving Madrid he arrived at Badajos, with thesergeant, the four troopers, and Mike. After some formalities--forthe town, being close to the frontier, was liable at any moment to besuddenly attacked--Desmond was conducted to the governor, a pompousSpanish officer. 

"Are you yourself Major Kennedy?" he asked, looking with somesurprise at his young visitor. 

"My name is Kennedy, sir, and I have the honour of being major, and to serve on the staff of his grace, the Duke of Orleans. I amthe bearer of a letter to you from His Majesty, King Philip. "

The Spaniard took the letter and read it, and Desmond could see, by the expression of his countenance, that he was by no meanspleased. 

"I do not understand, " he said coldly, "why an officer should havebeen specially despatched to obtain information which I havealready duly furnished. "

"I understood from the Duke of Orleans, sir, that as news has beenreceived that the enemy's plans were to cross the frontier nearthis town, it became a matter of special importance to see that itwas sufficiently supplied with provisions, and munitions of war tostand a siege. It has been found more than once that, owing to theculpable neglect of subordinates, fortresses when besieged were byno means so well supplied with provisions, powder and shot, as hadbeen supposed. Naturally, the governor of a fortress like this, with a considerable garrison, is too much occupied to personallysuperintend all these matters, and must leave them in the hands ofhis subordinates, who on their part commit them to those ofsergeants and storekeepers; so that, while everything is reportedto be ready, there are really deficiencies. A waste often takesplace in the distribution of stores, and the matter was soimportant that the king requested the duke to send one of hisstaff to give you every assistance, and to receive yoursuggestions, which will be complied with to their full extent. Asyour last report was sent in some three months back, necessarilyconsiderable changes have taken place, in that time. "

"Well, sir, I will obey His Majesty's orders, and give you everyfacility. My officers shall be instructed to open such magazinesas you may select, and you will be then able personally to judgeas to the quantity and condition of the stores. It will, ofcourse, be impossible, unless with an immense expenditure oflabour, to go through the whole of the magazines and to reckon uptheir contents; but as many as you wish shall be opened, and aparty of soldiers told off to count the bales and cases. "

"A very few will suffice, sir. Of course, in the event of a battlebeing fought and a reverse occurring, the enemy might sit downbefore your town. You would be exposed to a long siege, for itmight be some time before the army was again in a position toadvance and fight another battle, or raise the siege. I havelittle doubt that everything will be found in excellent order, butshould there be any deficiencies, the duke assured me that theywould be at once made good. "

"If you will call tomorrow morning, sir, " the governor said, "Iwill have some of the officials, in whose charge these mattersare, placed at your disposal; but I am convinced that you willfind that my reports on the stores and ammunition in hand arefully borne out. "

"The governor is, as I expected, a good deal put out, Mike, "Desmond said as he rejoined his follower, who was waiting outsidewith the horses. "Now, let us find out the best hotel. "

"Didn't he ask you to stay with him, your honour?" Mike asked insurprise. 

"No. He is much too grand a man for that, and besides, he may havehis wife and children with him; and however much a Spaniard mayplace his house and all within it at your service, it is veryseldom that he invites a stranger to enter it. Moreover, glad asthey may be to have French help in fighting their battles, theylook with suspicion and dislike upon an individual Frenchman. 

"Besides, I fancy I shall find that these stores and magazines byno means tally with the report sent in by the governor. I heardthe Duke of Berwick one day speaking about it, and he said therewas corruption and dishonesty among their officials, from thehighest to the lowest. It is probable that both the king and theDuke of Orleans have the same opinion, and that it was for thisreason that they sent me here, in order to assure them that thefortress is as well supplied as has been stated. With the otherpapers, I have received a copy of the governor's report, althoughI did not think it necessary to tell him so. "

The next morning, on going to the governor's, Desmond found anumber of officials assembled there. 

"These are the officers in charge of the stores and magazines, "the governor said. "Colonel Mendez will accompany you, and willsee that everything is done to facilitate your examination. "

The governor bowed formally. Desmond returned his salute, and thenwent down with the Spanish colonel, the other officials following. He saw that there was an expression of malicious pleasure in thecolonel's face, and guessed that he was, by no means, sorry at theinvestigation that was to take place. 

"I think, sir, " Desmond said, "that it will not be necessary forus to have all these officials going round with us. It will beimpossible, in one day, to do more than examine one department. Asammunition is the most important of all stores, I would suggestthat we take only those in charge of the war material. "

"Very good;" and, turning to those behind, he said: "For today, all those save the officers in charge of the magazines can berelieved from this duty. Their turn will come tomorrow, or nextday. "

With the exception of five or six, all moved away. 

"We have three magazines in the town, " the colonel went on, "so asto lessen the chance of our resources being destroyed by a singleblow. There is the Central magazine, another that is known as theSan Juan magazine, and the Western magazine. "

"We may as well visit the Central one first, as, no doubt, that isthe most important one. "

As they went on, a party of twenty soldiers, who had been drawn upthere, fell in behind, while Mike and two troopers of his escortalso, at his orders, accompanied them. The magazine was formed inwhat had formerly been an old castle, but which was now used foranother purpose, that of a store, its thick walls affordingprotection against any but very heavy missiles. On entering whathad been the courtyard, Desmond saw that the greater portion of itwas occupied by storehouses, massively built, and covered by somefive or six feet of earth. 

"The first of these on the right contains musketry ammunition, "Colonel Mendez said, "the next two contain cannonballs; powder isstored in the three houses at the farther end, and the three onthe left side contain hand grenades, fuses for mines, signalrockets, and other miscellanies, such as brimstone. "

"We will examine number one first, " Desmond said. "Which is theofficer in charge?"

One of the officials stepped forward, with a key. Desmond saw thathis face was pale, and that he had a sullen look. 

"I will ask you, before we enter, " he said, "how often do you takestock of your stores? I suppose when the governor sends in hishalf-yearly report?"

"We do not do it that way at all, " the man said. "I have a book. It was given to me by the officer I succeeded. Here it is. Youwill see that he handed over so many barrels of cartridges. On oneside of the page I put down the number of barrels issued, and onthe other the number I receive, and thus, at any time, withoutdisturbing the contents of the store, I can state the number ofbarrels it contains. "

"Then how long have you held this position, sir?"

"I have been in charge of this store, and of those used for powderin the cellars underneath the castle, for ten years. "

"The man whom you succeeded--how long had he been here?"

"I believe he had been here for twenty years, or more. "

"And his system of keeping account was the same as yours?"

"Precisely. He handed his books to me, and I have kept mine in thesame way. "

"Then it is a fact, if I understand you rightly, that there hasbeen no taking of stock for the past thirty years?"

"It was not necessary, " the officer said, in a surly tone. "Therecan be no mistake possible, considering the way in which we madeour entries. "

They now entered the store. It was some sixty feet long and fortyfeet wide, with pillars of masonry along the centre to support theweight of the roof. It was lighted only by small loopholes in thethick walls. Four of the soldiers carried lanterns, and they wereabout to enter, when Desmond said:

"There is no loose powder lying about, I suppose?"

"None, " the officer replied. "The barrels were all carefullyexamined before being taken into the store. They are, as you cansee, strongly made. A leakage is out of the question, unless byany accident one should fall off the pile and burst; but such athing has never happened, as far as I know. "

"I see, by your book, that there should be three thousand fourhundred and eighty-two barrels, each containing five hundredcartridges. Certainly an ample supply, even for a prolongedsiege. "

The barrels were piled in four tiers, one above another, forming awall on each side of a central path, seven feet wide. 

"Give me your hand, Mike, " Desmond said to his follower, and, standing upon it, he was able to scramble on to the top. 

"Twelve barrels deep, " he said, as he descended. "Now, let uscount the number in each line. "

The wall of barrels extended only some two-thirds of the length ofthe stores, and there were thirty barrels in each line. He made arapid calculation. 

"That is three thousand two hundred, but I see that, in addition, there is a small pile on each side, beyond the others, which wouldabout make up the correct total. Your record is strictlyaccurate. "

The official took up the lantern, as if the matter was nowfinished, but Desmond said:

"No, sir. I have but begun; and my instructions were to see howmuch musket ammunition there was here, at present. I only know howmany barrels there are. 

"And now, Colonel, I will ask you to call your men in, and setthem to work. I wish two passages made through each of these pilesof barrels. Three feet wide will be sufficient. "

"It would be very dangerous to move them, " the official saidhastily. 

"Not if it is carefully done. You tell me the barrels are strong, and that there is no leakage. Even if this should not be the case, there is little fear of the powder coming in contact with thecandles in these lanterns; and besides, as the powder is incartridges, it would not leak out even if one of the barrels wereto burst. "

The soldiers had set to work at four points, chosen at hazard byDesmond. The barrels, as they were taken down, were ranged alongon each side of the central path. When three lines had beencleared out, one of the soldiers gave an exclamation. 

"This is lighter than the one I carried out last!" he said. 

"Carry it out into the courtyard, " Desmond said. "I should like tolook at the contents. "

It was taken out to the courtyard, and one end carefully takenout. 

"You see, Colonel, " Desmond said, as he looked at its contents, "you would have been reduced to great straits, long before youexpected it. "

The colonel, who belonged to the artillery, looked into thebarrel, which was full of earth. 

"Empty it out!" Desmond ordered. 

They did so. There was not a single cartridge in it. 

"This is scandalous!" the colonel exclaimed. "I did not expectthat everything would be found right, but I had no idea of suchvillainy as this!"

He turned to the men. 

"Arrest the commissary, at once, " he said. 

But that official was nowhere to be found. He had slipped away, assoon as the men began to take down the barrels. Some soldiers wereat once sent off in search of him. 

"We will continue the work, " Desmond said, "and see howextensively this fraud has been carried on. "

The same result was met with in each of the openings. The firstthree lines consisted of barrels filled with cartridges; the sevenlines behind contained nothing but earth. 

"You see, Colonel, instead of having over three thousand twohundred barrels of cartridges, you have less than a thousand. Itis almost beyond belief! It is clear that this fellow, andprobably the man who was in charge before him, have been incollusion with the contractors for these cartridges, and allowedthem to send in seven barrels of earth for every three ofcartridges. No doubt, they calculated that there was little chanceof the fraud being detected--never, indeed, until there was aprolonged siege--for they would naturally serve out the barrelsfrom the front row, as they were required, filling their placeswith fresh ones as supplies came in. "

The other storehouses were now examined. The number of cannonballalone tallied with the account. There were large deficiencies inthe store of powder, and, indeed, among almost all the othermunitions. 

"It is infinitely worse than I thought, " the colonel said, "and Ifear that the storekeepers are not the only people concerned inthese frauds. "

"Now, Colonel, if you do not mind, I should like to go to one ofthe provision stores at once. Possibly, after what we havediscovered, some pretext to stop further examination may beinvented, if we wait till tomorrow. "

Great as had been the fraud in the magazines, that in the suppliesof provisions was even greater. There was a deficiency of manyhundreds of sacks of flour and beans. The meat stores wereentirely empty, although they should have contained a large numberof tierces of salted beef. This was a matter of minor importance, for in case of the approach of an enemy, the people of the countryround would drive their cattle into the town, and, indeed, theallowance of meat to a Spanish soldier was so small that he coulddo well without it, existing entirely upon bread and fried beans. Of wine there was scarce half the amount indicated. A great numberof the barrels had been filled only with water. 

It was late in the afternoon when the work ceased. 

"I should require a fortnight, " Desmond said, "to get accuratefigures. This, however, is comparatively unimportant. It is quitesufficient to know that in no case is there half the amount, either of ammunition or of provisions, given in the governor'slast report, and that fraud on a large scale has been carried on;and I cannot but think that some men, at least, of higher rankthan these storekeepers must have been privy to the affair. "

"There has certainly been something wrong in the supply ofclothes, Major Kennedy. My men have had no new ones served out tothem for the past year and a half, although I have made repeatedapplications during the past two months. "

"Yes; I noticed when I walked about in the town, yesterday, thatmany of the troops were almost in rags, and I have no doubt therehas been fraud in the clothing department, as well as in all theothers. "

"Well, sir, as a Spaniard I lament this terrible exposure. Blame, however, must not be laid entirely upon the military. The supplyof provisions of all kinds, of cloth for clothing, and, indeed, ofeverything but guns and ammunition, is in the hands of the juntaof the province, and of the civil authority here. Many of themembers must be concerned in the matter, and I have no doubt thatthe officials here are heavily bribed to shut their eyes, and toarrange matters so that the frauds may escape attention. 

"I know that once, when I proposed to the governor to examine someof the barrels of cartridges as they came in, he answered me verysharply, and told me that my business was to work the guns, andnot to meddle with the duties of the storekeeper. "

"Then do you think, Colonel?--"

"I think nothing, " the officer replied. "The governor is thegovernor, and it is not for me to discuss his conduct in any way, nor even to admit the possibility of his knowing of this affair. "

Only two or three of the storekeepers had been arrested. The resthad slunk away, as soon as they saw how matters were going. 

Chapter 15: Treachery. 

At this moment an officer came down, and said that the governorwished to see Colonel Mendez and Major Kennedy, at once. As theyentered the room, they saw the governor walking up and down in astate of great agitation. 

"I hear, Colonel Mendez, " he said, stopping before that officer, "that you have, on your own authority, placed several of thecommissariat storekeepers under arrest. What does this mean, sir?"

"It means, sir, that Major Kennedy has discovered enormousdeficiencies in the stores, and there can be little doubt that anumber of persons must have been concerned in the matter, besidesthose in charge of the storehouses. Wholesale bribery must havebeen practised, by those who supplied the goods to those whoseduty it was to receive them. "

"I shall order a commission of enquiry to sit at once, and begthat you, Colonel Mendez, will send me in a detailed report of thematter, which is, I need hardly say, one of extreme gravity. "

"I was right, " Colonel Mendez said, as they left the governor'shouse. "I suspected that something was wrong, ever since herefused to allow me access to the magazines. I have no doubt thathe has been acting in collusion with the contractors, though hemay not have been aware of the extent of their rascality, for hissubordinates may not only have accepted bribes from thecontractors to carry out the frauds to which the governor may haveconsented, but may also have taken money from these to allow ofstill greater ones to be perpetrated. "

"What will he do, do you think, Colonel?"

"He will endeavour, by every means in his power, to prevent anyword of your discovery from leaking out. And, if I may advise you, I should say it would be well that you should take everyprecaution for your own safety. His position is a desperate one, for one cannot doubt that your report will be followed by hisremoval from his post, his dismissal from the army, and theconfiscation of everything of which he is possessed. Therefore, itis almost a matter of life and death to him to prevent your reportfrom being sent to headquarters, and to have you removedaltogether. This done, the facts might not leak out. It would besupposed, at Madrid, that you had been stabbed by some streetruffian. And, although another officer might be sent down toreport, it is by no means likely that he would go so rigorouslyinto matters as you did, but would be contented merely to countbarrels and bales, without troubling to investigate theircontents. "

"But your evidence would be as strong against him as mine. "

"Yes; but that evidence is not yet given. He can, in the firstplace, and I have no doubt will, suppress my report to him. In thesecond place, he would consider it unlikely that I should ventureto make the matter public, for he has powerful friends at court. He is connected with many of the leading families in the province, and might rely upon being able to hush the matter up, so long asit was known only to the heads of our army, who are not unawarethat, although the pay of a commander of a fortress is not morethan sufficient to maintain his position, they, like most other ofour officials, generally retire with considerable fortunes. Therefore, any interference on my part would be more disastrous tomy prospects than to his. 

"It is humiliating to say so, Major Kennedy, but both our civiland military systems are rotten to the core. There are, of course, honest men in both services, but as a rule corruption is almostuniversal. Still, although he cannot fear me as he must fear you, it is possible he may endeavour to make himself safe by removingme also from his path; and for a time I shall take good care toremain in my own barracks, as much as possible. "

"I will be careful also, " Desmond said, "and I thank you much forthe warning, which was needed, for it would never have struck methat he would even attempt to suppress the information that I havegained; but I see that it will be necessary to be very careful, especially in the manner of sending off my reports. "

"If I were in your place, I should mount my horse at once, andwith the troopers of the escort ride straight for Madrid. "

"I cannot do that, Colonel, for the examination into the state ofthe stores here was only a part of my instructions, and I must, ifpossible, carry these out to the letter before leaving for Madrid. I might, however, send off my despatch by two of the troopers withme. "

"I think you may take my word for it, Major, that they would neverreach their destination. Even while we are speaking, a messengermay be sent off either to one of these bands in the mountains, orto two or three of the contractors--who are, of course, as deeplyinvolved as the governor, for there is no doubt of their guilt, while no proof can be given to his being a party to it--tellingthem that it is a matter of life and death to them to prevent youor your messengers from reaching Madrid. "

"The lookout is certainly far from comfortable, " Desmond admitted, "and I must, tonight, think it over in every way, and decide uponwhat course I had best pursue. "

When he reached the hotel, he told Mike what Colonel Mendez hadsaid. 

"By the powers, your honour, it is a nasty scrape that we seem tobe in, almost as bad as when you were shut up in that prison inLondon. "

"Worse, Mike; for then we knew that we should be tried, but hopedthat Louis would interfere in our favour, and by threateningreprisals obtain our liberty; whereas here we have only ourselvesto depend upon, and the blow may come at any moment. "

"Well, at any rate, your honour, we will see that none get at youunbeknown. I will lie down in your room against the door, and ifthe sergeant places a man on guard outside, it is hard if anyonegets at you. "

"I hardly think the precaution necessary; but there is no sayingwhat this man might not do in so desperate a situation, so I willtell the sergeant to place a sentry at the door, and to relievehim every two hours. I shall think the matter over, and bytomorrow morning shall decide whether I had best remain here andcomplete my work, or ride at once to Madrid. "

At about two o'clock in the morning Desmond, who had but justdropped off to sleep, was aroused by hearing the sentry outsidehis door challenge. There was no answer. All remained quiet. Mikeleapt to his feet and opened the door. 

"What is it?" he asked the sentry. 

"I saw two or three men at the end of the corridor. It was toodark to make them out clearly. They were coming this way. Ilevelled my carbine and cried, 'Who comes there?' and at once theystole away. They could have been after no good, for their stepswere noiseless, and they must have come up without boots. "

"Keep a sharp lookout, sentry, " Desmond said, "and see that theydon't steal up to you, for if they do, you may be stabbed beforeyou have time to turn round. 

"It is lucky that I carried out your suggestion, Mike, and posteda sentry at the door. Of course, these men the sentry saw may nothave been coming here, but at any rate their conduct wassuspicious. "

In a few minutes Desmond was again asleep. He had had a long day'swork, and believing that the affair was over, at least for thenight, he did not even try to keep awake. 

As soon as Mike heard, by his breathing, that he was asleep, hegot up noiselessly and seated himself near the open window, with aloaded pistol. An hour passed, and then he heard a slight stir inthe street. He did not look out, but grasped his pistol tightly. 

Their room was on the first floor. Presently, he heard a gratingsound against the window. It was very dark, and he knelt down sothat he would be able to make out any figure that showed above thewindowsill. He thought first of rousing his master, but as he hadanother pistol in his belt, and his sword leaned against the wall, ready to his hand, he thought it better to let matters take theircourse. 

He had heard no further sound, but presently a round objectappeared in sight. Stretching out his arm, he fired without amoment's hesitation. There was a sound of a heavy fall below, followed by some muttered exclamations. In a moment, Desmond wason his feet, a pistol which he had laid by his pillow in hisgrasp. 

"What is it, Mike?"

"It is only a gentleman who had a fancy for looking in at thewindow, your honour, and I have no doubt would have come in, without saying by your leave, if I had not cut the matter short byputting a bullet into his forehead. He had some friends downbelow. He came up on a ladder. "

He looked out of the window. 

"They are taking it down now, your honour. Shall I give themanother shot?"

"No, Mike; let them go. The lesson has been good enough. "

The sentry had also run into the room, on hearing the shot. 

"It is all over, " Desmond said. "Seeing that you prevented themfrom getting in at the door, they tried the window. Mike has shotone of them. "

There was a sound of feet and loud talking in the passage, and asDesmond went out, the landlord, two of the serving men, andseveral of those staying at the hotel ran up. 

"What is it, senor? We heard a shot. "

"Yes; a fellow tried to enter my window, by means of a ladder; butfortunately my man heard him, and shot him before he came in. Nodoubt it was some prowling marauder, who, seeing my window open, thought that there was a chance of plunder. "

"Carrambo!" the landlord exclaimed, "then we shall have enquiries, and all sorts of trouble. "

"I don't think you will, " Desmond said quietly. "I fancy he hadsome friends down below, and they will probably carry his body andthe ladder away, and, if you hold your tongues, nothing more willbe heard of it. 

"Mike, do you and the sentry take a lantern and go down and see. "

The landlord looked out of the window. 

"As far as I can see, everything is quiet there, " he said. "Areyou sure that your servant was not dreaming?"

"That you will soon ascertain, if you go down with him, " Desmondsaid. "I fancy that you will find some traces of the affairthere. "

The landlord, followed by his two servants, went down with thesoldiers, and then, lighting a lantern and handing it to them, went out, keeping carefully behind them. 

"There, " Mike said, when he stopped under Desmond's window; "doesthat look like a dream?" and he pointed to a patch of blood on thepavement. 

"It is true enough, " the landlord said. 

"Pedro and Lopez, fetch pails of water and brooms, and get rid ofthis blood, otherwise we shall be having enquiries made in themorning. "

Mike returned to his master, at whose door the sergeant and theother troopers were standing. 

"There is no occasion, sergeant, " Desmond had just said, "to keepa sentry at the door any longer. We can be quite sure that weshall not be disturbed again before morning, and indeed, I am notlikely to sleep after this. "

"Very well, sir; but if you don't mind, I will keep a sentry onwatch. "

"Just as you like, sergeant, but I feel sure there is no occasionfor it. Still, after what has happened, it may perhaps be wise todo so. "

"Well, Mike, " Desmond said, when they were again alone, "thecampaign has opened with spirit. This is something like thatjourney with the Baron de Pointdexter, when we expected to beattacked every minute. "

"Well, we got through that all right, your honour, and it is hardif we don't get through this. "

At six o'clock, a volley of musketry was fired. 

"They are practising early, sir, " Mike said. 

"It can't be that, Mike. It is too close. They would go beyond theouter works to practise, and, by the sound, it is certainly muchnearer than that, though possibly just outside the walls. "

"I will go out and enquire, your honour. When one is at war, it isas well to know exactly what the enemy are doing. "

"Take one of the troopers with you, Mike. Pierre speaks Spanishwell. "

Mike returned in an hour. 

"They have shot all the prisoners we took yesterday, " he said. "Ihear they held a sort of court martial in the evening, at thegovernor's. It did not sit more than ten minutes. They were allfound guilty of fraud and treachery, and were shot this morning. "

"Worse and worse, Mike! Evidently, the governor is determined toget rid of all whose evidence might throw any light on thismatter. After what has happened here, and these summaryexecutions, I feel very uncomfortable as to Colonel Mendez. Willyou go to the artillery barracks with a message from me that, as Ihave my first report to write out, I shall not continue theinvestigations today? Take Pierre with you again. "

When Mike returned, Desmond saw that his news was bad. 

"The colonel had not been seen when I got there, and his servantwent up to his room and found him lying dead, stabbed to theheart. "

"Another witness gone, " Desmond said. "An honourable gentleman, and a pleasant one. Well, Mike, the matter becomes more and moreserious. After this there is but one thing open to me, and that isto return to Madrid at once. When I relate the circumstances tothe duke, he will see that, had I endeavoured to carry out therest of his instructions, the chance of my report ever coming tohand would have been slight indeed, and it is all important thathe should get it. 

"The question is, shall we mount and ride at once, or shall I goand take leave of the governor?"

"Of course, your honour, you can do as you like, but I should saythat the sooner we are out of this, the better. The longer we stayhere, the more time he will have to take care we don't get backalive. 

"There was another thing I did not tell you, sir. As we went tothe barracks, we passed some cavalry men talking. They werearguing that the enemy must be marching this way, for at twoo'clock last night ten troopers were suddenly called up and sentoff, the gates being opened for them by order of the governor. "

"Just what I expected, Mike. He has written to warn the variouscontractors that the frauds have been discovered, and, no doubt, telling them that all messengers from here must be stopped andsearched, and all reports and documents taken from them; that if Icome myself, I am to be put out of the way; and that if this canbe done the matter can be hushed up, as he has taken measures tosilence all those who know anything about the affair. 

"Well, I think you are right. We need not mind saying goodbye tothis scoundrel, as it would only give him time to perfect hisarrangements. I have no doubt that he would pretend to be ill, orto be engaged in some business that would detain him, and manageto keep me waiting some hours before he saw me. Order the sergeantto saddle up at once. Let the men eat a meal as quickly aspossible, and let each put a bottle of wine and a loaf of breadinto his valise, so that we shall be able to ride without stoppinganywhere. Say that we shall mount in twenty minutes, and they mustnot wait to polish up their accoutrements. Tell them to put plentyof forage before the horses, and not to put the bridles in theirmouths until the last thing. Let each pour four or five feeds ofcorn into his forage bag. 

"When you have given the orders, have your own breakfast. I willgo downstairs and get something there. I packed my valises whileyou were away. "

Exactly twenty minutes later the little troop started. The menhad, at Desmond's orders, loaded their pistols and short guns. Avoiding the principal streets, they rode by narrow lanes untilthey emerged close to the eastern gate. Through this he and hisfollowers rode, without question, at a quiet pace until beyond theexterior fortifications, across the bridge over the Guadiana, andthen broke into a canter. 

The sergeant and men were not a little surprised at the suddendeparture, for they had supposed that they would remain for sometime at Badajos. Desmond called the sergeant up to his side. 

"I dare say you are surprised at this sudden move, but you knowthat two attempts were made upon my life last night, and I have nodoubt that these would be repeated, and perhaps with greatersuccess, had I stayed there. You were present yesterday, with twoof your men, when we discovered that large portions of the storeswere mere dummies filled with earth. Whether or not the governorwas a party to the fraud I cannot say, but this morning he had allthe storekeepers who were arrested shot, and Colonel Mendez, whowas present at the investigation, was murdered during the night. It is evident, therefore, that many people are interested inpreventing the discovery we made from getting known. Of course, the soldiers who assisted would be aware of it, but they would notventure to speak, and it is only I and your men and my servant whohave still to be silenced. 

"I tell you this, in order that you may impress upon the men thenecessity for the greatest vigilance, such as they would use iftravelling through an enemy's country. Messengers were, I hear, sent off yesterday evening in various directions, and I have nodoubt that these were to the various contractors concerned in theplot, urging upon them the necessity of preventing the news fromreaching Madrid; and perhaps to some of the robber bands in thesierra. Therefore, instead of keeping the main road up the valley, we will ride by country tracks and avoid all large towns. We willnot put up anywhere, but will bivouac in the open. In this way Ihope that we shall yet avoid any parties of men who may be lyingin wait for us. 

"The most dangerous part of the journey will, of course, be thepassage of the mountains. We must there travel by one or other ofthe roads through the defiles, and it is possible all these may bewatched. If we are attacked, we must endeavour to ride throughthem. If this is impossible, we will sell our lives as dearly aswe can. "

"You may trust us for that, Major, " the sergeant said. "I have nolove for these Spaniards, and we are all discontented at beingkept down here to fight the King of Spain's battles, instead ofbeing up in the north, where every man is wanted to prevent theenemy marching to Paris. "

They struck off from the road when nearing Merida, and followed acountry track until they came upon the road between that town andTorre Mocha. Avoiding the latter place, they took the road toTruxillo, and, late in the afternoon, approached that town andhalted in a wood two miles distant from it. 

Here Desmond consulted his map. There were two roads fromTruxillo. Crossing the sierra, the main and shorter road came downupon the Tagus at Almarez. The other passed through Deleytoza, andcame down upon the bridge at Condo. Beyond Deleytoza it appearedto be a mere mule track. 

"If there are any parties watching, " he said to Mike, "they willexpect that my messenger, or I myself, will travel by the mainroad to Almarez, for not only is it better, but it is shorter. Butagain, they might think that, if I suspected we might be attacked, I should take the road through Deleytoza, and would, at any rate, make matters safe by watching both roads. It is a difficultquestion which to choose. "

"Well, your honour, if you have got to fight, it would be best todo so on a good road. Our horses would be of no use to us, if wewere going single file along a bad road; while on a good road wecould charge the spalpeens, and cut our way through. "

"You are quite right, Mike, and we will take the main road. Theywill not be mounted, and I don't think they would stand before acharge of seven men; but they may shoot some of us as we come downupon them. 

"See here, Mike, this is my report that I wrote out yesterdayevening;" and he took a packet from the inside of his coat. "Whenwe start tomorrow morning I shall put it in my left holster. If Iam shot, you will not wait for a moment, but will snatch it outand ride on to Madrid, and deliver it to the duke there. I have, this morning, added a few lines relating the murder of ColonelMendez, the hurried trial and execution of the storekeepers, andthe attempts upon my life, and said I have not the least doubtthat the governor is at the bottom of it all. "

"If your honour is killed, I will carry out your orders, but if itis only wounded you are, I will try to take you off with me. "

"You must do as I order you. "

"I obey your honour's orders when they are reasonable, " Mike saiddoggedly; "but leave you behind, to have your throat cut by thosevillains! I would not do such a thing, so there is an end of it. "

Desmond smiled at the earnestness of his faithful follower. 

"Well, Mike, you must be guided by circumstances; but remember, itis of extreme importance that this report should reach the Duke ofOrleans. Unless he has it we may lose Badajos, and the causesuffer irreparable injury. "

"To the devil wid the cause, " Mike said. "The cause doesn'ttrouble me one way or the other. I don't care a brass farthingwhether Philip or Charles reigns over the Spaniards. It is not anice job they will be taking on, any way, and not worth a drop ofIrish blood. Well, if your honour should have the bad fortune tobe hit, I shall either carry you off, though there's not a breathin your body, or else go down with you. "

As there was no doubt that Mike meant what he said, Desmond didnot press the matter further. 

The next day they set out at daybreak, and, in two hours, weremounting the slope of the sierra. There were no signs of any menbeing about, until they reached a point where the road ran betweensteep hills. 

"There they are, " Desmond exclaimed, reining in his horse. "Thereare some thirty or forty of them on the road. 

"Now, my men, we will ride forward to those boulders you see, ahundred yards this side of them, and then we will dismount andgive them a volley. If you keep that up, it will soon be too hotfor them to remain on the road; while we, sheltered behind therocks, will be safe from their shot. It is certain that your gunswill carry farther and shoot straighter than theirs, as theSpanish powder is so much inferior to the French. "

Accordingly, they rode forward at a canter to the heap ofboulders, then suddenly left the road, dismounted, and took coveramong the rocks. 

"Take steady aim, men, " Desmond said, "then you can hardly misshitting some of them, standing close together as they do. "

The bandits had waited, undecided, at the sudden disappearance ofthose whom they had regarded as a certain prey; and before theycould form any plans, five muskets flashed out, and four of theirnumber fell. A cry of rage burst from them, and there was ageneral discharge of their guns, the balls pattering thicklyagainst the stones. 

The soldiers now fired as quickly as they could load, doingconsiderable execution. Their foes left the road, and imitatedthem by taking shelter behind stones. For ten minutes the combatcontinued, and then a party of men were seen, mounting the hill oneither side. 

"That is just what I hoped for, " Desmond said. "Fire at them, soas to force them to climb a little higher up the hill. As soon asthey are pretty well out of gunshot, we will mount and charge downthe road. There cannot be many men left there. "

His orders were followed. Some of the men on the hillside dropped, and the others continued to mount the slopes. When, as theybelieved, out of fire, they moved forward so as to take thedefenders of the rocks in flank. 

"Now, fire a volley among the men in front of us, " Desmond said. "We are not likely to hit any of them, but it is sure to drawtheir fire, and there will not be many unemptied guns as we passthem. "

As he expected, the volley was answered by a general fire fromtheir hidden foes. Then the party leapt into their saddles, and, pistol in hand, galloped up the road. Several hurried shots werefired from the front, and then, at a shout from their leader, sometwenty men leapt from their hiding places and ran down into theroad. 

Desmond was supported on one side by Mike, and on the other by thesergeant. He dropped his reins--the horse had learned to obey themotions of his knees--and, drawing his sword, rode straight at thebandits. Only a few muskets were discharged, and these sohurriedly that the balls missed their aim, and, with a shout, theparty fell upon the brigands. The pistols of the troopers and Mikecracked out, but they had no need to draw their swords, for therush of the horses struck such a panic into the Spaniards thatthey sprang from the road, leaving the path clear, and the partythundered past them without a check. 

"Is anyone wounded?" Desmond asked, when they had passed beyondgunshot of their assailants. 

"I have a ball in my shoulder, Major, " one of the troopers said. The rest were silent. 

"Well, we have been fortunate, " Desmond said. "I will see to yourwound, my man, when we get a little farther. If those fellows hadnot been so scared with our sudden charge that they fired almostat random, we might have lost half our number. "

They stopped half a mile farther, and Desmond examined thetrooper's arm. 

"The ball has gone through the flesh, " he said, "without touchingthe bone, so you will soon have the use of it again. "

He bound the wound tightly up with the soldier's sash; and thenmade, with his own, a sling. 

"You may as well put the other arm in your jacket, " he said, "andI will tie it round your neck. The air is cold upon the hills. "

"We did that well, sir, " the sergeant said, as they rode on again. "If you had not thought of taking shelter, and shaking them up, weshould all have been shot down before we reached them. 

"Is there any chance of another attack, sir?"

"None at all. I should think a messenger was sent to them, yesterday, telling them our strength; and no doubt they thoughtthat, with sixty men, they would be certain to overpower us. Thatis probably the whole of the band, and in any case, as they wouldnot imagine that we could pass them, they are not likely to haveset another ambush. "

They slept that night at Almarez, made a short journey to Oropesa, and a long one on the following day to Toledo, where Desmonddismissed his escort, with a handsome reward for their services, and upon the next afternoon rode with Mike into Madrid. The Dukeof Orleans looked astonished when he entered the room. 

"What! Back already, Major Kennedy? Surely you cannot have carriedout all the work that I entrusted to you?"

"By no means, Your Royal Highness; but what I did carry out was soimportant that I deemed it my duty to ride back at once, toacquaint you with what I have discovered. There is the report, sir. "

The duke took it. 

"It is a bulky one, " he said. "Tell me its purport in as few wordsas possible. "

"I have discovered, sir, that the report sent by the governor ofthe supply of provisions and stores in Badajos is altogetherinaccurate, that frauds to an enormous extent have beenperpetrated, that the supply of powder and cartridges is less bytwo-thirds than was represented, and that similar deficienciesexist in every department. "

"This is indeed serious, " the duke said. "The possession ofBadajos is essential to us. It blocks the way to an enemy'sadvance, and indeed, they can scarce move forward until it iscaptured. Now, tell me more about it; or no, I will read yourreport, and then question you concerning it. "

A heavy frown settled on the duke's brow, as he perused thedocument. 

"Infamous!" he exclaimed, when he had finished. "And you say thattwo attempts were made to murder you that night, and that theSpanish colonel who gave you so much assistance was assassinated, and the commissaries shot the next morning? It shows how anxiousthe governor was to remove from his path all those who couldinculpate him. 

"And how did you manage to get out of the toils? For it wasclearly of no use killing the minor witnesses, and allowing you toride here to report the facts. "

"I saw that, sir; and as I learned that eight or ten troopers hadbeen sent off, late the night before, I concluded that the roadwould be sure to be beset, for doubtless some of the contractorswould feel it as essential as the governor did, that my mouthshould be silenced and my report suppressed. I therefore startedearly. Keeping by byroads, we were not molested until we hadnearly reached the summit of the sierra, when we found a party ofsome sixty men barring the road. We had a fight with them, andsucceeded in getting through with no further damage than a ballthrough the arm of one of my escort, and that, fortunately, wasonly a flesh wound. "

"But tell me how it was that so small a party escaped so easily?"

Desmond then recounted the incidents of the fight. 

"Admirably contrived, sir!" the duke said warmly. "Excellentgeneralship! You first attack their centre and drive them off theroad, then you compel them to weaken themselves by throwing outflanking parties. You keep these out of musket shot, and thencharge on their weakened centre after drawing their fire. I am notsurprised that, with such generalship, you got off almostscatheless. 

"And now, sir, I must ask you to come with me to the king. Thematter is too serious for a moment's delay. I must lay the wholecase before His Majesty. "

Leaving Desmond in the antechamber, he went in to the king, readthe full report to him, and added the details he had heard fromDesmond. 

"I have met with many bad cases of Spanish corruption andpeculation, " the king said, when he had finished, "but this is byfar the worst. Steps must be taken instantly to secure thegovernor, arrest the contractors, and fill up the magazines. Whatdo you propose?"

"I think, sir, that if we send forward, at once, a regiment ofFrench soldiers from Toledo, accompanied by Colonel Crofton'sregiment of dragoons, there is no likelihood that any resistancewill be offered--indeed, I should imagine that the governor willhave taken to flight, as soon as he learns that his plans for theassassination of Major Kennedy have failed. "

"So I should think, " the king said; "and certainly he will havewarned his accomplices, the contractors; and probably, by thistime, they are all on their way either into Andalusia or to thenorth. Any that are found shall certainly be hanged. 

"This young officer of yours must be a wonderfully shrewd fellow. I should like to question him as to how he discovered thesefrauds. "

Desmond was called in. 

"This is Major Kennedy, Your Majesty, " the duke said. "That is histemporary rank, which I bestowed upon him in order to add weightto his mission. "

"I have noticed him before, cousin, " Philip said, "when I had goneto your quarters, and wondered to see so young a man in theuniform of a captain. 

"Now, sir, will you give me an account of how you discovered thesefrauds?"

Desmond then related how he had caused the piles of barrels to beopened out, so that he could examine those next to the wall aswell as those in front; and how he had similarly examined theother stores. 

"Very good, indeed, sir, " the king said. "Most officers would havecontented themselves with, at most, counting the number of barrelsand sacks; and that you should have so thoroughly investigated thematter shows both zeal and shrewdness. "

"He has shown that on various occasions, " the duke said, "as youmay judge from the promotion that he has received. As you see, bythe loss of his hand, he has suffered as well as fought on behalfof France. When Your Majesty is at leisure I will, some evening, relate to you a story which I heard from the king himself, of themanner in which he, twice, rescued a fair damsel from anevil-minded noble who carried her off. "

"I shall hear it with pleasure, cousin. You say he holds onlytemporary rank. I think that, after the signal service he hasrendered, it should be made substantial. "

"I certainly intend to make it so, " the duke said. 

"Pardon, sir, " Desmond said, "but, while thanking you for yourkindness, I would beg to be allowed to remain a captain. Already Ihave obtained more promotion than others have done, after manyyears of good service, and I should regret very much passing overthe heads of so many of my old companions. "

"It is the first time that I have had promotion declined, " theduke said, smiling. "However, for the present, at least, I willlet the matter remain so. "

With an expression of warm thanks, Desmond retired. 

"We must lose no time over this matter, " the king said. "For aughtwe know, this scoundrel may be in communication with the enemy, and may be prepared to open the gates of the fortress at the firstsummons. "

"I will act at once, " the duke replied. "I will, this evening, send orders to Toledo for a regiment to march at nine o'clocktomorrow morning, and, if you will send a similar order to ColonelCrofton, he will overtake the infantry before they get toAlmarez. "

"I will do so, and will also send with them three field officers, with full power to arrest, try, and execute all those who havetaken part in this treacherous fraud. "

On the duke leaving the king, Desmond joined him in theantechamber, and as they walked towards the French headquarters, said:

"I hope, sir, that you will permit me to start tomorrow with anyforce you may be sending, as I wish to carry out the rest of themission with which you entrusted me. "

"By all means, do so if you wish it, " the duke said. "ColonelCrofton's regiment will start at nine o'clock tomorrow morning, and you may accompany it. On the road it will overtake one of ourregiments from Toledo. "

Chapter 16: Captured. 

"I have a job for you, Mike. "

"What is it, your honour?"

"I want you to take off all the marks of a field officer from myclothes. I am going to be a captain again. "

Mike looked with surprise at his master. 

"Well, your honour, it is ungrateful bastes they must be. Sure Ithought that the least they could do was to make you a full major, though if they had made you a colonel, it would be no more thanyou deserve. "

"I was offered the majority, Mike, but I declined it. It would beabsurd, at my age, to have such a rank, and I should be ashamed tolook officers of our brigade, who have done nigh twenty years ofgood service and are still only captains, in the face. I wouldmuch rather remain as I am. "

"Well, it may be you are right, sir, but it is disappointed I am, entirely. "

"You will get over it, Mike, " Desmond laughed. 

"That may be, " Mike said doubtfully, "but I should have feltmighty proud of being a colonel's servant. "

"I don't suppose you will ever be that, Mike. You know that, afterthe last war was over, several of the Irish regiments weredisbanded, and no doubt it will be the same when this war isfinished, so you could not count upon seeing me a colonel, at anyrate not for another twenty years. "

"Ah, your honour, I hope we shall be back in old Ireland yearsbefore that!"

"I hope so, too, Mike. I have only been out here for two years, and yet I am beginning to feel that I should like a quieter life. No doubt the loss of my hand has something to do with that, but Iwould give up, willingly, all chance of ever becoming a colonel, if I could but settle down in the old country, though I fear thereis very little chance of that. "

"But sure there may be fighting there, too, your honour, " Mikesaid; "and if King James goes across the water, there is sure tobe divarsion that way. "

"I hope not, Mike. It is not that I do not feel as loyal as everto the cause of the Stuarts, but if they cannot come to their ownwithout Ireland being again deluged with blood, I would ratherthey would stay away. Twice Ireland has suffered for the Stuarts:first, when Cromwell came over, carrying fire and sword throughthe land, and divided half the country among his followers; next, when Dutch William did the same. I am loyal to the Stuarts, as Isaid, but I am still more loyal to Ireland, and would rather thatKing James remained all his life at Saint Germain, than that thosescenes should ever come again. "

"That's true for you, sir; and when I come to think of it, Ishould be just as easy and comfortable in a snug little cot inKillarney, which is my county, whether King James or Queen Annewas ruling it in England. "

"Quite so, Mike; and if I had, as you say, a snug little cot to goto, and an income to live comfortably in it, and no fear of beinghauled off to prison and hanged for joining the brigade, I shouldnot be sorry to settle down. 

"We start back for Badajos tomorrow morning. "

"Faith, your honour, it has been so hard getting away from there, that I should not have thought you wished to put your foot insidethe place again. You might not be so lucky in getting off, nexttime. "

"We are going in a different way, Mike. Colonel Crofton's regimentof Irish dragoons is going with us, and a French infantry regimentfrom Toledo. "

"Then I am well content to go back, your honour, and I hope weshall see that murthering governor hung. "

"I think you have a good chance of seeing that, Mike, if he hasnot taken himself off before we arrive there; which I think he ispretty sure to do, directly he hears we have got through safely;for he will know that, as soon as my report is handed in, he is alost man. "

"Bad cess to him! At any rate, I hope I shall light upon him someday, sir, and pay him out for sending those fellows to kill you atnight, and to hinder us in the hills. As to his cheating theSpaniards, that is their business, and they can reckon with himfor it; but I should like to pay our debt myself. "

"I don't suppose there is much chance of your having anopportunity of doing that. "

"Then why are we going back, your honour?"

"To carry out my original orders, Mike--survey the roads, andpasses, and bridges. The duke cannot rely upon Spanish testimonyin these matters, and it is most important that we shouldascertain, accurately, how good are the roads by which he wouldadvance with the army into Portugal, or where best to oppose theenemy if they cross the Guadiana. "

"I am glad to hear you say so, sir, for I was afraid that we weregoing to have a long stay here again, and I would rather be onhorseback, riding all over the country, than walking up and downthese streets till my feet fairly ache. "

"That is my opinion, too, Mike. We have had a good many rides withdespatches, but between times it is stupid work, hanging about thegeneral's quarters waiting for orders. "

The next morning, Desmond joined Colonel Crofton's regiment as itwas on the point of starting from the barracks. It was in theservice of Spain, and had taken a brilliant part in severalengagements. Desmond was acquainted with the colonel and hisofficers. 

"Good morning, Kennedy!" Crofton said, as he rode up and salutedhim. "I had a note from the Duke of Orleans, last night, sayingyou were going on special service, and would travel with us as faras Badajos. King Philip sent for me, later on, and himself gave meinstructions, besides handing me the written orders. It seems youhave discovered that the governor is mixed up, with a lot ofcontractors, in swindling the state by supplying earth instead ofpowder and flour. "

"So far as the governor goes, Colonel, there is no absolute proof. I have not the smallest doubt that he was the prime mover in thematter, and that the commissaries only received a small portion ofthe bribes paid to him. It is hardly possible that every one ofthem should have betrayed his trust, unless sure of the governor'sprotection. I cannot prove that he had all these men shot in orderto silence them, employed men to assassinate Colonel Mendez, orset men to murder me in my hotel and afterwards to intercept us incrossing the sierra. Still, I have no shadow of doubt in my mindthat it was so. 

"However, I do not think you will find him at Badajos. No doubt, as soon as he heard I had got safely down into the valley of theTagus, he made off. There is just a possibility that thecontractors, knowing that their lives will be forfeited by thediscovery of the frauds, might at once have sent in supplies ofpowder, flour, and other things, to take the place of the casksand sacks of earth; in which case he would probably deny the truthof my statement altogether, and declare that I had simply inventedit in order to do credit to myself. But I hardly think thatpossible. In the first place, there are the soldiers both of myescort and of Colonel Mendez, who assisted in the work ofexamination; besides which more than half the commissaries escapedwhile this was taking place, and, on an offer of pardon, would nodoubt gladly come forward and give evidence, especially as theexecution of their comrades will have shown them that the governoris determined to throw them over. "

"Yes; I don't suppose we shall find the arch-scoundrel there, unless, indeed, he can rely upon the support of his garrison; inwhich case he may have ridden to Portugal, offering to surrenderthe place at once to them, and will close his gates against us. "

"I don't think there is any chance of that, Colonel. In the shorttime during which I was there, I was able to see that the troopswere deeply discontented. They were almost in rags, and thelandlord of the inn told me that they were kept on the scantiestrations, and those of a very inferior kind. So I do not think, fora moment, he could trust them to act against a royal force. "

Desmond's anticipation proved to be correct. As they descendedinto the valley of the Guadiana, they met an officer of thegarrison, who was bearing a despatch from the senior militaryofficer, saying that the governor and his family had suddenly leftwithout issuing any orders, and, as he had taken all his portableproperty with him, it was supposed that he did not intend toreturn. Under these circumstances he wrote to ask for orders. 

Colonel Crofton sent him back with instructions, to the colonelcommanding the troops, that he was coming with a regiment ofdragoons and one of infantry, and had full authority from the kingto take all measures that seemed to him desirable. Accordingly, when they arrived at Badajos they were met, at the gate, by thecolonel commanding the troops, and a party of his officers. 

"I have the king's authority, " Colonel Crofton said to him, "toact as temporary governor until another may be appointed. I do notknow whether you are aware of the circumstances that led to theflight of Don Juan de Munos?"

"No, sir, we have heard nothing. Rumours were current, among themen, that some strange discoveries were made when the stores wereexamined, but beyond that I know nothing. In fact, at the time, the assassination of Colonel Mendez of the artillery created suchan excitement that nothing else was spoken of. "

"Well, Colonel, if you will accompany me to the governor's house, I will enter into the matter fully with you. You may well believethat it is serious, as I have been despatched here with myregiment, and with one of French infantry, for both of whomquarters must be found at once. "

"There is plenty of room, sir. The barracks will contain tenthousand men, and at present we have but four thousand here. "

"Then I beg, Colonel, that instead of coming at once to myquarters, you will tell off officers to conduct the troops to themost convenient of the buildings now empty. After that, I shall beglad to see you and the commanding officers of the otherregiments. 

"You will, of course, take up your quarters at the governor'shouse, Captain Kennedy, " he went on, as he rode forward. "As youare going to be employed in surveying duties, you will naturallybe a good deal away. But your presence here will be absolutelynecessary, as a witness against any of these rascally contractorswe can lay our hands on. "

When the four colonels arrived, after seeing that the troops werehoused, Colonel Crofton obtained from them the names and addressesof the various contractors; and, half an hour later, parties ofthe cavalry regiment in garrison were despatched, under officers, with orders to arrest and bring them into Badajos. During themeal, Colonel Crofton explained to the four colonels the discoveryof the frauds, which naturally excited the greatest indignationamong them. He then requested them and Desmond to accompany him tothe stores. This they did, after sending to the barracks for aparty of fifty men for fatigue duty. 

The gaps made during Desmond's explorations had been carefullyfilled up again, but upon fresh openings being made, his reportswere fully borne out. Some hours were spent at the centralmagazine, and orders given that the other magazines should beopened and examined on the following day. 

Desmond did not join in this search, but started early, with Mike, to carry out his own mission. He had been furnished with reports, sent in by the provincial and local juntas, as to the state of theroads, but, as he had expected, he soon found these to be grosslyinaccurate. The roads marked as excellent, and fit for the passageof artillery and trains, were found to be mere bridle roads. Others, marked as highroads, were almost impassable lanes. Thebridges across the streams were, for the most part, in such a badcondition as to be unsafe for a country cart and, until repaired, impossible for the passage of artillery. 

He carefully noted all the points at which work was required torender them in any degree practicable for the passage of troops, and reported fully to Colonel Crofton. The latter, who wasprovided with full authority, despatched the greater portion ofhis troops, with a large number of peasants, with materials tofill up the deep ruts, repair the bridges, and make the roads, asfar as possible, fit for the passage of an army. 

In ten days, Desmond had surveyed all the roads down both thevalley of the Guadiana and that of the Tagus, and had sent off hisreport to Madrid, together with his observations as to the pointsat which a defensive position could, in his opinion, be best takenup. Having done this, he prepared to undertake the second part ofhis mission, and to investigate the roads on the Portuguese sideof the frontier. 

"Now we shall have to keep our eyes open, Mike, " he said. "So faras we have heard, there are no bodies of the enemy's troopsanywhere in this neighbourhood, but there is a bitter enmitybetween the Spanish and Portuguese, and we shall be liable to beattacked by the peasants. "

"Are we to ride in our uniforms, your honour?"

"Certainly we are, Mike. If we are captured in uniform, we shouldbe dealt with as prisoners of war and have a right to fairtreatment. If we are taken in disguise, we shall be shot asspies. "

"Faith, your honour, the alternative is not a pleasant one. If wego as civilians, we may be shot as spies; if we go in uniform, wemay be murdered by the peasants. "

"That is so, Mike. But, you see, we are not likely to fall intothe hands of the peasants. We are both well mounted, and thepeasants will be on foot, and a great proportion of them unarmed;so that, beyond the chance of being hit by a ball, the risk is notgreat. "

Accordingly, on the following day they rode out, and for nearly aweek examined the lines of route across the frontier. Theyfollowed the roads between the foot of the mountains and thefrontier, as far as Portalegre, but avoided the towns of CampoMayor and Arronches; crossed the hills, and struck upwards by thebank of the Zarina to Frontiera, and thence west as far as Lavre. They met with no interference by such peasants as they saw workingin the fields, or by those in the small villages through whichthey passed, these supposing the uniforms to be those of Englishor Dutch officers. 

They found that the roads were fully as bad as those of Spain, andwould present great difficulty to any army with artillery and along train of waggons. In one of the places they heard from apeasant, with whom they conversed, that there was another passover the mountains from Elvas. Of course, the man spoke inPortuguese, but the language sufficiently resembled Spanish forDesmond to understand its meaning. 

"We must investigate that road, Mike, for, if it is practicable, it would be the most direct for an army coming from Lisbon. Ofcourse, we shall have to make a wide circle round Elvas, as thereis sure to be a strong garrison there, and any soldiers ridingabout the country would be certain to know that our uniform wasFrench. When we have done that road, we shall have finished ourwork. "

Accordingly, they passed round the fortress at a distance, andpresently came upon the road. It showed signs of having latelybeen repaired, in some parts, but these were so badly done thatthey increased rather than diminished the difficulties itpresented to the passage of troops. They had ridden some tenmiles, and were already among the mountains, when they dismountedto rest their horses and to eat the food they carried with them. 

Suddenly, looking down the road behind them, they saw a squadronof cavalry coming along. 

"This is awkward, Mike. There is nothing for it, now, but to rideon, and when we have reached the foot of the mountains on theother side, strike across country until we come upon the roadrunning direct to Badajos. They are a good two miles behind us, sowe need not blow our horses. "

Mounting, they proceeded at a trot up the road. As far as theycould see, the cavalry behind them did not quicken their pace, which showed that they were on some ordinary duty and not, asDesmond at first supposed, in pursuit of them, some peasanthaving, perhaps, taken word that an officer and soldier in strangeuniform had been seen riding round the town. They therefore tookmatters quietly, and indeed, sometimes the road was so steep thatit would have been impossible for the horses to go beyond a quickwalk. 

Suddenly, on reaching the crest of the rise, they saw, at adistance of a hundred yards ahead of them, a party of officers, followed by an escort of dragoons. 

"We are caught this time, Mike!" Desmond exclaimed. "Escape isimpossible. I will ride straight up and surrender. Fortunatelythey are English uniforms, so we are certain to get fairtreatment, which we could not be sure of, had they beenPortuguese. "

So saying, he rode forward at a trot. The party had drawn rein athis approach, and he rode up to one who was evidently a generalofficer. 

"Sir, I surrender as a prisoner of war. My name is Kennedy, and Iam a captain on the staff of the Duke of Orleans. "

"And what are you doing here, sir?"

"I am surveying the road, General, by which the allied army islikely to advance. Our information on that score is verydefective, and I believe the duke wishes to ascertain, from myreport, the state of the roads by which the advance would mostprobably be made. "

The general's question had been in French, and he replied in thesame language. 

"You do not bear a French name, sir, " the general said. 

"No, sir, I am an Irishman, " Kennedy replied, in English. "Ibelonged, before I received a staff appointment, to one of theregiments of the Irish Brigade. "

"You are a daring fellow, thus to venture so far across thefrontier. "

"I simply obeyed my orders, sir; and, had I been ordered toreconnoitre Lisbon, I should have attempted to do so. "

"Well, sir, I shall have an opportunity of talking to you, lateron. I, as you see, am engaged in precisely the same work as youare; namely, in ascertaining, for myself, the state of the roadsacross these mountains. "

"Then, General, " Desmond said, with a smile, "I should say thatyour investigations are hardly satisfactory. "

The general also smiled. 

"Not so much so as I could wish, " he said. "And now, may I askwhy, seeing that you are well mounted, you did not turn and ridefor it, when you first perceived us?"

"The reason is simple, General. A squadron of cavalry were comingup behind me, and there was evidently no possibility of escape. "

"No doubt they were sent out to meet me. Well, sir, if you willgive me your word not to attempt to escape, you can retain yoursword, and ride with us. "

"I give my parole, sir, with many thanks for your courtesy. "

"And now, Captain Kennedy, " the other went on, "it is probablethat you have, about you, the result of your investigations alongthese roads, which I must request you to hand to me; as it may beas useful, to me, as it would have been to the Duke of Orleans, and may save me a good deal of trouble. "

Desmond took out the notebook in which he had, each day, jotteddown the result of his observations, with suggestions as to thepoints where repairs were most needed. He had each night, on hisreturn to Badajos, written up his reports from these, intending, when he had completed the work, to take it himself to Madrid. 

The general glanced through the notebook. 

"You have done your work very thoroughly, Captain Kennedy, andhave rendered me considerable service. Now, we will move forwardagain. Please follow with my aides-de-camp. "

These were two pleasant young men, who were glad of a talk with anofficer from the other side. 

"How long have you been riding about here, if it is fair to putthe question?" one said. 

As the notebook contained all the particulars of his journeys onthat side of the frontier, Desmond replied at once:

"Eight days, I think. I have been up the road to Portalegre, andby that to Lavre; and if I had not, unfortunately, accidentallyheard of this road over the mountains, I should now be on my wayto Madrid; but luck has been against me. "

"Promotion must be very rapid in your army, " the otheraide-de-camp said, "or you would hardly be a captain already. "

"I was fortunate enough to attract the notice of the King ofFrance, and the Duke of Berwick, on various occasions, and whenone has such a piece of good fortune as that, promotion is rapid. "

"It is lucky for you that you fell into the hands of the Earl ofGalway, instead of into those of the Portuguese generals, whowould probably, in spite of your uniform, have made short work ofyou. "

"I did not know that the general was the Earl of Galway, " Desmondsaid. "Certainly, it was lucky that I fell into his hands. Indeed, if I had not seen the English uniforms, I should have turned andcharged the squadron behind us; preferring very much to be killedfighting, than to be hanged or shot like a dog. "

In a few minutes they met the squadron of cavalry, who had, as thegeneral supposed, been sent out by the Governor of Elvas to meethim. Half of these now took their place in front, and theremainder, drawing aside to let the party pass, fell in behind. Mike had, without orders, fallen in with the earl's escort; andmore than once Desmond heard his laugh, as he chatted with thetroopers. On arriving at Elvas, the general directed hisaides-de-camp to obtain a room, for Desmond, in the house in whichthey were quartered; and as no one attended to him, Mike undertookhis usual duties as his servant. 

The next morning, one of the aides-de-camp came in, and said:

"The general wishes to speak to you, Captain Kennedy. "

On entering the general's apartment, the earl asked him to take aseat. 

"I could not see you yesterday evening, " he began, "as I was learningfrom the Governor the state of the stores here. I should like to havea talk with you. May I ask you, in the first place, how you have soearly attained the rank of captain? My aide-de-camp tells me that yousaid you had attracted the notice of the King of France. It must havebeen by some singular action, and as I have an hour to spare, beforeI ride out, I shall be glad if you can tell me some particulars aboutyourself; unless, indeed, they are of a private nature. "

"Not at all, sir. The story is generally known to members of thecourt at Versailles, and indeed to all Paris;" and he then relatedto the earl the story of his release of Anne de Pointdexter fromher imprisonment, the journey to the south, the attack on theparty by the Vicomte de Tulle, and her second rescue from him. 

"Thank you, sir, " the general said, when he had concluded. "I amnot surprised that, after so romantic an adventure, the King ofFrance took notice of an officer who had shown such courage andintelligence. You see, sir, that you and I are, to a certainextent, in a similar position. From motives of religion, principally, you Irish have left your country, and are fightingfor a foreign monarch. I, as you are doubtless aware, belong to aFrench Huguenot family, and, being forced to leave France by thesevere edicts, entered the service of Holland, and followed thefortunes of King William, and am now fighting against the troopsof the country of my birth. In other respects, there is asimilarity. We have both lost a hand in the service of our adoptedcountries; I at the siege of Badajos, and you at--?"

"Oudenarde, sir. "

"I have been thinking it over, " the general went on. "I might, ofcourse, send you to Lisbon as a prisoner, but one extra prisonerwould not largely benefit my government. You have not been takenin action. Your papers have saved me an immense deal of trouble, for we are no more able to rely upon the information given by thePortuguese than, I should think, the Duke of Orleans can upon thatof the Spaniards. 

"Therefore, sir, I think that, in the present case, I can make anexception to the rule. In an hour I shall mount and ride down theroad to Badajos, and I shall there restore your liberty to you, and permit you to recross the frontier. It would be a thousandpities that so young and gallant an officer should waste, perhaps, some years of his life in an English prison, for the number ofprisoners taken in Flanders is so great that it is impossible forthe French to find officers to exchange for them. You willunderstand that, dealing with allies so jealous and susceptible asthe Portuguese, I can hardly take the step of releasing you, as itwould be at once rumoured that I had been in communication with aFrench officer, doubtless from some sinister motive. 

"I think, Captain Kennedy, that it would be as well, " he said witha smile, "that you should withdraw your parole, and do so beforewe start, in the presence of the officers of my staff. Of course, you must be placed under a very strict guard, and although so nearthe frontier, you will find it very difficult to escape. Still, such things are managed. "

"I thank you most deeply, sir, " Desmond said, understanding thetone in which the earl spoke, "and I shall ever retain a deepfeeling of gratitude for your generosity. "

When the party assembled, in readiness to mount, Desmond walked upto the earl, and said in a tone that could be heard by theofficers round:

"Sir, I have changed my mind, and beg to be allowed to withdraw myparole. "

"You are at liberty to do so, Captain Kennedy; but nevertheless Ishall take you with us today. I shall not, of course, ask you togive any information as to matters on the other side of thefrontier, but there are points on which you could inform me, without detriment to your friends. "

"That I shall be happy to do, sir. "

The earl called up four troopers. 

"You will place this officer and his servant between you, " hesaid, "and keep a vigilant lookout upon their movements. "

Desmond had not even told Mike of the conversation with the earl, thinking it better that he should remain in ignorance that thisescape was connived at by an English general, and his follower wastherefore greatly astonished when he heard that his master hadwithdrawn his parole, and that they were henceforth to be strictlyguarded. The party rode until they reached a rise from which theycould obtain a view of Badajos, and of the country extending farup the valley of the Guadiana. The ground in front of them slopedgradually. 

The earl took his place with two or three officers of his staff, fifty yards in front of the rest, and, dismounting, examinedBadajos with his telescope. Then he asked one of his aides-de-campto bring Captain Kennedy to him. 

"You may as well bring his servant, too, " he added. "No doubt heknows the country as well as his master does, and may not be sounwilling to answer questions. "

The order was carried out, and Desmond and Mike rode up with theaide-de-camp, followed closely by the four troopers. The earl atonce began to question Desmond as to the names of the villagesvisible up the valley. He had remounted now, but his staff, whohad dismounted when he did, remained on their feet, as it wasevident that he had no intention of moving forward for some time. 

While they were speaking, the earl, accompanied by Desmond, rodeforward some twenty yards, as if to obtain a better view. Mike hadfollowed him, but the four troopers remained behind the group ofofficers, having no orders to follow the general so closely. 

"This is good ground for galloping, Captain Kennedy, " the earlsaid quietly. "You are within two miles of Badajos. "

"Thank you deeply, sir. 

"Now, Mike, ride for it!" and, spurring his horse, he dashed offat a headlong gallop. 

There was a shout of surprise, the officers of the staff ran totheir horses, which were being held by the orderlies, and the fourtroopers at once galloped forward, snatching their carbines fromthe slings. 

"Do not fire, " the earl shouted as they passed. "Take them alive. "

As the officers came up, the general signalled to them to stop. 

"Don't go farther, gentlemen, " he said. "The troopers willdoubtless overtake them; but for aught we know, there may be aSpanish force in the village just on the other side of thefrontier, and, instead of capturing two prisoners, you might betaken or shot yourself; and I am not disposed to lose any of mystaff, just as we are about to commence operations in earnest. "

Desmond looked back. He saw that only the four dragoons werefollowing. 

"They will not overtake us, Mike, " he said, "our horses arecertainly better than theirs. "

Indeed, they had increased their lead fast. A few minutes later, they heard a trumpet call in their rear, and their pursuers atonce checked their horses, and rode back in answer to the recall. 

"Tare an' ages, " Mike exclaimed, "but that was nately managed. Whowould have thought that they would have let us give them the slipso easily!"

"Well, Mike--but this you must never mention to a soul--the earlgave us this chance of escape, I believe. He had, you know, a longtalk with me, and said that they had so many French officerscaptured in Flanders, that one more or less would make littledifference. He had asked about my adventures, and seemed muchinterested in them, and remarked that our positions were somewhatsimilar, both being exiles on account of our religion, and soserving in foreign armies against our own countrymen. At any rate, it was on his suggestion that I withdrew my parole not to attemptto escape. "

"Then he is a rale gintleman, sir, and mighty obliged I feel tohim, for I have had enough of English prisons, though indeed, itwas only three or four days that I stopped at Harwich. "

The party on the hill had watched the pursuit, until the earlsaid:

"Well, gentlemen, I fancy he has slipped from our hands. I admitthat I am hardly sorry, for he was a very fine young fellow, andit would have been a pity for him to be spending, perhaps someyears of the best part of his life, in prison. 

"Captain Chetwynde, will you order the trumpeter to sound therecall? They are leaving our men behind fast. It is no use losingfour troopers as well as two prisoners. "

More than one quiet smile was exchanged between the Englishofficers, for, from the tone in which the earl spoke, they had nodoubt that he was by no means sorry at Desmond's escape, and thatpossibly he had even taken him forward with him to afford him achance of making it. They had, indeed, been a little surprisedthat, when Desmond withdrew his parole, the earl had not orderedhim into strict confinement, instead of taking him with him on hisreconnaissance. 

The pursuit over, Desmond rode on at a canter to Badajos, andreported to Colonel Crofton that he had been taken prisoner, buthad managed to effect his escape, as he was but carelesslyguarded. 

"I shall now, sir, return to Madrid. I have completed the work Iwas told to carry out, and shall finish writing up my report thisafternoon, and start tomorrow morning. "

"I congratulate you on your escape. The Portuguese are not veryparticular, and might, as likely as not, have paid small regard tothe fact that you were in uniform. "

"Fortunately, sir, it was not by them that I was captured, but bya small party of English dragoons, who were, I fancy, like myself, investigating the state of the roads. "

Desmond had not been called upon to give evidence before thecommission of enquiry, it being found that all the contractors hadleft their homes, a week before the troops arrived at Badajos, taking all portable property with them. Some had apparently goneto Andalusia, while others had made for Catalonia. All hadunquestionably made a considerable sum of money by their frauds, and would take good care not to fall into the hands of the French. 

"They will never be able to return here, " Desmond remarked toColonel Crofton. 

The latter smiled. 

"You do not know these people yet, Captain Kennedy, or you wouldnot say so. Some of these fellows are certainly among the richestmen in the province, and we may be quite sure that, in a veryshort time, when the affair has blown over, they will, partly byinfluence and more by bribery, obtain from the central junta anorder that no proceedings shall be taken against them. Anythingcan be done with money in Spain. There are many upright andhonourable Spaniards, but very few of them take any part in publicaffairs, and would not associate with such men as those who are inthe ascendant in all the provincial juntas, and even in thecentral body in Madrid. 

"In France there is distress enough, and no doubt the men who farmthe taxes are no more scrupulous than they are in Spain, but thereis not the same general corruption, and the French nobility, haughty and despotic to their tenants as they may be, are notcorrupt, and would scorn to take a bribe. Now that there is aFrench king on the throne here, there may be, when matters havesettled down, some improvement; but it will be a long time, indeed, before the nation can be regenerated, and even the kingwill soon find that, if he is to reign peaceably, he must notinterfere too violently with methods that are so common that theyhave come to be accepted as inevitable, even by the people whosuffer by them. 

"I can assure you that I, myself, have been many times approachedby men who supply forage and other things to the regiment, andwhen I have indignantly refused to entertain any proposalswhatever, they have not been at all abashed, but have said boldlythat it was the general custom. I do not believe they thought anythe better of me for refusing even to listen to their offers, butregarded me as a sort of Don Quixote, with ridiculouslyexaggerated ideas of honour. "

On the morning following his return to Badajos, Desmond started on hisway to Madrid. Although this time he had no apprehension whatever of aplanned attack, he thought it safer and better to travel north fromBadajos, and skirt the foot of the sierras until he reached the banksof the Tagus, where there was a strong garrison in each of the towns, and the country was, in consequence, free from the incursions of bandsfrom the hills. The journey passed without an incident, and on reachingMadrid and presenting his report, he received high commendation fromthe Duke of Orleans, and spent a long day with the general's staff, explaining his report, and going into details as to the nature of theroads, the repairs necessary, and the positions which were, in hisopinion, most suitable for battle. 

On the following day, the members of the staff were all summonedto meet him by the Duke of Orleans, who informed them that he hadreceived a sudden summons to return to Paris, and that Marshal deBay would, in his absence, be in command of the French troops. Theannouncement came as a great surprise to Desmond, but was notunexpected by the other officers. 

During the winter, the King of France had been engaged in effortsto bring about a general peace, and had offered terms that showedhe was ready to make any sacrifices to procure it. The allies, onthe contrary, were bent upon continuing the war. The victory ofOudenarde, the capture of Lille, Namur, and other fortresses, opened the way to Paris, and knowing the general distress thatprevailed in France, they raised their demands higher and higher, as they perceived the anxiety of Louis for peace. 

One of the obstacles to this was the situation in Spain, and it wasreported that Louis was ready to yield on this point also, and notonly to consent to the cession of the Spanish dominion in Spain, but to his grandson Philip surrendering the crown to the ArchdukeCharles; and that, ere long, the French troops would be withdrawnaltogether. While, during the month that had elapsed since Desmondfirst left Madrid, these rumours had increased in strength, it wasknown that couriers were constantly passing to and fro, betweenMadrid and Versailles, with private communications between Louis andPhilip; and there was great excitement, in Madrid, at the rumour ofthis desertion of their king by France. 

The rumours were indeed correct. The king had informed Philipthat, great as was the affection he bore for him, the state ofFrance, which was necessarily his chief care, would compel him, ere long, to recall his troops from Spain. Philip had entreatedhim not to desert him, and declared that, in any case, he wouldremain in Spain, confiding in the support of the people who hadselected him as their monarch. At present, however, thecommunications were proceeding, and nothing definite had beenarranged. 

The whole of the staff were to remain with Marshal de Bay, in thesame position as they had held under the duke, and, except for thedeparture of the prince, matters went on as before. 

Chapter 17: An Old Friend. 

The command had been effected so suddenly that Desmond had notbeen able to make up his mind to request the Duke of Orleans, towhom he had been attached personally, rather than to the Frencharmy in Spain, to allow him to return with him to France, in orderthat he might again join the Duke of Berwick. Before, however, hecould decide whether to do so or not, the duke had taken hisdeparture. 

Desmond spoke to the head of the staff, with whom he had beenconstantly thrown in contact before he left Madrid, and whilstexplaining to him, on his return, the details of his report, askedhim for his advice. 

"I should think you had better remain here, Captain Kennedy. Thereis likely to be a great battle fought, in a few weeks; but if therumours we hear are correct, we may not be here very much longer. Certainly I hope there will be no change until then, for if we winthe battle, and so relieve Spain from the risk of invasion for atime, we can leave the country with a better grace, as Philipwould then only have to battle with his rebellious subjects inCatalonia. "

"I should certainly not wish to leave when a great battle is aboutto be fought, " Desmond said, "and will, therefore, continue toserve under the Marshal de Bay until it is certain what is goingto be done. "

In a short time a general movement of the troops, both Spanish andFrench, began. Desmond and the other aides-de-camp were activelyemployed in keeping up communication between the various columns, which were to assemble near Badajos. Moving forward at the samerate as the troops, the march was a pleasant one. It was Aprilnow, the country looked bright, and the heat was not too great formarching. 

The marshal had gone on with the greater portion of his staff, Desmond having been detailed to accompany the division fromToledo. When within two days' march of Badajos, an orderly broughta note from the marshal, requesting him to ride forward at once. This he did without loss of time. 

Marshal de Bay had taken up his quarters at Badajos, and onarriving in the town, Desmond alighted at the governor's house. 

"It was a stupid mistake of mine, " the head of the staff said, "insending you on detached duty. I forgot at the moment, when Inominated you, that your knowledge of the locality would beinvaluable to us. I only thought of it yesterday when, on themarshal asking for some information on this matter, I pulled outyour report. He examined it and said, 'This is very complete andvaluable, Colonel. Whom is it made by?'

"'By an officer of your staff, sir, Captain Kennedy. '

"'Where is he?'

"'He is coming down with the Toledo column, sir. '

"'Please send for him at once, ' he said. 'One of the others shouldhave been detached for that service. He is just the man we wanthere. '

"Accordingly we sent for you, and here you are. "

"This is an excellent report of yours, sir, " the duke said, whenthe colonel introduced Desmond to him. "As we came down, I noticedthat the roads had, in many cases, been thoroughly repaired at thepoints mentioned in your report as being particularly bad, and thebridges in many places greatly strengthened. Had it not been forthat, I do not know how I should have got my guns along. 

"And now, sir, I want to ask you a few questions as to the road onthe other side. By your report, I see that you consider the roadthrough Campo Mayor to be the only one by which an army couldmove, and that a large body of workmen must be employed to makethe other road fit for the passage of cannon. "

He then asked a number of questions concerning this road. 

"I see, " he said, "you have marked several places, in your report, where an enemy coming down that road could post themselvesstrongly, and others which might be defended to advantage by us. "

"Yes, sir; but of course, the suitability of those places woulddepend largely upon the respective strength of the armies. "

The marshal nodded approvingly. 

"From all I hear from our agents in Lisbon, " he said, "the enemy'sforces will be superior to our own in numbers, but the mainportion are Portuguese, who have shown very little fight, hitherto. Their cavalry are almost entirely Portuguese. The onlyreally fighting portion of their forces are the English and Dutch, who are most formidable foes; but against these we have our Frenchregiments, on whose bravery we can rely. Were it not that I thinkthe Portuguese will probably, as at the battle of Almanza, fly assoon as the engagement begins, I should fall back and take up astrongly defensive position. As it is, in spite of their superiornumbers, I think we can meet them on an equal field. "

The conversation lasted over an hour, and then Desmond retired, leaving Colonel Villeroy with the marshal. As he left the house, an officer standing at the door seized his hand. 

"My dear Kennedy, " he said, "who would have thought that we shouldhave met again here!"

Desmond staggered back. He could not, for a moment, believe theevidence of his eyes and ears. 

"Why, O'Neil, I thought you were dead. "

"I am worth a good many dead men, yet, " the other one laughed. "Let us go into this wine shop and crack a bottle. We can thentalk over matters quietly. "

"And O'Sullivan, is he alive too?" Desmond asked. 

"No, poor fellow. He has never been heard of since that tremendouslicking we got. There is not a shadow of hope. "

Then many questions were asked, on both sides; and when these wereanswered, Desmond said:

"Now about yourself, O'Neil. I thought I was the only one that gotthrough safe. "

"So you were, for the other three of us were all on our backs. "

"But we did not hear of you as among the prisoners, of whom a listwas furnished by Marlborough. "

"No; the name of Patrick O'Neil did not appear. I was shot throughthe body, and during the night I lay insensible, but in themorning I opened my eyes and began to think. It seemed to me thatthe name was not one that would be likely to please. In the firstplace, because it was evident, by my age, that I was not one ofthe Limerick men; in the next place, because of that little matterof my escape from the jail in London. I had no fear of being shot. I should be a prisoner of war, but I should not be likely to beover kindly treated, and when they exchanged prisoners I shouldcertainly not be one of those sent back. You see, what withBlenheim and Ramillies and Oudenarde, they had taken ten of ourofficers for every one of their officers captured by us, so Ithought it best to pass as a French officer. 

"It was easy to do so, as my French was good enough to passanywhere, and, you see, I had on a French staff uniform. Luckilymy horse had been shot at the same time as I was. He was lyingdead beside me, and within reach of my arm, so that I was able tolean over and get my flask from one of the holsters. I had aterrible thirst on me, and could have drunk a barrel. 

"As I heard no firing, I knew that the fighting was over; and intwo or three hours a party came along with a stretcher, having adoctor with them. When he saw that my eyes were open, and that Iwas alive, he examined my wound and shook his head. 

"'He is badly hit, ' he said, 'but you may as well carry him in. '

"So they took me into Oudenarde, which had been turned into a bighospital. 

"'You are not to speak, ' the doctor said to me, before they liftedme up. 'You must keep yourself perfectly quiet. '

"When they got me into the hospital, they found a hole behind aswell as in front, which I heard one of the doctors say was a goodthing. They dressed the wounds and left me. I could see by theirfaces, the next time they came, that they were surprised to see mealive. One of them said to the other:

"'The bullet must have passed through him without touching anyvital point. He may do yet. '

"He bent down, and asked me in French what my name was, and I said'Victor Dubosc, lieutenant;' so they stuck a card with my nameover my bed, and asked me no more questions. I lay there for sixweeks, and then I was well enough to get up and walk about. 

"Three weeks later, I went down with some other convalescents toOstend, and there we were embarked, and taken to Portsmouth. Thenwe were put in boats and rowed to Porchester, which is a place atthe end of a sort of lake behind Portsmouth. There was an oldcastle there, with a mighty high wall, enclosing a lot of ground, where there were huts--rows of them--all filled with ourprisoners. Some of the huts were a little better than others, andthese were for the use of officers. A regiment of soldiers was intents outside the walls, and a hundred men were always on guardwith loaded muskets. 

"I said to myself, often and often, 'If Kennedy were here, hewould soon hit upon some plan for getting away;' but for the lifeof me, I could not see how it was to be managed. It was a dulltime, I can tell you. The food was bad, and the cooking was worse. Only a few officers were there, most of them being sent to someplace a long distance inland; but, as we were all wounded, Isuppose they thought that the loss of blood would keep us quiet. 

"One of the officers, having a little money hidden about him, bought a pack of cards from an English soldier, and we passed mostof our time playing; but it was poor work, for we had nothing toplay for. At last, I said to myself, 'Patrick O'Neil, there mustbe an end of this or your brain will go altogether. It is notworth much at the best of times, or it would have thought of someplan for getting out of this place before now. '

"At last, I hit on a plan. It was a dangerous one, there was nodoubt of that; but as I was desperate, I did not think much of thedanger. The worst they could do was to shoot me, which I supposeis what they would have done. My idea was to pounce suddenly onone of the sentries, who kept guard all night; to gag him, and tiehim up, before he could give the alarm; and then to dress up inhis clothes, and take his matchlock. 

"But the difficulty was, what was I to do next. The soldiers cameon duty for twelve hours, coming in at six in the morning andgoing out at six in the evening. 

"It was clear to me that it could only be done in the dark, and Ihad to wait for nearly two months. It was the beginning of Octoberbefore it was dark enough, at six in the morning, for me to fallin with the others and march out without being noticed. 

"At last, the time came. I stole out of my hut an hour before thechange would be made, and crept along quietly, till I heard asentry marching up and down between our huts and those of thesoldiers. I had torn up a blanket into strips, and twisted themtogether to make ropes; and with these in one hand, and a bigpiece ready to shove into his mouth in the other, I stole up closeto him; and when he turned his back to me, I jumped upon him. Luckily, instead of carrying the musket on his shoulder, he had itunder his arm, so that I was able to seize the lock with one hand, and clutch him by the throat with the other. I gripped prettyhard, and the man, in half a minute, slipped down to the ground. 

"Before he could recover, I had stripped off his coatee and cloak;then I tied his hands and feet, fastened the gag firmly in hismouth, and dragged him in between two huts, where he would not befound till morning. Then I took off my own coat and threw it overhim, for the night was chilly, and put on his cloak and shako, andtook his place. 

"In half an hour I heard a tramp of men, and knew the relief hadentered. Then there was a bugle call, and two or three sentriespassed towards the entrance. I ran on, too. When they fell in, Imanaged to get in the last section. Some sergeants ran down theline counting the men, and reported that all were present. Thegates were opened, and we marched out. 

"As soon as we got among the tents, we fell out, and I had nodifficulty whatever in getting off without being observed. Leavingmy musket and shako behind me, I went up a long lane which broughtme on to the main road, crossed that, climbed a hill beyond, andcame down into a wooded country. 

"At the first cottage I came to, I stopped. A man and woman cameout on my knocking. They looked kindly and good tempered, and Itold them a pitiful story, about how I had been unjustly accusedof striking an officer, and had been sentenced to two hundredlashes; and that I had managed, in the night, to cut a slit in theback of the guard tent and escape. 

"As I had been walking along, a sudden thought had struck me. AtOudenarde, I was wearing the same boots I had worn when we werecaptured together. When we took the money out, we each left, ifyou remember, five pieces of gold in one of our boots, which I hadnever thought of till that day; and, as I came along, I opened thesole and took them out. It was a perfect godsend, as you mayguess. 

"The man and his wife expressed such sympathy that I did nothesitate to say: 'I want to get rid of my coatee, and of thiscloak. The coatee would be of no use to you, and you had best burnit, but the cloak, if you alter it, might be useful; or, if you cutit up, will make a cover for your bed. I will give you that and agold piece--it is a French one I got in the wars, but you can changeit easily enough, when you go into the town marketing--if you willgive me a suit of your clothes. '

"This the man readily consented to do, and the woman set before mea large bowl of milk, and some bread, which I ate as soon as I hadput on a pair of breeches, smock, and broad hat. Now I feltperfectly safe. They might send news all over the country of theescape of a French officer, but as I had never spoken a word ofEnglish, from the time that I was taken, no one would suspect acountryman speaking English to be the man whom they were in searchof. 

"After leaving the cottage, I travelled quietly to Rye. I thoughtit best to go there, for it was likely that it would be difficult, elsewhere, for an unknown man to get a passage to France, and itstruck me that the man who took us across before, would carry meover the first time he was going with despatches. I found himeasily enough, and though I was not dressed quite in the same wayas I was when we called on him before, he recognized me at once. 

"'Another job for me?' he asked. 

"'Not a special one, ' I said. 'I am going across again, but thereis no occasion for you to make a special trip, and indeed myemployer forgot to give me an order upon you. I should have goneback, if I had remembered it, but I thought you would not mindgiving me a passage the next time you sailed across. '

"As the man remembered that we had made ourselves pleasant onboard, he agreed at once to take me, next time the boat should begoing. I laid out a pound in getting a coat more suitable fortravelling in France than the peasant's smock. Then I took alodging in a small inn. 

"Three days later, a messenger came down with an order for the manto take him across at once, and as the captain charged me nothingfor my passage, I had enough left to pay for my place in adiligence, and on arriving in Paris duly reported myself, at thebarracks, as having returned. 

"My first enquiry, of course, was about you and O'Sullivan. Ifound that he had never been heard of, but that you had lost ahand, and had been promoted to a captaincy; had been very ill, andhad gone to the south of France on sick leave. 

"After I heard that, I remained for two or three months at thedepot, and then learned that the Duke of Berwick had just arrivedfrom Dauphiny. I at once went to see him. He told me he could notput me on his staff again, as his numbers were complete, but wouldgive me a letter to the Duke of Orleans, asking him to employ mein that capacity. When I got down here, I found that the duke hadleft, and that the Marshal de Bay was in command. 

"On reading Berwick's letter, he at once appointed me one of hisaides-de-camp. You were away, I found to my great disappointment, and I was sent off into Catalonia, with orders for four battalionsto be sent at once to Badajos. I arrived here yesterday, in timefor the shindy. "

"Fortunately, O'Neil, I do not think there is much fear of anotherOudenarde. There is no royal duke here, to interfere with ourgeneral; and the Portuguese are not to be compared with theHanoverians, and Dutch, and the other allies that fought againstus there. "

"I hear, from the others, that you have been occupied inreconnoitring the country. "

"Yes, and I was captured, but was fortunately able to give themthe slip. "

Desmond did not care to tell even his friend that his escape wasdue to the kindness of the British general. 

The next morning, Desmond was sent off to hurry up a body oftroops which was still some seven or eight marches away. The newshad come that the allied army was in motion, and would probablyconcentrate near Portalegre. This seemed to show that theyintended to invade Spain by Badajos, and the valley of theGuadiana; for, had their aim been to advance up the valley of theTagus, to Madrid, they would have marched towards Montalvao, andso on by Alcantara to Almarez. 

After two days' hard riding he met the column, which, on receivingthe order from the marshal to hasten forward with all speed, performed double marches until they arrived at Badajos. Desmondfound that the allies had not wasted their time, and that theiradvance guard was already at Campo Mayor. The Spanish army wereposted on the Caya river, a stream that flowed down from thesierra, and fell into the Guadiana at Badajos. 

Their position was a defensive one. The army of the allies wasknown to be some twenty-two thousand strong, of whom some fivethousand were cavalry. The Spanish had about the same strength ofcavalry, but were inferior in infantry. The number of guns alsowas about equal, both sides having about forty cannon. 

On the 7th of May, the two armies faced each other on oppositesides of the river Caya. As neither party made any movement ofadvance, Marshal de Bay determined to force on an engagement, andsent orders to the cavalry to cross the river, and to placethemselves on the road between the enemy and Campo Mayor. 

The allies suffered, as the French had done at Oudenarde, byconflicting counsels. The Earl of Galway was in command of theBritish, and of two or three Dutch regiments. The Marquis deFrontiera was in command of the Portuguese, who formed by far thegreater portion of the force, and, as soon as the movement wasseen on the other side of the river, he determined to cross andattack the Spaniards. 

The Earl of Galway was strongly of opinion that it would not bewise to take the offensive, but that the army should remain in itspresent position, until the intentions of the enemy were clearlyascertained. Their cavalry, he urged, could do little bythemselves, and it was evident that the infantry could not beattacked while they remained under the shelter of the guns of thefortress. The Marquis de Frontiera, however, and the otherPortuguese generals, were unanimous in insisting that battleshould be given at once, and the former gave orders for thePortuguese cavalry, with a body of foot and five field pieces, tomarch immediately. 

Seeing that, if unsupported, this force must meet with disaster, the Earl of Galway reluctantly ordered the troops under hiscommand to advance. The river was fordable, and they met with noopposition, until they crossed it and formed up in order ofbattle. The Portuguese horse were now divided on each wing, theBritish were in the centre; a portion of the Portuguese infantrywere on either flank, the rest were in the rear. 

"Captain Kennedy, you will carry my orders at once, to ourcavalry, to charge the Portuguese horse on the right wing. "

Desmond saluted, and was about to ride off, when he paused amoment and asked:

"May I charge with Brigadier Crofton's dragoons, sir?"

The marshal nodded, and Desmond galloped off. Crofton was incommand of the first line of cavalry. His own regiment, which wascomposed partly of Irishmen and partly of Spaniards, was in thecentre of the line. 

After delivering his orders to the general commanding the cavalry, Desmond rode on to Crofton. 

"The cavalry are going to charge, sir, " he said, "and I havepermission to ride with you. "

Crofton waited until the order from the general arrived, and then, drawing his sword, shouted, "The first brigade will charge, " and, riding forward, led the way against the Portuguese horse, whosecannon had already opened fire. The Portuguese fell into disorderas soon as they saw the long line of horsemen charging down onthem like a torrent, and when it neared them broke and fled. Theywere soon overtaken, great numbers were cut down, and theremainder galloped off, a panic-stricken mob, and did not drawrein until they reached Campo Mayor. 

The Spaniards at once turned the five cannon the fugitives hadleft behind them upon the allied infantry, and then, after a fewrounds had been fired, the cavalry charged the British infantry. But they had now foes of a different metal to reckon with, andalthough, three times, the horsemen reformed their ranks andhurled themselves against the infantry, they were each timerepulsed with heavy loss. 

Then, swerving round, they fell on the Portuguese infantry in thesecond line, whom they dispersed as easily as they had defeatedthe cavalry. 

The Earl of Galway now brought up the brigade of Brigadier GeneralPierce, which consisted of the two British regiments of Barrimoreand Stanwix, and a Spanish regiment which had been recently raisedand named after himself. These charged the enemy with greatbravery, drove back their infantry for some distance, recoveredthe five guns the cavalry had lost, and, still pressing forward, fought their way deep into the centre of the Spanish ranks. 

Had they been supported by the Portuguese infantry, on theirflank, the battle might still have been won. But the latter, inspite of the persuasions and orders of their officers, refused toadvance, and, turning their backs, made off in confusion, althoughnot yet attacked by the enemy. Orders were then sent to thePortuguese horse on the left to charge to the assistance ofPierce's brigade. But instead of doing this, they also gallopedoff the field, and after defending themselves with desperatevalour for some time, the little brigade, being unsupported, andbeing surrounded by the whole strength of the Spaniards, wasforced to surrender. 

In the meantime the Earl of Galway, seeing that the battle waslost, through the cowardice of the Portuguese, was preparing towithdraw his men, and had only despatched Pierce's brigade tocheck the advance of the enemy while he did so. Seeing that these, by their ardour, were irretrievably cut off, he gave the order tothe Marquis Montandre to draw off the British infantry, who aloneremained firm, and against whom the whole of the French andSpanish forces now advanced; while he himself with a small body ofcavalry, charged into the midst of the enemy in hopes of reachingPierce's brigade and drawing it off. 

Although weakened by the loss of that brigade, attacked on bothflanks as well as in front, and frequently charged by the Spanishhorse, among which Crofton's dragoons were conspicuous for theirbravery, the retreating British maintained admirable order. Occasionally, when severely pressed, they charged the enemy andbeat them back; till they were able to withdraw from the fieldwith comparatively trifling loss, thus saving the flyingPortuguese from annihilation. As at Almanza, the whole of thefighting, and almost all the loss, fell upon the English, althougha considerable number of the Portuguese were cut down in theirflight, before the Spanish cavalry returned to join in the attackon the retiring English. The allies had, altogether, seventeenhundred men killed or wounded, and two thousand three hundredtaken prisoners, of whom fifteen hundred were Pierce's brigade;and eight hundred Portuguese, who were cut off by the cavalry. 

Among the prisoners were the Earl of Barrimore, all the officersof Pierce's brigade, Lord Pawlet, one of the earl's aides-de-camp, two of his pages, and his master of horse. 

After the battle was over, and Desmond had rejoined the marshal, he was sent to ride over the field, and ascertain who had fallenand what prisoners had been taken. Night was already coming on, and, after fulfilling his mission as far as was possible in theconfusion, he came upon two Spanish soldiers, with a prisoner. 

"Whom have you there?" he asked, in Spanish. 

"I don't know, sir. We found him lying under his horse, which, inits fall, had so pinned down his leg that he could not escape. Several others had fallen round him, and it was only when we hearda cry for help that we turned the dead horse over, and found himunder it, and then got him out. "

Standing close, there was light enough for Desmond to distinguishthe prisoner's features. He gave a slight start of surprise, thenhe said:

"You have done well, my men. Here is a doubloon, to get some drinkwith your comrades when you get into the town. I will look afterthe prisoner. "

The men saluted and went off, well pleased to have got rid of thetrouble of marching their prisoner into the town. Mike, rathersurprised, moved up to take charge of the captive. 

"My lord, " Desmond said, "I will now endeavour to repay thekindness you showed me. 

"Do you see that little hut, Mike, just at the edge of thosetrees? You must hide the earl there. Our cavalry are still allover the country, hunting down fugitives. "

The earl, who was scarcely able to walk, his leg having beeninjured by the weight of the horse upon it, murmured his thanks, but did not speak again until they had entered the shed, whenDesmond said:

"Now, General, I will first cut down your riding boot, to easeyour leg. Then, if you will lie down in that corner, we will pilethis firewood over you. It will not be safe for you to attempt togo forward for two or three hours yet. I have a report to make toMarshal de Bay. When I have handed it in, I will return at once. 

"Mike, do you stay near the hut, and if any searching party shouldcome along, which is scarcely likely, for they have all gonefarther afield, you can say there is no need to search the hut, asyou, with an officer, have already examined it. "

In a few minutes, the earl was completely hidden. Desmond thenrode into Badajos, and delivered his report to the marshal. Hethen went to the stables, took out his spare horse, and, leadingit, rode out to the hut again. 

"Has anyone been here?" he asked Mike. 

"Not a soul, sir. "

"Take the horses into the wood, then, and stay with them for thepresent. It will not be safe for the earl to move for a couple ofhours. 

"Now, General, " he went on, as he removed the firewood, "I fearthat you have been very uncomfortable. "

"I can hardly say that I have been comfortable, sir, but that isof no consequence. The pain in my leg has abated, since you cutthe boot open. 

"And now, how can I express my gratitude to you, for thussheltering me?"

"It is but a fair return of services, sir. You gave me my liberty, and I am doing my best to restore yours to you. "

"It is all very well to say that, Captain Kennedy. I am thegeneral in command of the British forces in Portugal, and had Ichosen to openly release you, none could have questioned me. Itwas only because some magnified report of the affair might havereached the ears of the Portuguese Government, and given rise torumours hostile to me, that I thought it best to let it appear tobe an accidental escape. You see, I am by no means popular withthe Portuguese. In the first place, I am a Protestant; and in thenext place, I am constantly bringing pressure to bear upon them, as to the supply of provisions, the making of roads, the properfeeding and arming of their own troops, and other matters of thesame kind; and they would be only too glad to have some cause ofcomplaint against me. 

"But your case is altogether different, for you are risking evenyour life in thus aiding me to escape. "

"That may be, General, but it was nevertheless my duty, as amatter of conscience, to endeavour to return the kindness that youshowed me; and as, at present, your army will hardly be in a stateto take the field against us for a long time, I do not feel that Iam seriously injuring our cause. "

"Well, sir, I shall be your debtor for life. 

"Do you intend to remain always an exile, Captain Kennedy?" theEarl of Galway went on. "It seems to me little short of madnessthat so many gallant gentlemen should cut themselves altogetheradrift from their native country, and pass their lives fighting asmercenaries. I do not use the word offensively, but only in itsproper meaning, of foreigners serving in the army of a nation nottheir own. Nor do I mean to insult Irish gentlemen, by evenhinting that they serve simply for pay. They fight for Francemainly in the hope that France will some day aid in setting JamesStuart on the British throne; a forlorn hope, for although Louismay encourage the hopes of the Stuarts and their followers, bypatronizing their cause, which it suits him to do because it giveshim the means of striking at England, by effecting a landing inScotland or Ireland; it is yet a matter upon which he must beindifferent, save in his own interest, and in the advantage itgives him of keeping in his service some dozen or so splendidregiments, on whose valour he can always rely. "

"That is true, sir, " Desmond replied; "and I own I have no greathope that, by the means of French assistance, the Stuarts willregain their throne. But what could I do if I were to return toIreland? Beyond the fact that my name is Kennedy, I am in absoluteignorance as to what branch of that family I belong to, and havepractically not a friend in the country. Were I to land inIreland, I have no means of earning my living, and shoulddoubtless be denounced as one who had served in the Irish Brigade. I own that I should be glad to return there, for a time, in orderto make enquiries as to my family. I was but sixteen when I left, and was kept, as it seems to me, purposely, in total ignorance onthe subject. It may be that I was the son of a brave officer ofthat name, who certainly came over to France soon after I wasborn, and fell fighting some years before I came out; but I haveno proof that it was so, and would give a great deal to be able toascertain it. 

"In Ireland they think a great deal of genealogy, and I am oftenquestioned, by Irishmen of old descent, as to my family; and findit extremely awkward to be obliged to own that I know nothing ofit, with any certainty. I have no desire to pass my life inbattles and sieges, and, if I survive the risks and perils, tosettle down as a Frenchman with an Irish name. "

"That I can well understand, " the earl said. "'Tis a life that noman could desire, for it would certainly be a wasted one. I canassure you that I think the chance of James Stuart, or hisdescendants, gaining the throne of England is remote in theextreme. When William of Orange came over, there was no standingarmy, and as James the Second had rendered himself extremelyunpopular by his Catholic leanings, he became possessed of Englandwithout opposition, and of Ireland by means of his Dutch troops. The matter is entirely changed, now. England has a strong army, against which a gathering, however strong, of undisciplined mencould have but little chance. I conceive it possible that aCatholic Stuart might regain the throne of Ireland, if backed by aFrench army, and if the people were supplied with French arms andmoney. But that he would retain the throne, after the French werewithdrawn, I regard as next to impossible. "

"I cannot but think the same, sir. However, as I see no chance ofmy being able to go to Ireland, even to push my enquiries as to myfamily, there is nothing for it but to remain a soldier ofFrance. "

"In that matter, I might assist you, Captain Kennedy. I have nodoubt that my influence, and that of my friends in England, wouldwithout difficulty suffice to gain permission for you to visitIreland on private business, on my undertaking that you have nopolitical object whatever in desiring to do so, and that youengage yourself to enter into no plots or schemes for a rising. Furthermore, I think I can promise that, if you succeed in yourresearches, and find that you have relations and friends there, Icould, if you desire it, obtain a revocation of any pains andpenalties you may have incurred, and a restoration of all yourrights as an Irishman. That is certainly the least I can do, afterthe vital service that you have rendered me--a service that, initself, shows you do not share in the bitter enmity so many ofyour countrymen, unfortunately, feel against England. "

"I have no such enmity, assuredly, " Desmond said. "The choice ofcoming out here, to enter the service of France, was not of my ownmaking; but was made, for some reason which I have never been ableto understand, by the gentleman who had borne the expenses of mybringing up, but who was himself a strong supporter of the Englishrule, and therefore would have been expected to place everyobstacle in the way of my entering the Irish Brigade. "

Chapter 18: War. 

After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of hisinterview with John O'Carroll. 

"It is certainly strange, " he said thoughtfully, "and worthenquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interestin thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a servicethat would render it next to impossible that you should everreturn to your native land. "

"I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for hisconduct. "

"It is clear that there is some mystery about it, " the earl saidwarmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter. Atany rate, I will at once write to London and obtain a safe conductfor you. This you can use, or not, as you may decide, and canthen, if you so please, return and continue your service here. 

"Methinks that the war will not last very much longer. France isimpoverished, the disasters which have befallen her arms inFlanders have rendered the war unpopular, and in England, in spiteof the success gained by their arms, the heavy taxation is makingmen ask why a war should be continued which may benefit Holland, and the German allies, but can result in no good to England. 

"And now, Captain Kennedy, I will be making my way to join theremains of my army. I thank you again, most heartily, for yourgenerous conduct; and, believe me, you may always command myservices in any direction. I only regret that these unhappypolitical difficulties should drive you, and so many of your bravecountrymen, into the service of a power that has always been, andso far as I can see is likely to remain, an enemy of England. "

"I may say, sir, that Lord Godolphin has, for a certain reason, promised to befriend me; and that, if you write to him on thesubject of a safe conduct, I think I could rely upon his taking afavourable view of the matter. "

"I will do so, certainly, " the earl said. "His power is great. Ifhe is favourably disposed towards you, you may consider the matteras done. "

They chatted for some time longer, and then Desmond said:

"I think now, sir, that it would be safe to move. Everything isperfectly quiet without, and I have no doubt that, by this time, the cavalry have all returned to Badajos. However, I willaccompany you for a short distance, for you may be stopped by someof our advance posts. You had best take the cloak and hat of myfollower, and, as I am well known, no questions will then beasked. "

"By the way, " Lord Galway added as, Mike having brought up thehorses, he mounted; "where shall I send a letter to you, with yoursafe conduct? We are in communication with many persons at Madrid, and can pass a letter through the lines at any time. "

"When there, I lodge at the house of Don Pedro Sarasta, in theCalle del Retiro. I will request him to forward any letters to me, should I be absent. "

The earl made a note of the address in his pocketbook, and then, putting on Mike's cloak and hat, started with Desmond, who passedhim without question through the lines of outposts; which wereindeed but carelessly kept, as it was certain that, after thesignal victory that had been gained, it would be a long timebefore any enemy would venture to attack them. 

Two days after the fight, the Marquis de Bay moved forward withhis army, with the intention of fighting another battle; butGalway and Frontiera had, by this time, reorganized their forces, and occupied so strong a position, near Elvas, that he could notventure to attack them. However, he occupied the country for aconsiderable distance beyond the frontier, subsisting his armyupon the provisions and forage collected by his cavalry in thevillages and small towns. As it was evident that, after the proofgiven of the inability of the Portuguese to withstand any attack, there was no probability of offensive operations being renewed bythe allies; and, the heat becoming intense, the force waswithdrawn across the frontier and went into quarters, the generalreturning to Madrid, where he received an enthusiastic welcomefrom the inhabitants. 

By this time, however, the knowledge that the king of France wasentering into negotiations, which would necessitate his desertionof Spain, greatly excited the population against the Frenchstationed in the capital. They were hissed and hooted when theyappeared in the streets, and for a time, the indignation was sogreat that the troops were ordered to remain in their barracks. The king himself, however, gained rather than lost popularity, ashe issued a proclamation to the people, saying that, havingaccepted their invitation to be their king, he would remain withthem until driven from his throne by force; and he confidedabsolutely in their affection, and aid, to enable him to withstandany foes who might attempt to dethrone him. 

In the autumn another change occurred. Although, in order toobtain peace, he had granted all the demands, however exorbitant, of the allies, and had undertaken to withdraw his troops fromSpain, Louis stood firm when to these conditions they addedanother, namely, that he should himself undertake, by force, todethrone his grandson. This monstrous demand united, at once, boththose who wished to continue the war rather than grant suchhumiliating terms as those which had been insisted upon, and theparty who were in favour of peace, even at that cost. Thenegotiations were abruptly broken off, and the French troops, whowere already on the march towards the frontier, received orders toremain in Spain. 

Now that he had O'Neil with him, the time in Madrid passed morepleasantly for Desmond than before. He was frequently away for severaldays, carrying despatches to the commanders of the forces in Valenciaand Barcelona. In the capital the French were again regarded asfriends, and as several successes had been gained and places captured, in Catalonia, the hope that the civil war that had so long been wagedwas approaching its end, and the confidence engendered by the victoryon the Caya, made the people doubt whether any attempt at invasionfrom the west would be contemplated, and they gave themselves up togaiety. Balls and fetes were frequently organized, and at these theFrench were among the most honoured guests. 

Early in the spring preparations were made for active operations. Lieutenant General O'Mahony had just returned from Sicily, wherehe had rendered distinguished service. In the previous year, Crofton had been made a major general, and two new regiments ofIrish infantry had been formed, of deserters from the enemy inCatalonia and Portugal. These were commanded by Colonel DermondM'Auliffe and Colonel John Comerford. These two regiments, withanother under Colonel Macdonald, marched from Madrid in April. 

As the Marquis de Bay was not yet moving he offered O'Mahony, whohad the command of the force, the services of Desmond and O'Neilas aides-de-camp. The offer was a welcome one, for, as none of themen in the newly raised regiments was acquainted with thelanguage, Desmond, who now spoke Spanish well, would be far morevaluable to him than Spanish officers could be. 

For two months the little force moved about in Catalonia, therapidity of its marches baffling the attempts of the archduke'sforces to interfere with its operations. These were principallydirected against various small fortresses, held by partisans ofCharles. Several of these were captured, thus clearing the roadsthey guarded, and opening the country for the more importantoperations that Philip himself was about to undertake. 

It was not until July that the royal army approached Lerida, whereO'Mahony's force joined it. General Stanhope marched, with thetroops under his command, and encamped at Balaguer; where he wasjoined by Baron de Wetzel, with some troops which had been broughtfrom Italy. As Stanhope's force was insufficient to give battleuntil joined by the main army of Charles, he marched, on the 31stof July, headed by two English and two Dutch regiments ofdragoons, to secure the passes near Alfaro, and so check theadvance of the Spaniards. 

After performing a long and difficult march, they took up adefensive position. Stanhope found, however, that the river infront of him was so low that cavalry and artillery could passeasily, and even infantry could cross without difficulty. Scarcelyhad he taken up his position when two brigades of infantry andnineteen squadrons of cavalry were seen approaching, having beendetached from the Spanish army to occupy the position which hadbeen secured by the rapidity of Stanhope's march. They thereforewaited for their main army to come up, but before it did so, thewhole of Stanhope's force had arrived, and was prepared forbattle. 

Although it was past six o'clock in the evening, Charles, on hisarrival, decided to fall upon the enemy before they could encamp, which they might do in a position in which it would be difficultto attack them. Fourteen cannon at once opened fire from aneminence, whence they commanded the position taken up by theadvance force of the Spaniards. This position was on low ground infront of the ridge upon which the village of Almenara stood, andnothing could be seen of the force that lay behind this ridge. 

The advanced force of Spaniards ascended this ridge, as soon asthe artillery opened upon them, and General Stanhope obtainedleave from Marshal Staremberg, who commanded the archduke's army, to charge them. With ten squadrons of horse he rode up the ascent, and there, when he gained it, saw to his surprise twenty-twosquadrons facing him, flanked with infantry, and supported withanother line of cavalry equally strong. He sent back at once forfourteen squadrons from his second line, and when six of thesecame up he advanced against the Spaniards, who at the same timemoved forward to meet him. 

The cavalry on Philip's left at once gave way. The centre andright, aided by the fire of the infantry, made a stout fight, butwere driven back by the English and Dutch cavalry. The fightingwas severe, for of the six English squadrons who charged, twohundred men and twenty-one officers were killed or wounded. 

Philip's second line of cavalry gave but feeble support, andStanhope's horse soon had them all in confusion, and, driving themfrom the field, pursued them hotly. The fugitives dashed intotheir own infantry, who were just arriving in force, and theirpanic communicated itself to them, and a total rout took place. The pursuit was kept up until it was so dark that the trooperswere unable to see each other's faces, and they then halted, having defeated the Spanish without the aid of their infantry, which had not come up in time to take any part in the fight. Muchof the baggage, together with tents, many cannon, and a quantityof ammunition, fell into the hands of the victors. Owing to thedarkness, the number of prisoners taken was small. 

O'Mahony and his troops had taken no part in the engagement, as, having arrived late on the previous evening after a long march, they were still at Lerida. It had not been deemed necessary tohurry them forward, as no battle was expected to take place forsome days--as, indeed, would have been the case had the force sentforward arrived at the river before Stanhope. 

The routed troops arrived under the shelter of the guns of Lerida. Charles did not attack them there, but, making a detour, seizedseveral places in Aragon, with the intention of cutting the lineby which Philip would probably retire, and forcing him to fightagain. Philip, however, on his part, marched from Lerida in orderto retire into Castile by way of Saragossa. Charles followedhotly, and a portion of his cavalry came up to the rear of theenemy in the defile of Penalva. Here the Spaniards posted a strongforce of grenadiers, and the defile being too narrow for thecavalry to act, these dismounted, and a hot fight took place, inwhich both parties claimed the victory. However, Philip retiredthe same day in great haste. Charles, arriving three hours later, ate the dinner that had been prepared for his rival. 

The Spaniards, covered by the defence of the pass, crossed theEbro and posted themselves in a strong position within a mile ofSaragossa. On the 21st of August Marshal Staremberg, with hisgenerals, having reconnoitred their position, gave orders for theattack to take place the next morning, and at daybreak the cannonon both sides opened fire. General Stanhope, who commanded on theleft wing, found that the enemy had the greater part of theircavalry facing him, and therefore strengthened his force by fourbattalions of foot and six squadrons of Portuguese horse. 

The Spanish line ran obliquely, from the river on their left to asteep hill on their right, occupied by their cavalry and a batteryof artillery. These, therefore, were much nearer to the attackingforce than were those on the plain. 

The battle began at twelve o'clock, Charles's force marching intwo lines, with the exception of Stanhope's cavalry and infantry. These, from their situation, were the first to come in contactwith the enemy. The four battalions first pushed forward up thehill, and, driving the Spanish cavalry back, allowed Stanhope'shorse to ascend the hill and form on its crest. The battlespeedily ranged along the whole line. The Spaniards, with superiornumbers, gained ground on their left. Here O'Mahony's corps werestationed, and they drove a portion of the allies across the Ebroagain; but this success was more than counterbalanced on the otherflank, where Stanhope's cavalry and infantry carried all beforethem. The latter, posted in a hollow, opened so heavy a fire uponthe Spanish infantry, as they advanced, that they fell intodisorder; and as their cavalry were driven off, hotly pursued byStanhope, they fell back upon the centre, which they threw intodisorder. Seeing that the battle was lost, the Marquis de Bay gavethe order to retire. 

Two hours after the first shot was fired, the rout of the Spanishcentre and right was complete, but a considerable portion of thetroops were rallied by de Bay at Alagon, three leagues aboveSaragossa. The left wing, under Generals Amezaga and O'Mahony, were checked in their course of victory by the disaster whichbefell the centre and right; but, maintaining their discipline, they fell back in good order, and rejoined their defeated comradesat Alagon. 

All the cannon and most of the colours of the regiments formingthe centre and right fell into the hands of the victors. The lossof the allies was about two thousand men, killed or wounded; andthat of the Spaniards and French three thousand killed andwounded, and between five and six thousand prisoners. Philip rodeat once to Madrid, and on the evening of the battle the archdukeentered Saragossa; while de Bay retired, with the broken remainsof his troops, towards Navarre. 

Desmond and O'Neil, who had ridden behind O'Mahony, saw theSpanish troops of the archduke yield before the impetuous attacksof the Irish regiments, who, as they pressed their foes backwards, burst into loud cheering, believing the victory already won. Presently, O'Mahony stopped the advance. 

"We must not push too far forward, " he said. "It seems to me thatthings are not going so well in other directions. Our centre isbeing pressed back. What is going on on the right I cannot say, but the enemy seems to have gained the top of the hill, for ourcannon there are silent. If the centre is driven back, those wehave now beaten will rally, and we shall be taken in flank by thefire of their centre. Therefore, let us be content with what wehave done, and wait and see how things turn out elsewhere. "

Even before the rout of the Spanish right, their centre wasyielding, for opposed to them were the British and Dutchregiments, whose attack they were altogether unable to withstand. It soon became clear that, at all other points on the field, thebattle was going against the Spaniards, and an aide-de-camppresently rode up, hastily, with orders from Marshal de Bay forhis left to fall back and retire to Alagon. 

Deep was the rage and disappointment among the troops of O'Mahonyand Amezaga, as they faced about and set out on their march. Theywere unmolested. The troops they had beaten were in no dispositionto follow them, while the allied cavalry and the infantry of theircentre were in full pursuit of the rest of Philip's army, theremnants of which the little force joined, at Alagon, beforenightfall. 

It was some days before the archduke's army moved forward again. The troops were exhausted by the long marches they had made, andthere was a difference of opinion among the generals as to thecourse that had best be followed. The king wished to pursue thebeaten enemy and, if possible, to intercept their march towardsFrance, but Count Staremberg and Stanhope were of opinion thatthey should first occupy Madrid, and then march into Navarre, soas to bar the advance of fresh French troops into Spain, and atthe same time open communications by sea with England, whence theycould be supplied with reinforcements and stores of provisions. 

Finally, Charles gave way, and the allies marched towards Madrid. The main portion of the army halted at Alcala, a day's march fromthe capital, and General Stanhope marched on with his division toMadrid, which opened its gates without resistance, Philip havingretired with his army. Charles entered the city on the 28th ofSeptember, 1710. 

The alarm, in France, at the news of the defeat at Saragossa wasgreat, and Louis at once despatched the Duke of Vendome to commandthere. The latter, travelling fast, and gathering up the garrisonsof the towns through which he passed, crossed the frontier atnearly the same time as Charles entered Madrid, and effected ajunction with de Bay's army; which had, by this time, beenincreased by some fourteen thousand men, drawn from the garrisonsof towns in Navarre, Castile, Galicia, and Valencia. 

Vendome had no doubt that the intention of the allies, in marchingupon Madrid, was to open communication with the Portuguese, anddetermined to throw himself between the capital and the frontier. Marching with all speed, he encamped near Salamanca on the 6th ofOctober, and thence moved to Plasencia, thereby securing thebridge of Almarez, and preventing the Portuguese from joiningCharles. 

Had it not been for the usual indecision and want of energy on thepart of the Portuguese Government, the junction might have beeneffected before Vendome arrived at Plasencia, for both Charles andStanhope had, after the victory of Saragossa, written urgently, begging that the Portuguese army should at once advance and jointhem at Madrid; and that, at any rate, if the whole army could notmove, at least the troops in the pay of England should pushforward instantly. Stanhope, indeed had marched with his divisionto the bridge of Almarez to facilitate the junction, and haddefeated a Spanish force guarding the bridge. However, thePortuguese did not arrive; and when a messenger brought thealarming news that a Spanish and French army had occupiedPlasencia, Stanhope fell back towards Madrid. 

As large French reinforcements were known to be approaching thefrontier, and Philip's army was already much superior in numbersto that of the allies, it was decided, in a council of war, toevacuate Madrid. The forces which had occupied Toledo and othertowns were recalled, and, early in December, the army left thecapital; the archduke riding at once to Barcelona, while the army, of which Stanhope's division formed the rear guard, followed inthe same direction. 

The movement had been delayed too long. Vendome and Philip werealready at hand, and on the 9th fell upon Stanhope's division atBrihuega. This force, consisting of eight English battalions and thesame number of Portuguese horse, defended themselves desperately, andalthough the town was wholly without fortifications, they repulsedevery attack until their ammunition was exhausted, and they were thenforced to surrender. Staremberg, on hearing that Stanhope was attackedand surrounded, turned back and marched with all speed to relieve him, but on arriving within three hours' march of the town, heard that hehad surrendered. 

The Duke of Vendome, hearing of his coming, drew his troops outand formed them in line of battle, and the next morning attackedhim vigorously. The allied right held their ground, but the leftfled, and Vendome swept his right round and took the centre andright of the allies in the rear. Three battalions of the secondline, however, fell in turn upon the French rear and repulsedthem, and the left wing, rallying again, renewed the battle. 

The combat was indecisive, both parties claiming the victory. Staremberg wrote to Charles that he had captured all the enemy'sguns, and had killed six thousand of them; while the Frenchclaimed that they had totally defeated the allies, and capturedall their cannon, killed four thousand, and taken nine thousandprisoners. The balance of probability lies to some extent with theFrench, for the day after the battle, Staremberg retired andmarched to Barcelona; but the fact that he was not at once pursuedshows that the French and Spaniards must have suffered veryheavily. 

Desmond had passed unscathed through the battle of Saragossa. O'Neil had been severely wounded, but had managed to sit his horseuntil the division effected its junction with the Marquis de Bay'sshattered forces. Great was the wrath among the two Irishregiments at the issue of the battle. 

"What is the use, " an officer said to Desmond, "of our throwingaway our lives, fighting for these Spaniards, when they themselvesare useless, save when they meet the Portuguese, who are stillmore contemptible? Here have we, on level ground, fairly beatenthe enemy, while the right and centre, although having a greatadvantage in position, allow themselves to be scattered like aflock of sheep. "

"They had stouter foes to meet than we had, " Desmond said. "We hadonly Spaniards opposed to us, while they had English and Dutch tofight; and as the best French troops have found, in Flanders, thatthese were at least a match for them, we must not blame theSpanish too severely for giving way before they were attacked. "

"There is something in that, I admit, Kennedy. It seems to methat, in this war, it would be much better if the Spaniards andPortuguese had both remained at home, and allowed the French andus fight it out with the English and Dutch. The battles would havebeen small, but at least they would have been desperately fought. "

"But it would be absurd, Moore, for us to lay down our lives in astruggle in which those principally concerned took no partwhatever, and which was of no great interest either to us or tothe English. After the way in which Louis was ready to throw overSpain and Philip at the beginning of the year, the Spanishalliance can be of no great advantage to him, and I do not thinkthat even Philip's orders would induce a Spanish army to marchacross the frontier to assist France. Therefore, as Louis can gainnothing by the Spanish alliance, why should he weaken himself bysending forces here to maintain Philip on the throne?"

"But with the Archduke Charles here, he would have an enemy on hisfrontier. Philip might not assist him, but Charles would beactively hostile. The English and Dutch troops would be pouringinto the peninsula, and we should have another Flanders in thesouth of France. "

"Well, " Desmond said, after a pause; "the best way I can see outof it is for both Philip and Charles to withdraw, and allow theSpanish to elect a Spaniard for their king; or, if they could notagree to that, which I don't suppose they could do, choose someforeign prince belonging to a petty state which stands altogetheraloof from European affairs, and seat him on the throne. If, again, they would not accept him, England and France shouldmutually agree not to interfere in the affair, and let theSpaniards indulge in civil war as long as it pleases them. "

Moore laughed. 

"It might be a good solution, Kennedy, but there is no more chanceof Philip or Charles renouncing their pretensions, or indeed ofthe French on one side and the allies on the other permitting themto do so, than there is of the world becoming an utopia, where warshall be unknown, and all peoples live together in peace andamity. "

"Well, " Desmond said, "for my part, I am sick of fighting inquarrels that do not concern me, and when this campaign comes toan end I shall, if possible, rejoin Berwick. The cause of theStuarts is not advanced, in the slightest, by what is taking placein Spain, and if I am to fight, I would rather do so where victorywould benefit us. "

"I don't know that you are not right, " the other assented. "Itcertainly seems a pity that the best blood of Ireland should bespilled, in Flanders and Spain, in the service of a foreigncountry. To my mind, the terms of the surrender of Limerick weredisadvantageous both to Ireland and England. England has gained anumber of inveterate foes who, with good and wise treatment, mightnow be fighting in her own ranks. Ireland has lost her best blood, men who were her natural leaders, and belonged to the oldfamilies, whom all respected. "

"I am sure it was a mistake, " Desmond said. "If the terms had beenan absolute equality in all matters of religion, and the freepardon of all, without confiscation of their property or otherdisability, it would have gone far to reconcile our people todefeat; for they would have seen that they could not hope for morethan the right of free exercise of their religion, if the Stuartscame to the throne again. "

"Perhaps you are right, Kennedy. I know that I myself, had it notbeen for the persecutions and the priest hunting, and the closingof our chapels, should never have thought of leaving Ireland andtaking foreign service. But now there is no going back. "

"No, I suppose not, " Desmond said, gloomily. "Nothing short of anamnesty, ensuring freedom of worship, and perfect civil equalityto all, would induce the majority of us to return to Ireland; and, indeed, it is not easy to see what we could do if we got there. The estates of our fathers are in the hands of strangers. Weshould soon be altogether without resources, and we should bealmost driven to conspire again, even though success would in noway mend the matter. 

"However, there is no chance of such an act being passed, for, even if the English Ministry desired to do so, the Protestantfeeling in England and Scotland would be too strong for them; andParliament, which strongly represents that feeling, would rejectthe bill by an immense majority. "

"Then there is nothing to do but to go on fighting, " Moore said. 

"I see nothing else for it, Moore, but I own that I do not carefor the life. I have had three years of it now, and don't like theprospect of another thirty. "

"You have been fortunate, too, Kennedy!"

"Yes, I have been fortunate in the way of getting promotion;fortunate that I was not, long before this, put under the sod; butit is no great gratification to be a captain, and though inanother thirty years, if I live, I may be a general, I don't thinkeven that would reconcile me to the life. It is just as hard, anda good deal more responsible; and if thirty years passed over, andthe Stuarts were not restored, they assuredly never would be, andI should have wasted my life for nothing. "

"Well, I am very glad, " Moore laughed, "that all our fellows donot look at it in the same light as you do, but take things asthey come. I don't bother myself about the future. "

"It is a good thing, " Desmond said, "and it is the nationalcharacter to take things as they come. I dare say I shall get intothe same way, some day, but just at present, I suppose partlybecause we have got a thrashing, I feel rather down in the dumps. "

Desmond continued his duties as aide-de-camp to O'Mahony, and tookhis share in the various operations, that ended with the armygoing into winter quarters and Philip making a triumphant entryinto Madrid. Then he went to the general. 

"General, I wish to ask leave to return to France, at any rate fora time. The Duke of Berwick, when he despatched me to join thestaff of the Duke of Orleans, said he would reinstate me on hisstaff as soon as the duke no longer required my services. When theDuke of Orleans left, I was handed over with the rest of the staffto the Marshal de Bay, under whom I served in the battle of theGuadiana, and until, as you know, I was detailed to accompany yourbrigade. Now that the campaign is over, I should, at any rate, like to pay a visit to the Duke of Berwick, under whom I served atOudenarde. I have, therefore, come to ask you to dispense with myservices, and to permit me to return to France. "

"Certainly, Captain Kennedy. Your assistance has been of greatvalue to me, but there is no chance of anything being done duringthe winter; and, as many of my officers are now beginning to speakSpanish, they will, should they remain here till the spring, beable to get on very fairly. I shall be pleased, before you start, to furnish you with a testimonial stating the services you haverendered me. Indeed, I have, more than once, mentioned them in myreports. "

Chapter 19: In Search of a Family. 

On the following day, Desmond left the brigade, and, followed byMike, rode for Madrid, where was still lying a letter which hadarrived, some months before, from England. He had not asked for itto be forwarded, for if he had been killed, and it had been foundon him, it might do his memory a great disservice, as it wouldseem that he had been in correspondence with the British. Theletter, which contained an enclosure, was, to his surprise, fromLord Godolphin. It ran:

Dear Captain Kennedy:

Partly at the request of the Earl of Galway, and still more frommy own remembrance of your conduct, in that affair you know of, and of the silence that you maintained concerning it, I havepleasure in sending you a safe conduct to visit Ireland on privateaffairs. The earl tells me that you have rendered him the greatestof services, and this alone should cancel the fact that you havebeen serving against us in Flanders and Spain. For this, and yourconduct to myself, I can promise you that should you, at any timewhile I am in power, decide to remain in Ireland, I will obtainfor you a full and complete pardon, and a restoration to all yourrights as an Irish subject of the queen. I will also obtain areversal of any attainders or acts of confiscation that may havebeen passed against your family, on your giving your promise thatyou will not take part in any secret plots or conspiracies againstthe reigning family, though, in the event of a general rising inIreland, with the assistance perhaps of a French army, you wouldbe at liberty to choose your own course of action, withoutincurring more pains and penalties than those which might befallany native of Ireland waging war against the queen. 

As both Godolphin and Marlborough were known to be by no meansunfavourably disposed to the cause of the Stuarts, Desmond washardly surprised at the latter part of this intimation. Though hehad but small hopes of being enabled to remain permanently athome, it was yet very welcome to him. Certainly, if he remained inIreland he would consider himself bound to hold himself aloof fromall Jacobite plots, although, if the country rose and a Frencharmy landed, he would, unless he considered the cause a hopelessone, draw his sword on behalf of him whom he considered as hislawful sovereign. 

"It is not sorry I am, your honour, to be turning my back on thiscountry, " Mike said, as they rode out from the gate. "The wine isgood, which is more than I can say for anything else in it, exceptthat the people are good Catholics. "

"I am starting a longer journey than you think, Mike. I am onlygoing to the duke, now, to ask for a year's leave; though I do notthink that I shall be absent more than a few months. "

"And where are you going, your honour, if I may make so bold as toask?"

"I am going to Ireland, Mike. "

Mike looked at him with astonishment. 

"To Ireland, your honour? Sure they will hang you, before you setyour foot a week in the country. "

"I have obtained a safe conduct, Mike, from Lord Godolphin. Youremember him, the nobleman we kidnapped?"

"Sure I remember him, your honour; and he has given you a safeconduct? It is in luck you are, to be going back to Irelandagain. "

"It is not a visit of pleasure, Mike. I am going over to try toascertain to which branch of my family I belong. "

"And what can it matter, your honour? It's a good name you havemade for yourself out here. "

"I have done well enough, Mike, but I am tired of being asked, byalmost every officer I meet, about my family, when in fact I knownothing myself. "

"Well, Captain, it does not seem to me worth troubling about, forif you don't know who they are, it is little they can have donefor you. "

"It would seem so, Mike. There is a mystery about the wholeaffair, and I want to get to the bottom of it. "

He rode silently for some distance. He knew that Mike would gothrough fire and water for him, and that, simple as he seemed, hehad no ordinary amount of shrewdness; and he determined to tellhim all he knew, especially as he intended to take him to Irelandwith him. 

"Mike, " he said at last, "I suppose you would like to pay a visitto Ireland, also?"

"I should that, " Mike said, emphatically. "I was but eighteen whenI came out here to enlist in the brigade--that is twelve years agonow, and it is few people would be likely to know me again. "

"Well, I am thinking of taking you with me, Mike; and, as possiblyyou may be of use in my search, I will tell you my story. "

And he related the history of his youth. 

"He must be an unfeeling baste, to treat you like that, " Mikeexclaimed indignantly. "Sure I know the name, and have heard himspoken of as a traitor who had gone over to the enemy, and turnedProtestant to save his estate. "

"That is how you would hear him spoken of, Mike, for it is true;but as to his treatment of me, it all depends whether I was forcedupon him by threats, or was taken by him out of friendship to myfather. If it were the first of these reasons, he cannot be blamedfor keeping me at a distance. If the second, he certainly ought tohave behaved differently. But neither explains why he, a supporterof the usurper, should have sent me out to France to fight againstthe English. It is a hard nut to crack. "

Mike agreed. "Mighty hard; but your honour will get to the bottomof it, never fear. And why are we going to the duke, master?"

"To get leave of absence. I cannot disappear suddenly, withoutasking for leave. I shall, of course, tell the Duke of Berwickexactly why I am going, and I feel sure he will grant my request, without hesitation. There is no fighting to be done, just atpresent, and even if there were, one officer more or less wouldmake no difference. 

"Have you any relations in Ireland, Mike?"

"None that I know of, sir, barring a sister, who was twelve yearsolder than myself; and it is little I saw of her, for she marriedwhen I was a bit of a gossoon. Her husband was killed in the siegeof Limerick, and I heard that after it was over, she went tosettle with some cousins in Cork. Whether she is there now, ismarried again, or is dead years ago, is more than I can say, seeing that I have never heard of her since. "

"Was she with her husband in the siege of Limerick?"

"She was that. I heard about her from some men who knew herhusband. They said, after he was killed, she went as a servant inthe family of an officer and his wife for a bit, but the officerwas killed, and the lady died of grief and trouble; and it washard work she had to live till the place surrendered. That is allI know about it, your honour. It might have been true, and itmight not. I was but a boy, and maybe I bothered the man withquestions, and he just told me what came into his head to keep mequiet. "

"Well, at any rate, Mike, as we shall most likely land at Cork, you might try to find your sister out. If she went through thesiege, she will know the names of many of the officers. She mayhave heard of a Kennedy. "

"Maybe of half a dozen, your honour. As loyal gentlemen, theywould be sure to be there. "

"What was her name, Mike?"

"Sure it was the same as my own before she married, just NorahCallaghan. "

"So I suppose, Mike, " Desmond said with a laugh; "but what was thename of the husband?"

"Rooney. I have not thought of it this many a year, but it is sureI am that it was Rooney; and now I think of it, a message came tome from her, just before I left the country, saying that should Iever be in the neighbourhood, it is glad she would be to see me;and I was to ask for Mrs. Rooney, who lived with her cousin, LarryCallaghan, a ship's carpenter, in Middle Lane, which I should findby the river bank. "

"Well, that is something to go by, Mike. Of course, she may havemoved away long since; but if her cousin is a ship's carpenter, itis not likely that he would have left the neighbourhood. "

"I wonder your honour never asked about the Kennedys from some ofthe officers who were at the siege?"

"I did not like to do so. The colonel came to the conclusion thatI must be the son of Murroch Kennedy, who came out soon afterLimerick surrendered, and was killed at Breda two or three monthsafter he joined the brigade. The officers agreed with the colonelthat this gentleman was probably my father, and of course I wascontented that it should be supposed so, and therefore I asked noquestions about other Kennedys. Of late, however, I have beenworried over the matter. In the Irish regiments in Spain, aselsewhere, were a number of officers belonging to good old Irishfamilies, and though I have got on well enough with them--in thefirst place as Berwick's aide-de-camp, and afterwards as on thestaff of the generals here--I could see that when, in answer totheir question, it was evident I knew little or nothing of myfamily, there was a sort of coolness in their manner which I couldquite understand, counting back their ancestors, as they did, pretty nearly to the flood. At present, it does not make anydifference to me personally, one way or the other, but I amconvinced that if, by chance, when I get older, I should fall inlove with the daughter of an officer of one of these old families, he would not for a moment listen to me, until I could give himsome proofs that I had a right to the name I bear, or at any ratecame of a good family. Certainly, at present, I could not assurehim on either point. I only know that I have always been calledKennedy, and that it was under that name that I was committed tothe care of Father O'Leary. That proves nothing more than that itis the name by which John O'Carroll wished me to be called; and itis as likely as not--indeed a good deal more likely--that it wasnot the true one. "

"Well, at any rate, your honour, you have made the name of DesmondKennedy well known and liked, both among the Irish and Frenchofficers, for it is no slight thing that an officer in an infantryregiment should be taken on the staff of the Duke of Berwick. "

"All that is very well, Mike; but it will not satisfy me more thanit satisfies others. So I am resolved to try to get to the bottomof the affair, even if I have to go direct to John O'Carroll, though I know that the chance of his telling me anything is butslight. The only way, indeed, that seems likely to lead toanything is to call upon as many of the Kennedys as I candiscover, and ask whether Murroch Kennedy, who left Ireland afterthe siege of Limerick, married and left a child of two years oldbehind him. If so, and that child suddenly disappeared when hisfather left for France, there would be every reason for assumingthat I was the child in question; though why he should havecommitted me to the charge of John O'Carroll, instead of to one ofhis own family, is not easily seen; unless the whole of theKennedys were in such ill favour, with the English Government, that he thought it better to trust me to one who was in good odourwith the supporters of Dutch William, and was therefore safe fromdisturbance in his estates. "

"Sure, your honour, you are arguing it out like a counsellor, andthere is no gainsaying what you have spoken. I have no doubt youwill ferret it out. With such a head as you have on yourshoulders, it is hard if you cannot circumvent that ould rascal atKilkargan. "

"At any rate we will try, you and I. While I am visiting theKennedys, you can be finding out people who were at Limerickduring the siege, and gather all they can remember about theKennedys there. "

As Desmond had expected, the duke, as soon as he heard his story, at once granted him leave of absence. 

"I hope you may succeed, Kennedy, " he said. "It is a poor lookoutto be risking death continually in the service of a foreign king. I grant that we have the knack of making ourselves at home, wherever we may be, and there are Irish officers in every army inEurope; but, however successful Irishmen may be, they cannot butlong to be among their own people in their own land. And if, asyou tell me, Lord Godolphin will befriend you, I for one shallthink no worse of you if you settle down at home when you havefound your family. I know that if the sword should be again drawn, with a fair prospect of success, you will declare for the rightfulking. "

"That I should certainly do, sir; and will assuredly give nopromise, or undertaking, to abstain from joining any royal armythat may be raised in Ireland. But it is not with any intention ofsettling at home that I am going there, but simply, as I have toldyou, to discover to what family I belong, so that I can have aright to the name I bear. "

"At what port will you embark?"

"I intend to pay a visit, for a few days, to the Baron dePointdexter and Monsieur de la Vallee, after which I shall crossinto Italy. I have no doubt that I shall be able to find somefishermen, at Toulon, who will undertake to land me somewhere nearGenoa, where I shall be able to take a passage in a ship bound forEngland. "

"And I suppose you take your servant with you?"

"With your permission, Duke. He has been my companion for threeyears. He is shrewd as well as brave, and will give me valuablehelp in my enquiries. "

After remaining a couple of days with Berwick's army, Desmondstarted with Mike, and received the warmest welcome from the Baronde Pointdexter, and afterwards from Philip and his wife. Then theytravelled on to Toulon, where Desmond sold the horses andequipments. He left his uniform and Mike's there, and procured twocivilian suits. As he anticipated, he experienced no difficulty inarranging to be landed near Genoa. There he found several shipsbound for England or Ireland, and took a passage in one that wouldtouch at Cork, on its way to Dublin. The voyage was uneventful, and the ship, which had no great draught of water, proceeded upthe river to the city. 

"The first thing to do, Mike, " Desmond said, as they steppedashore, "is to get rid of these clothes, whose French cut will atonce attract attention. I shall get a suit such as is worn by anIrish gentleman. You had better equip yourself as my servant. Nolivery is worn here, but any quiet dress will be suitable. "

They put up at a small inn, and remained there until a suit suchas Desmond desired was made for him, and Mike found no difficultyin purchasing ready-made clothes suitable to his new position. Desmond had taken rooms as Mr. Kennedy, and had asked carelesslyif there were any families of that name living in the neighbourhood. 

"There is one who lives a short distance out of the town. It is asmall house, and shame it is that one of the old family shouldcome down so; but most of their estates were stolen from themafter the war. Still, the old man holds his head as if he wasstill lord of broad acres, and he is mightily respected among thegentry. "

The next day, Desmond hired a horse and rode out to the house ofMr. Kennedy, which was some three miles from the town. He sent inhis name, and was shown into a room, where a tall man, with asomewhat haughty air, received him not unkindly. 

"Your name is the same as my own, " he said, "though I do notrecognize the name of Desmond Kennedy among such members of thefamily as I am acquainted with. "

"I have but just landed from France, and my object in coming hereis to obtain some information as to my father's family. Hearingthat a gentleman of the name lived here, I came first to you. MayI ask if you were acquainted with a Murroch Kennedy?"

"Surely I was. He was my first cousin. We fought side by side atLimerick. I was not one of those who cared to enter foreignservice. My estates were confiscated, and I have ever since livedhere on the wreck of my fortune, taking no part in politics. 

"My cousin was of a different mind. He did not, indeed, go out atonce with the greater part of the army of Limerick, but still, hoping that the cause was not altogether lost, he lived for somemonths among the mountains, and took part in a rising which waspromptly suppressed, and then joined the Irish Brigade; and Ireceived a notification, from one of his brother officers, that hehad fallen at the battle of Breda. And now may I ask, in turn, what Murroch Kennedy's relationship was to you?"

"I will tell you, sir. But first, will you kindly inform mewhether your cousin left a child about a year old behind him?"

"Certainly not, sir. My cousin was an unmarried man, at any rateup to the time when he left Ireland. "

"Then, sir, my questions are at an end. I may tell you that, aboutthe time your cousin left Ireland, I was sent as an infant to thecare of John O'Carroll, the traitor, of Kilkargan, and was broughtup under the name of Desmond Kennedy. He showed me but littlekindness, and, nearly three years ago, I went abroad and obtaineda commission in one of the regiments in the Irish Brigade, and nowhold the rank of captain. For many reasons, I am anxious to findout what family I belong to. It was assumed, by my colonel andfellow officers, that I was the son of Murroch Kennedy, and Iwished to ascertain whether this was true, and with that objectobtained leave of absence, and made my way back. "

"I am sorry that I can give you no assistance, sir. Assuredly youare not the son of my cousin, Murroch Kennedy; and had you been, John O'Carroll, the traitor, would have been the last man to whomhe would have entrusted you. I know well the history of all themembers of my branch of the family, and can answer, withcertainty, that no child was lost, or missing, or unaccounted forat the time he went out; and as all were loyal gentlemen, nonewould have had any dealings with John O'Carroll, who betrayed thecause for which his brother died fighting at Limerick. I will, however, jot down, for your information, the other branches of thefamily of Kennedy and their places of residence, though I fearthat there is but little probability of your search beingsuccessful, as, during the years that have elapsed since the latewar, many must have died. Others, like my cousin, have takenservice in one or other of the continental armies. Moreover, thereis also a possibility that the name by which you are known is notyour own. "

"I feel that myself, sir, and fear that my enquiries will not meetwith success. Still, I shall pursue them until I have at leastproved that I cannot belong to any well-known branch of thefamily. I am much obliged to you, for having so courteouslyanswered my questions, and for your offer to give me a list of thevarious branches of the family. "

For the next few minutes, Mr. Kennedy was engaged in making outthe list, which he then handed to Desmond. 

"And now, sir, " the former went on, "that we have finished what wemay consider business, will you tell me a little more aboutyourself? Your story naturally interests me, and I own that I amsurprised that a young gentleman who, from what you have told me, cannot be much more than twenty years old, has risen to the rankof captain, in a brigade where so many officers have signallydistinguished themselves. Your story, too, is an interesting one, and seems to me in many respects remarkable; and possibly, when Ihear more of how you came to be brought up by John O'Carroll, itmay throw some light upon the subject. "

Desmond gave a detailed account of his life as a boy, and a shortsketch of his subsequent adventures. 

"A romantic story, young sir, " Mr. Kennedy said, when he hadfinished, "and to whatever family you belong, they should be proudof possessing so gallant a member. You tell me that you have asafe conduct, but you did not mention how you obtained it. "

Desmond had abstained from making any allusion, either to theaffair with Lord Godolphin, or to that with the Earl of Galway, and he replied:

"Sir, this is a secret that concerns other people, as well asmyself, consequently I am not at liberty to explain it. I may say, however, that it was given to me on my engagement that my visit toIreland was one of a private nature only, and that I would in noway meddle with politics. When I tell you that the Duke ofBerwick, himself, granted me the necessary leave of absence, itwill prove to you that he, on his part, was well satisfied thatthe safe conduct had been issued to me without any unworthyoffers, on my part, to the Princess Anne's ministers. "

After chatting for some time longer, Desmond took his leave andreturned to Cork. 

Mike was standing at the door of the inn. 

"I have had no success, Mike. Have you fared better?"

"I have not found her yet, your honour, but I have great hopes ofdoing so. Larry Callaghan died four years ago, and the woman ofthe house she occupied said that Mrs. Rooney moved, with his widowand children, to some other part of the town. She knew littleabout them, seeing that she only went into the house after theyhad left; but her husband worked in the same yard as Larry did, and she thought that he would be able to find out, from some ofthe old hands, where the widow Callaghan had moved to. She saidshe would ask her husband when he came home to his dinner, andmaybe he would be able to give her some news. 

"And so, your honour has learned nothing about yourself?"

"Nothing, Mike, except that I am certainly not the son of MurrochKennedy, who was a cousin of the gentleman I called on. I wasassured that he was a single man, when he went to France. However, he gave me a list of the principal branches of the Kennedy family, but there is no hurry about starting to see them, and I willcertainly wait here till you find your sister, which should not bemany days, for some of Callaghan's fellow workmen are almost sureto know where his widow lives. "

Mike went out, at seven o'clock that evening, and returned half anhour later. 

"I have got the address, your honour. She and the widow Callaghanhave got a little place outside the town, and take in washingthere, and are going on nicely. "

"I am pleased to hear it, I am sure, Mike. I have but small hopethat she will be able to give any useful information, but for yoursake, I am glad that you have found a sister whom you have notseen for so many years. I suppose you will go up there, at once. "

"I will that. They will have done their work, and we shall have acomfortable talk, whereas she would not thank me if I were to dropin when she was busy at the washtub. "

"Well, you might ask her to come down, tomorrow morning, to seeme. Of course, she shall not be a loser by giving up her morning'swork. "

"Whisht, your honour! When she knows how much you have done forme, and how you have treated me, she would willingly lose a week'swork to give you pleasure. Well, I will be off at once. "

It was eleven o'clock before Mike returned. 

"We have had a great talk, your honour, me and Norah. She wouldnot believe at first that I was her brother, and in truth, I foundit hard to credit that she was Norah, who was a purty colleen whenI saw her last; but when we had convinced each other that we wereboth who we said we were, matters went on pleasantly. I told hersome of my adventures with you, and that, by the same token, I hada hundred gold pieces that the Baron of Pointdexter had given me, sewn up in a belt round my waist, where it has been ever since Igot it, except when we went into battle, or on that expedition toScotland, when, as your honour knows, I always put it in with theagent in your name, seeing that I would rather, if I was killed, know that your honour would have it, instead of its being taken bysome villain searching the dead. I told her that, if she and Mrs. Callaghan wanted to take a bigger place, I would share it withher, and that quite settled the matter, in her mind, that I washer brother. She said, as I knew she would, that she would comeand talk to you for a week, if you wanted it; and she will be heretomorrow, at nine o'clock. "

"That is very satisfactory. I am afraid nothing will come of ourtalk; but still, one may get a clue to other Kennedys who werepresent at the siege of Limerick. "

Punctually at nine o'clock, Mike ushered his sister into Desmond'ssitting room. 

"I am glad to see you, Mrs. Rooney. Your brother has been with mefor three years, and has rendered me very many services, and Iregard him as a friend, rather than as a servant. I am glad thathe has found his sister, from whom he had been so long parted. "

"Mike has been telling me how good you have been to him, and thathe would go through fire and water for you, and that you have hadsome wonderful adventures together. He said you wanted to speak tome about the siege of Limerick. If there is anything that I cantell you, your honour, I will do so gladly. "

"What I want to know is, what Kennedys were at the siege?"

"There was Murroch Kennedy, and Phelim, who was always called 'RedKennedy', on account of his colour; and James and Fergus. I knewall those, because they were friends of my master's. It may bethat there were many others, but they were unbeknown to me. "

"Am I like any of them?"

The woman looked at him searchingly. 

"You are not, sir; but you are mighty like my master, barring, ofcourse, that he was a man ten years older than yourself. But themore I look at you, the more I see the likeness. "

"I did not know that you had a master, Mrs. Rooney. I thought thatyou were there with your husband. "

"So I was, your honour; but when he was kilt I was left alone, saving for a child that had been born a fortnight before; and whatwith the bad smells of the place, and the sound of the cannon, andthe fact of my grief, he pined away all at once, and died a weekafter me husband. It is well-nigh starving we all were. Even thefighting men had scarce enough food to keep their strength up, anda lone woman would have died from hunger. So I was mighty glad, when a friend of mine told me that there was an officer's lady whohad had a baby, and, being but weak and ailing, wanted a fostermother for it; so I went at once and got the place, and was withher for a month. 

"Her husband was killed three weeks after I went there, and theblow was too much for her, and she died a week later. A fortnightafter that came the peace, and as everything was in confusion, what wid our soldiers all going away to France, and thepersecutions and slaughterings, I took the child with me and wentdown to my cousin Larry's here. Av course, I could not part withit, and I could not make my way alone across the country, so Icame down here with the troops. I was not strong myself, and itwas a year later before I was able to take it to its friends. "

"What was the name of your master?" Desmond asked eagerly, for herlast words had excited a sudden train of ideas in his mind. 

"He was Mr. James O'Carroll, a great gentleman, and the head ofhis family. "

Desmond sprang to his feet. 

"That explains it all!" he exclaimed. "Mrs. Rooney, I have nodoubt that I am your foster child. "

"Why, how can that be, your honour, seeing as your name isKennedy? Though, except for that, you might well be so, seeingthat you are so like my master. "

"At any rate, Mrs. Rooney, I was reared at Kilkargan, at theexpense of John O'Carroll, and was, as I heard, brought there by awoman when I was a year old. O'Carroll said that my name wasDesmond Kennedy, but I had only his word for it. "

"Then how is it that you are not master of Kilkargan, for if youare Mr. James O'Carroll's son, it is you that ought to be? I havealways thought of you as there. I have not been in the way ofgetting news. I left my address with Mr. John, but I never heardfrom him, or you. I thought, perhaps, that he might have lost theaddress, but I never dreamt that you had been kept out of yourown. "

"I don't know that I can say that, altogether, " Desmond said;"for, if it had been known that James O'Carroll had left an heir, his estates would certainly have been confiscated; whereas, owingto his brother's turning Protestant, and joining the Williamites, he was allowed to keep possession of them. I can understand nowwhat seemed so strange, namely, that he feared I might somehowlearn that I was his nephew, and heir to the estates. Therefore, he behaved as if I was the son of a stranger, and when I was oldenough, sent me off to join the Irish Brigade, in hopes that hehad seen the last of me; for, even if not killed, I should neverbe able to set foot in Ireland again after fighting for France. 'Tis strange that none of my father's brother officers ever madeany enquiries about it. "

"They all went with the army to France, sir. They knew, of course, that the child was born, though they may never have seen you, forthe mistress never left her bed after you were born. Naturally, after her death they lost sight of me, and might well havebelieved that the child had died. "

"You must give me the names of all the officers who came to thehouse, Mrs. Rooney. Many of them may be alive still, and theirtestimony that a child was born would be most important, for atpresent there is only your word against John O'Carroll's. "

"There is more than that, sir. You were baptized on the day shedied. My mistress gave me the paper the priest had given to her, saying that it was of the greatest importance to you, and that Iwas to give it to Mr. John O'Carroll when, as I promised, I tookthe child to him. "

"And did you give it him?" Desmond asked eagerly. 

"No, your honour. I took it with me to the castle, but from thereception I got, I thought it best to say nothing about it, but togive it to yourself when you were old enough. I have got it athome now. There it is, certifying that Gerald O'Carroll, the sonof James O'Carroll and his wife Elizabeth, was baptized by him onthe 6th of September, 1692. "

"That is fortunate, indeed, " Desmond exclaimed. "And now, tell mehow this uncle of mine received you. "

"Faith, your honour, he was mightily put out, at first. He saidthat I was an impostor, and that he would have me given in charge. I told him that I had proofs that what I said was true, and thatthere were many gentlemen, brother officers of Mr. James, whowould speak for me, and say in court that a son was born to hisbrother before he died. He wanted to get out of me what proofs Ihad, and who were the officers; but I told him that was mybusiness. Then he cooled down, and after a time he said that, ifhe were to let it be known that Mr. James had left a son, theestate would surely be confiscated, seeing that his father died asa rebel fighting against the king; but that, as soon as thepersecutions had ceased, and it would be safe to do so, he wouldsay who the child was, and give him his rightful place. Thatseemed reasonable enough, and so I left you with him, and havealways supposed that he kept his word; and that, as soon as it wassafe, he acknowledged you to be master of your father's estate. "

"And now, Mrs. Rooney, I must think matters over, and see how Ihad best proceed. I feel how much I owe to you, and, if I recovermy estates, you shall see that I am not ungrateful. Will you comeagain tomorrow morning, and bring with you the certificate of mybaptism, and all the names that you can recollect of the officerswho were intimate with my father?"

Chapter 20: Gerald O'Carroll. 

Mike, who had remained silent during the conversation between hissister and Desmond, returned to the room after seeing her out. 

"Well, Mike, you have rendered me many services, but this is thegreatest of all. Little did I think, when you said you had foundyour sister, and that she was coming to me this morning, that shewould be able to clear up the mystery of my birth, and to place mein a position to prove myself a son of James O'Carroll. I do notsay that I shall regain the estates. My having been in the Brigadewill certainly render it difficult for me to do so, thoughpossibly, with the patronage of Lord Godolphin, I may succeed. Forthat, however, I care comparatively little. My object, in cominghere, was to obtain proof that I belong to a good Irish family, and that I have no doubt I shall be able to establish. "

"And what am I to call you, your honour, now that I know you areCaptain Gerald O'Carroll, and not Desmond Kennedy, at all?"

"At any rate, I must remain Desmond Kennedy at present, Mike. Itis under that name that my safe conduct was made out, and if Iwere arrested as Gerald O'Carroll, it would be no protection tome. However, I shall not want to use it long, for it seems to methat my first step must be to return to France, and to see some ofthe officers who knew my father, and were aware of my birth. Theirtestimony would be of great value, and without it there would belittle chance of your sister's evidence being believed. "

"But there is the paper, your honour. "

"Yes; that will show that a child was born, but the proof that Iam that child rests entirely with your sister. It might have diedwhen its mother did, and they would say that your sister wastrying to palm off her own child, or someone else's, as his. Ofcourse, Mrs. Callaghan would be able to prove that your sisterarrived immediately after the surrender of Limerick, bringing achild with her, and that she said it was the son of JamesO'Carroll; and that she went a year later to Kilkargan, and leftit there with John O'Carroll. Moreover, I could get plenty ofevidence, from those on the estate, that I was the child so left. "

"The likeness that Norah saw between you and your father might betaken as a proof, sir. "

"I did not think of that, Mike. Yes, if some of these officerswill also testify to the likeness, it will greatly strengthen mycase. The chain of evidence seems pretty strong. First, there isthe certificate of my baptism, your sister's declaration that Iwas entrusted to her by my mother on her deathbed, supported byMrs. Callaghan's declaration that three weeks later she arrived inCork with the child, which she told her was that of JamesO'Carroll; your sister's declaration that she took me to Kilkarganand handed me over to my uncle, which would be supported by theevidence of the woman he first placed me with; while the servantsof the castle could prove that I was brought by a woman who, anhour later, left the castle without speaking to anyone but myuncle. 

"John O'Carroll will find it difficult to explain why he took mein, and who is the Kennedy of whom I was the son, and what servicehe had rendered for him, a Protestant and a Williamite, to haveundertaken the charge of the child of a rebel. There is no doubtthat the weight of evidence is all on my side, but whether thejudges would decide in favour of the son of a rebel, as against afriend of the English party, is doubtful. Possibly LordGodolphin's influence might be exerted in my favour. He promisedin his letter to me to do me any service in his power. Still, evenif I lose the estate, which I may well do on the ground of myfather having fought and died for the cause of James the Second, Ishould still have the satisfaction of establishing my name, whichI consider of more importance than the estates. "

"Sure, your honour, it's a grand thing to belong to a good oldIrish stock; but for myself, I would rather be Mike Callaghan andhave a fine estate, than Mike O'Neil without an acre of land. "

Desmond smiled. 

"There is common sense in what you say, Mike, but there is nothingmore unpleasant than, when you are with a number of Irishgentlemen or Spanish grandees, who are equally proud of theirancestors, to be unable to give any account of your family, oreven to be sure that you have a right to the name that you bear. "

"Well, your honour, it is a matter of taste. As for myself, if thewhisky is good, it makes no differ to me whether they call it Corkor Dublin, or whether it is made up in the mountains and has sorraa name at all. "

The next morning, Mrs. Rooney returned with the certificate ofbaptism, and a list containing some twenty names of officers whohad been frequent visitors at James O'Carroll's. Among theseDesmond, to his satisfaction, found Arthur Dillon, Walter Burke, Nicholas Fitzgerald, and Dominic Sheldon, all of whom now held therank of general in the French service, and to all of whom he waspersonally known, having met them either when with Berwick or inSpain. 

"Those names are good enough, " he said. "And if they can testifyto my likeness to my father, it will go a long way towardsfurnishing proof, when required. All of them entered the serviceunder the provisions of the treaty of Limerick, and thereforetheir testimony cannot be treated as that of traitors; and theirnames must be as well known in England as in France. 

"Now, Mike, our business here is, for the present, concluded. Ishall at once return to France, see all these officers who arestill alive, and obtain, if possible, their recognition. As I havea year's leave, I can travel about as I choose. Then I shalldecide whether I shall commence an action in the courts, orwhether I shall first go over to England, see Lord Godolphin, explain the circumstances to him, and ask for his protection andpatronage. 

"I suppose the case would be tried at Dublin, where the judges areall creatures of England, and there can be no doubt that anotification, from Godolphin, that he considered my claim to be agood one, and was favourable to it, would have no slight influencewith them; and would counteract, to some extent, the fact of myuncle's being a Protestant, and what they would consider a loyalman. Before beginning an action, I should certainly communicatewith my uncle, and call upon him to resign in my favour; for Iwould avoid the scandal of proving an O'Carroll to be a scoundrel, as well as a traitor. As it has turned out, the step which hethought would disembarrass him of me has had the other effect, for, if I had not gone out to France, I should never have beentroubled by questions about my family; and should not have metyou, Mike, or known of the existence of your sister, the onlyperson who could clear up the matter. 

"I shall begin to think what O'Neil and O'Sullivan used to say, that my luck would carry me through anything; and certainly, atpresent, it has been marvellous. "

"Which way will we go back, your honour?"

"Not the way we came, if we can help it. We were nearly a monthcoming from Genoa, and might have been twice as long, if the windhad not been fairly favourable. I think our best plan will be totake passage by sea to London. There we shall have no difficultyin finding a vessel bound for Rotterdam, or the Hague. Then wewill buy horses, and ride along by the Rhine. If we can getthrough Luxembourg into France we will do so, but I think it willperhaps be best to go on through Switzerland, and pass thefrontier somewhere near Lyons, where we shall be but a shortdistance from Berwick's headquarters in Dauphiny. "

A month later, they rode into the duke's camp. They had, onleaving Toulon, packed up their uniforms and sent them to the careof a friend on the general's staff. To his quarters they firstwent, and having changed his civilian costume for a military one, Desmond waited on the duke. 

"Why, Captain Kennedy, " the duke said, in surprise; "I did notlook to see you again, so soon. Have you been over to Ireland?"

"I have, sir, and though there only a few days, gained informationthat necessitated my return here. I have found out that the name Igo by is not mine, and that my proper name is Gerald O'Carroll. "

"The son of Major James O'Carroll, who fought by my side at theBoyne, and was through the first siege of Limerick with me! Thatexplains it. Your face has often puzzled me. It seemed to me thatI recognized it, and yet I could not recall whose face it was thatit resembled so strongly. Now you tell me, I know at once. Yourfather, when I first knew him, was a few years older than you are;but he had the same figure, face, and expression. 

"And so, you are his son! By what miracle have you discovered yourrelationship to him?"

Desmond, or as he should now be called, Gerald, related as brieflyas possible the manner in which he had discovered his parentage. 

"Your uncle must be a thorough villain, " the duke said, hotly. "That he was a traitor we all knew, but that he should thus robhis brother's son of his inheritance is monstrous and unnatural. "

"I am glad, indeed, sir, that you have thus recognized me. Yourtestimony will go for much, even in an English court, and I hopeto receive a similar recognition from the officers who wereintimate with my father in the second siege, and whose names Ihave here. "

The duke glanced down the list. 

"Well-nigh half of them are still alive, " he said, "and all ofthem are men of rank and repute, whose word would be taken even byan enemy. How do you mean to proceed? Because I am afraid that, even if we could spare them, there would be some difficulty abouttheir making their appearance in a court, in either England orIreland. "

"I quite see that that is out of the question. All I can hope foris, that such of them as recognize my likeness to my father willdraw up a paper saying so, and will attest it before a notary, having as witnesses men of weight and honour equal to their own. The production of such certificates could not but have a stronginfluence in my favour. "

"I will most willingly sign such a document, " the duke said, "andfour of my best-known generals can sign as witnesses to mysignature. "

"I thank you most heartily, sir. Such a document should, initself, be considered as ample proof of my strong resemblance tomy father. "

"That may or may not be, " the duke said, "but do not be contentwith that. Get as many of the others as possible to make similardeclarations. One man may see a likeness where another does not, but if a dozen men agree in recognizing it, their declarationsmust have a great weight. Certainly no Irish judge would doubt thetestimony of so many men, whose families and whose deeds are sowell known to them. "

From Dauphiny, Gerald travelled first into Spain, and the threeIrish officers there whose names were on his list all recognizedthe likeness, even before he told them his name. He put thequestion to them in a general way. 

"I have learned, sir, that the name I bear is not my own, that Iam the son of an officer who was killed in the siege of Limerick. May I ask you if you can recognize any likeness between myself andany officer with whom you were well acquainted there?"

In each case, after a little consideration, they declared that hemust be the son of James O'Carroll. All remembered that theircomrade's wife had borne a son, shortly before the end of thesiege. They remembered her death, but none had heard what becameof the child, for in the excitement of the closing scenes, and ofthe preparation for the march immediately afterwards, they had hadlittle time on their hands, and it was hitherto supposed that ithad, like so many other infants, perished miserably. Theywillingly signed documents, similar to that which he had receivedfrom Berwick. 

He met with almost equal success on the northern frontier, onlytwo out of eight officers failing to identify him by his likeness;until he mentioned his name, when they, too, acknowledged that, now they recalled James O'Carroll's face, they saw that thelikeness was a striking one. 

Having obtained these documents, he resumed civilian attire, and, riding by crossroads, passed through Flanders to Sluys, withoutcoming in contact with any body of the allied troops. There he hadno difficulty in obtaining a passage to London, and on his arrivalcalled upon Lord Godolphin, who received him cordially. 

"So you have utilized your safe conduct, Captain Kennedy. I amglad to see my former captor, and I am as grateful as ever to youfor the silence you maintained as to that affair. If it had beenknown to my enemies, I should never have heard the last of it. They would have made me such a laughingstock that I could scarcelyhave retained office. 

"Now, what can I do for you?"

"It is a long story, my lord. "

"Then I cannot listen to it now; but if you will sup with me here, at nine o'clock this evening, I shall be glad to hear it. I am soharassed by the backstair intrigues of my enemies, that it wouldbe a relief to me to have something else to think of. "

Gerald returned at the appointed time. Nothing was said as to hisaffairs while supper was served, but after the table had beencleared, decanters of port placed on the table, and the servantshad retired, Godolphin said:

"Now, Captain Kennedy, let us hear all about it. "

Gerald related the history of his younger days, and of the mannerin which he had discovered his real parentage, producing thecertificate of his baptism, a statement which had been drawn up atCork and signed by Norah Rooney, and the testimony of the Duke ofBerwick and the other Irish officers. 

"There can be no doubt whatever, in the mind of any fair man, "Lord Godolphin said, after listening attentively to the wholestory, and examining the documents, "that your uncle, JohnO'Carroll, is a villain, and that you have been most unjustlydeprived of your rights. I know him by name, and from the reportsof our agents in Ireland, as one of the men who turned his coatand changed his religion to save his estates. Those men I heartilydespise; while those who gave up all, and went into exile inorder, as they believed, there to serve the cause of theirrightful sovereign, are men to be admired and respected. Beassured that justice shall be done you. Of course, you will takeaction in the courts?"

"I shall first summon him to give up the estate, shall let himknow that I have indisputable evidence to prove that I am the sonof his elder brother, and shall say that, if he will give uppossession peaceably, I will take no further steps in the matter, for the sake of the family name. If he refuses, as I fear isprobable, I must then employ a lawyer. "

"Yes, and a good one. I will furnish you with letters to the lordlieutenant, and to Lord Chief Justice Cox, strongly recommendingyou to them, and requesting the latter to appoint one of the lawofficers of the crown to take up your case. I should say that, when this John O'Carroll sees that you have such powerful friends, he will perceive that it is hopeless for him to struggle in so bada cause, and will very speedily accept your terms, though methinksit is hard that so great a villain should go unpunished. 

"Now, it will be as well that you should have something strongerthan the safe conduct that I sent you. I will therefore draw out adocument for Her Majesty to sign, granting you a full and freepardon for any offences that you may have committed against herand the realm, and also settling upon you the estates to which youare the rightful heir, in and about the barony of Kilkargan; beinginfluenced in so doing by the great services rendered by you, bothto Her Majesty's well-beloved and faithful minister andcounsellor, myself, and to her trusty general, the Earl of Galway. 

"The queen is not very likely to ask the nature of the service. Unless it be something that concerns herself, she asks but fewquestions, and signs readily enough the documents laid before her. If she asks what are the offences for which she grants her pardon, I shall say, when but a boy you were maliciously sent abroad tojoin the Irish Brigade by your uncle, who wished thus to ridhimself of you altogether, and who had foully wronged you bywithholding your name, from you and all others. I shall also addthat you have distinguished yourself much, and have gained thefriendship of her half brother, the Duke of Berwick; and you knowthat the queen, in her heart of hearts, would rather that herbrother, whom you Jacobites call James the Third, should succeedher than the Elector of Hanover, for whom she has no love. "

"I thank you greatly, indeed, my lord. Never was a man so amplyrewarded for merely holding his tongue. "

"It was not only that, sir. It was your conduct in general to me. You might have left me tied up in that house, to be found in themorning, and to be made the jest of the town; instead of which, you yourself conducted and guarded me hither, and so contrived itthat no whisper spread abroad that I had been carried off betweenSaint James's and my own house. You trusted to my honour, in notcausing a pursuit of you to be set on foot, and behaved in allways as a gallant young gentleman, and certainly gained my highesteem, both for the daring and ingenuity with which you carriedout your plans for obtaining a passage to France, and for yourpersonal conduct towards myself. 

"Where are you lodging?"

"At the Eagle, hard by the Abbey. "

"Remain there, until you hear from me. Do not be impatient. I mustchoose my time, when either the queen is in a good temper, or isin such a hurry to get rid of me, in order to plot and gossip withMistress Harley, who is now her prime favourite, that she is readyto sign any document I may lay before her. "

Feeling that his cause was as good as won, Gerald returned in highspirits to his inn, where he delighted Mike by relating how thegreat minister had promised to forward his suit. 

"Ah, your honour, it will be a grand day when you take possessionof Kilkargan--bonfires and rejoicing of all sorts, and lashings ofdrink. Won't all the boys in the barony be glad to be free fromthe traitor, and to have the true heir come to be their master. None the less glad will be my sister. "

"You must fetch her from Cork, Mike. It is owing to her that I amalive, and it will be owing to her if I recover the estate. Sheshall have the place of honour on the occasion, though all thegentry in the neighbourhood are there. When I tell them what shehas done for me, they will say that she well deserves the honour!"

"And you will go no more to the wars, Captain O'Carroll?"

"No, Mike. I have been but three years in the French army, but Ihave seen enough of fighting, and, worse still, of fightingagainst men of our own nation. Besides, if the queen grants me theestates of my father, I shall consider myself bound in honour notto draw my sword against her, or to mix myself up in any plot orconspiracy, but to remain strictly neutral whatever may be goingon. Indeed, the more I think of it, the more I doubt whether itwould be for the good of Ireland did the Stuarts return to thethrone. It could only be done at a further cost of blood andmisery. The old religious quarrels would break out more fiercelythan ever, there would be risings and civil wars, confiscationsand massacres, whichever side happened to get the upper hand. ThatJames the Third is the lawful sovereign of the three kingdoms, Ishall always uphold, but there are cases when it is to the benefitof the country, at large, that there should be a change in thesuccession. "

"Sure that may be so, your honour; and yet, it is hard that a manshould be kept out of his own. "

"No doubt it is hard; but it is far harder that thousands ofpeople should be killed, and tens of thousands ruined, for thesake of one man. "

"So it is, sir. So it is, sure enough, when one comes to think ofit. Ireland has suffered mightily in the cause of the Stuarts, andI don't suppose that, if King James succeeded to the throne, hisEnglish ministers would let him turn out all the men who havetaken the places and lands of the old families. "

"That they certainly would not, Mike. When Charles the Secondreturned from exile, all those who had fought and suffered for himthought that they would recover their estates, and turn outCromwell's men, to whom they had been granted. But they weredisappointed. The king found that he could not make so great achange, without upsetting the whole country, and that an attemptto do so would cost him his crown; and you may be sure that Jameswould find an equal difficulty, were he to come to the throne. "

"Well, well, your honour, you know more of such matters than I do;but I have no doubt that you are right. I am sure we don't wantthe bad times to come over again, in Ireland. "

Three days later, Gerald received a message from Lord Godolphin, saying that he wished to see him; and, on going to his house, theminister handed to him the paper with the full pardon, and theconfirmation of his ownership in his father's estates; togetherwith a letter to the lord lieutenant, and the Lord Chief JusticeCox. 

The next day, he took ship for Dublin, and on arriving therepresented his letters, and was well received by those to whom theywere directed. 

The lord lieutenant said:

"It is enough for me, Mr. O'Carroll, that Lord Godolphin speaks ofyou in such high terms, and I question not that he has thoroughlysatisfied himself as to your right to these estates. At the sametime, I should be glad if you will give me a brief outline of howit is that you never claimed them before, though perhaps it is aswell that you did not do so, for, until the passions excited bythe war had somewhat subsided, a friend of the Government wouldhardly have interposed for the benefit of the son of one who haddied fighting for James. "

Gerald had drawn up three copies of a statement containing aprecis of the case, and he handed one of these to the lordlieutenant, saying:

"As the story is a somewhat long one, my lord, I have written itdown, in order that you might read it at your leisure. "

"I will certainly do so, Mr. O'Carroll. I should like to bepersonally acquainted with the details of the matter. It willdoubtless excite a considerable stir. It is, I believe, the firsttime that a supporter of the Government has had to defend histitle against one of the family that fought on the other side. "

"It is hardly a case of royalist and rebel, sir, but thedeliberate action of a man suppressing all knowledge of theexistence of his own nephew, in order that he might himself obtainthe property of his dead brother. 

"I have no doubt that, had it been known that I was in existence, I should still have been thrust aside in order to reward hisadhesion to the cause of William, but that would have made hisposition intolerable. As one who has changed his religion and hispolitics, he is regarded as a traitor by the people of the barony, and avoided by all the gentry round; but the feeling would havebeen infinitely stronger, if it had been known that he was keepinghis own nephew out of his inheritance. My father was, as Iunderstand, immensely popular, and I doubt whether his brotherwould have dared to show his face within fifty miles of Kilkargan, had it been known that not only was he a traitor, but a usurper. "

The lord lieutenant smiled. 

"I am not surprised at your warmth, Mr. O'Carroll; but, unfortunately, your case is not a solitary one. There arethousands of men in Ireland who have suffered for the deeds oftheir fathers. However, I shall understand the case better when Ihave read your statement. "

It was evident to Gerald that the lord chief justice, who hadtaken a leading part in the prosecution and punishment of personsknown to be favourable to the Jacobite cause, was not altogetherpleased with Lord Godolphin's letter. 

"A strange affair, " he said. "A strange and, as it appears to me, an unfortunate business. 

"However, sir, " he went on, with a changed tone; "I shallcertainly do my best to see justice done, in accordance with hislordship's request. I will read carefully through this statementof your claim, and, after considering it, place it in the hands ofthe crown lawyers. 

"But it seems to me that your own position here is a strange one, and that you yourself are liable to arrest, as a member of afamily whose head was one of the late king's strongest adherents. "

"My own position, sir, is regulated by this document, bearing thesignature of the queen and her chief minister;" and he laid theofficial paper before Cox. 

"That certainly settles that question, " the latter said, afterperusing it. "Of course I shall, for my own satisfaction, readyour statement; but I do not wish to see any documents or proofsyou may possess in the matter. These you must, of course, laybefore your counsel. I think I can't do better than give you aletter to Mr. Counsellor Fergusson, with whom you can go into allparticulars, and who will advise you as to the course that you hadbest take. "

Mr. Fergusson, although one of the crown lawyers, enjoyed a widereputation, even among the Jacobite party, for the moderation andthe fairness with which he conducted the crown cases placed in hishands. He had less employment than his colleagues, for only casesin which the evidence of acts of hostility to the crown wereindisputable were committed to him, it having been found that hewas unwilling to be a party to calling doubtful witnesses, or tousing the means that were, in the majority of cases, employed toobtain convictions. 

The lord chief justice's letter to him was as follows:

Dear Mr. Counsellor Fergusson:

I have been requested, by Lord Godolphin, to place the case of thebearer of this letter in good hands, and cannot better carry outhis request than by asking you to act in the matter. LordGodolphin has expressed himself most strongly as to the justnessof his claim. The bearer's father was, he states, James O'Carroll, a noted rebel who was killed at the siege of Limerick. This alonewould, it might have been thought, have proved a bar to any actionon his part against the present possessor of the property; but heis the bearer of a document, signed by the queen herself, reinstating him in all rights he may possess, notwithstanding theactions of his father or of himself. It is not for me to make anycomment upon the royal document, though I may say that I fear itmay give rise to other suits, and alarm many loyal subjects whohave become possessed of confiscated estates. However, we musthope that this will not be so, as it is expressly stated that, inthis instance, the pardon and restoration of rights are given inconsideration of services rendered by this young gentleman to LordGodolphin himself, and to the Earl of Galway. What the nature ofthese services may have been does not concern me. 

Gerald carried this letter to the address indicated, and on sayingthat he was the bearer of a letter from the lord chief justice, hewas at once shown into the counsellor's room. The latter, a man ofsome fifty-five years old, with features that told of his Scottishextraction, with keen eyes and a kindly face, took the letterwhich Gerald presented to him, and begged him to be seated whilehe read it. As he glanced through it, a look of surprise cameacross his face, and he read the letter carefully, and then lookedat Gerald keenly. 

"You are fortunate in having such good friends, Mr. O'Carroll, " hesaid. "Before I go into the case, will you let me know somethingabout yourself? You are, I take it, some twenty years of age?"

"I am but a few months past nineteen. "

"By your figure, I should have put you as three years older; byyour face, two years. You must have been fortunate, indeed, tohave gained the protection both of Lord Godolphin and the Earl ofGalway. No less than this would have sufficed to gain for you thisrescript of Her Majesty. 

"And now, sir, please to give me an outline of your case, as tothe nature of which I am, at present, entirely ignorant. "

"I have put it down in writing, sir, " Gerald said, handing him thethird copy of his statement. 

"It will take me some time to read this, Mr. O'Carroll, and Iwould rather do so alone, and ask you any question that may occurto me afterwards. Will you therefore call upon me again, in anhour's time?"

Upon Gerald's return, the counsellor said:

"It is a strange story, Mr. O'Carroll, and a very disgraceful one. You allude, I see, to testimonies of Irish officers in the Frenchservice as to your likeness to the late Mr. James O'Carroll. Willyou please let me see them?"

"Here they are, sir, together with a sworn statement by my nurse. "

The lawyer read the documents through carefully. 

"The testimony of the Duke of Berwick, and of the other honourableand well-known Irish gentlemen, as to the striking likenessbetween yourself and Mr. James O'Carroll, cannot but carry immenseweight in the minds of all unprejudiced persons. They prove too, conclusively, that James O'Carroll left an infant boy behind him, and the statement of the nurse goes a long way to prove you arethat son; and I think that this is substantiated by the conduct ofJohn O'Carroll; first in receiving you and undertaking your care;secondly, in the neglect, and I should almost say the dislike, hemanifested towards the child he had sheltered; and thirdly, in theextraordinary step that he, a professedly loyal subject of HerMajesty, took in sending you off to enlist in the brigade composedof the devoted adherents of the son of James the Second. 

"No doubt, at any rate, can arise that you are the child broughtby this Mrs. Rooney to Kilkargan. That can be proved beyond allquestion; and the fact that your nurse was sent off without havingany conversation save with John O'Carroll himself, would show howanxious he was that no one but himself should know her errand. 

"I must say that you have shown great acumen in musteringevidence, of all kinds, that would bear upon the question. I sayfrankly that, without this royal rescript, and the influence ofthese two noblemen, your chance, as James O'Carroll's son, ofwresting your patrimony from the hands of your uncle would besmall indeed. Politics have, much more than facts, to do withdecisions here; but with such powerful credentials, and with thechief minister of England interfering on your behalf, I think thatthere is no great doubt that you will secure a judgment in yourfavour. When the facts are known, the feeling of the greaterportion of the population will run strongly with you, and againstthis unnatural uncle of yours. "

"I should be desirous, if possible, sir, of avoiding a publictrial that would bring discredit upon the name of my family, andwould, in the eyes of the supporters of the present Government, act prejudicially to myself. "

"You are quite right. How do you propose to proceed?"

"I was thinking, sir, of sending a statement to my uncle, similarto that which I laid before you, going somewhat further intodetails, and promising that, if he would surrender the property tome and publicly acknowledge me as his nephew, giving what reasonhe chose for having so long concealed his knowledge of the fact, Iwould take no proceedings against him, and would do my best toprevent any discredit falling upon him. "

"That would do very well, " the lawyer said, "but I should abstainfrom making any allusion to the protectors you have gained. Hewill learn that soon enough, and it will be well to see what hisfirst impulse is. Do not mention the names of the Duke of Berwickand the others, who have testified to your likeness to your latefather. Simply say that many of his comrades have recognized yourlikeness to him. It is of no use showing him all the cards we haveto play. I should not send the letter by post, but by hand. If youlike, I will despatch one of my own messengers down with it, withinstructions to bring back an answer, but not to say anything, ifquestioned, as to his being in my employment. "

The next morning, the messenger started by coach for Kilkargan. Hereturned four days later, bearing John O'Carroll's answer. It readas follows:

Sir:

I have received your audacious letter, and proclaim you to be animpostor, worthy of the severest punishment for attempting topersonate a son of my late brother. However, for the sake of myfriendship for Mr. Kennedy, your father, I give you twenty-fourhours to leave the country, before laying any information againstyou, both as an impostor and as a rebel who has served against thearmies of Her Majesty. I shall, however, at once apply for a writordering your arrest, which will be served upon you withintwenty-four hours of your receipt of this communication. I shallalso have this woman, your pretended nurse, arrested for perjuryand conspiracy. 

Gerald took this letter to the counsellor. 

"That is exactly what I expected, " he said, after reading it. "Itshows the man in his true colours. We shall see what he says whenhe learns who are employed against him, and what protection youhave obtained. My opinion is that, before many hours have passed, you will receive a letter in a different strain. I consider it byno means improbable that the lord chief justice will have writtento him privately, warning him that you have received a fullpardon, and are restored to all your rights, and that you arestrongly supported by Lord Godolphin, who has written to him andthe lord lieutenant in your favour; that you have also theprotection of the Earl of Galway, an officer who possesses theconfidence of Her Majesty; and that the Duke of Berwick, and manyof the best-known Irish officers in the service of France, haveall given their testimony, in the most positive manner, of yourlikeness to James O'Carroll, whom they knew intimately; and willsay that, at the request of Lord Godolphin that the matter shouldbe placed in the hands of one of the crown lawyers, it has beensubmitted to me; and that in my opinion, which I wrote him afterour interview, a decision in your favour is inevitable; andstrongly advising him to make the best compromise with you in hispower. "

The same evening, indeed, a mounted messenger, who had riddenposthaste from Kilkargan, arrived with another letter from JohnO'Carroll. It began:

My Dear Nephew:

I wrote yesterday in haste, on the receipt of your communication. It seemed to me that you were rushing on destruction, by avowingyourself to be the son of my brother James; and that you would beliable to be arrested as a Jacobite agent in the service ofFrance. Therefore, I wrote the letter that I did in hopes that youwould leave the country, for the time had not yet arrived when youcould safely be recognized by me as the rightful owner ofKilkargan. I have heard, however, that you have received a fullpardon for past offences, and a restitution of your rights, and Iam only too glad to be able to retire from the false position inwhich I was placed, and by which I incurred the hostility anddislike of my neighbours and tenants. As you know, I have lived analmost solitary life here, and have spent far less than the incomeof the estate. I am well aware that, acting as I have done as yourtrustee, you have a right to demand from me an account of therents I have received; but I trust that you will not press thismatter, as you'll at once come in for the receipt of the rents;and I shall be enabled to live in comfort, in Dublin, upon thesavings I have effected, and a small property I received as ayounger brother's portion. 

You will, of course, understand why, during your stay here, Irefrained from any outward demonstrations of affection for you. Ifelt that suspicions might have arisen, had I not done so, thatyou were my brother's son, in which case the estate would surelyhave been confiscated. Seeing that the bent of your inclinationswas for an active and stirring life, and as the English army wasbarred to you, I thought it best that you should go abroad, and sobe out of the way until the time should come when matters would soquieten down, in Ireland, that my influence might avail to securean indemnity for you for serving in France, and enable me to handover your estate to you. 

Your affectionate uncle, John O'Carroll. 

Gerald laughed aloud as he read the letter. 

"Is it good news, your honour?" Mike, who happened to be busy inthe room, asked. 

"Nothing could be better. My dear uncle has heard that LordGodolphin and the Earl of Galway have become my patrons, that thequeen has restored to me my rights, and Mr. Counsellor Fergussonhas taken up my case. He therefore declares that, as it was alwayshis intention to restore the estate to me, as soon as I couldsafely return, he is now ready to do so, and only hopes that Iwill not insist upon his handing over the back rents; which, indeed, I question whether I could do, as the estate was grantedto him, personally, by the Government. 

"However, of course I shall not press that. I shall be only tooglad to obtain possession without the scandal of having to show, in the public courts, that my father's brother was a villain. "

"The ould fox!" Mike exclaimed indignantly. "I felt sure, when youtold me what the counsellor had said, that he would wriggle out ofit somehow. I would give all the gold pieces I have in my belt forhalf an hour's talk with him, with a good shillelah!"

"Well, we can afford to let bygones be bygones, Mike. And afterall, he did me a service, unwittingly, in sending me over toFrance. In the first place, I had three years of stirring life; inthe next, I have made many good friends, and have gained thepatronage of two powerful noblemen, without which I should haveassuredly never come in for Kilkargan at all. "

"That is true for you, your honour. And without it, I might bestill a private in O'Brien's regiment, instead of being yourhonour's body servant. "

"And friend, Mike. "

"Yes, sir, as you are good enough to say so. "

Mr. Fergusson put John O'Carroll's letter down, with a gesture ofdisgust, after he had read it. 

"It is what might have been expected from such a man, " he said. "Atraitor to the cause he once adhered to, false to his religion, and a usurper of his nephew's rights. 

"At any rate, Mr. O'Carroll, I congratulate you. It has preventeda grievous scandal from being made public, and the largeexpenditure entailed by such a case. You have now only to go downand take possession. "

"I shall write to my uncle, and give him a week to clear out, andto make what explanation he chooses of the change. "

Gerald wrote at once to his uncle. It was coldly worded, andshowed unmistakably that he was, in no way, deceived by theprofessions in his letter. He told him that he considered it fairthat he should retain the savings he had made, as he hadpersonally been confirmed in the ownership of Kilkargan, theGovernment being ignorant that his brother had left a son. He saidthat he thought it would be more pleasant, for both of them, thatthey should not meet, and wished, therefore, that he would leave, before his arrival to take possession. 

John O'Carroll at once summoned the tenants, and astonished themby informing them that, he was glad to say, he was free at last tolay down the position he had held as owner of Kilkargan. That hisbrother James had left a son, whom they all knew as DesmondKennedy, but whom he had been obliged to treat with coldness, lestsuspicions should be excited as to his identity. Had this beenknown, he would assuredly have been proscribed as the son of arebel, and debarred by law from any inheritance. He was delightedto say that the time had come when he could publicly acknowledgehim, and place him in possession of the estate, as Her Majesty hadgranted him a special indemnity against the pains and penaltiesincurred by his father's act of rebellion and treason, and hadrestored to him his full rights. 

A burst of cheering, such as had not been heard in Kilkargan sinceJames O'Carroll rode out, at the head of a troop raised among histenantry, to fight for King James, greeted the announcement; and, for the first time since that event, John O'Carroll was, for themoment, popular. Subsequent reflection, and their knowledge of hischaracter, soon dissipated that feeling; but in their joy at theannounced approaching arrival of their new master, John O'Carrollrode away, with his followers, without the manifestation ofhostility that would otherwise have attended his departure. 

Bonfires blazed all over the barony when Gerald rode in, accompanied by Mike. The tenants, and a number of the gentry whohad known him when a boy, assembled at the castle to meet him; andeven his father could not have met with a more enthusiasticwelcome than that which was given him. 

The next day, Gerald wrote to the Duke of Berwick, telling himwhat had taken place, and resigning his commission in the IrishBrigade. 

"I intend, " he said, "to abstain from all part in politics. Although no condition was made, in my pardon for serving abroadand in the restoration of my estate, I feel that, having acceptedthese favours, I must hold myself aloof from all plots againstQueen Anne, though my heart will still be with him whom I hold tobe my lawful sovereign. Unless a large army from France was landedhere, I believe that any attempt at his restoration would onlybring down fresh misery upon Ireland. But, should a force landthat would render success almost a certainty, I should then, withthe great bulk of my countrymen, join it. "

In due time he received an answer, approving the course he hadtaken. 

"I myself, " the Duke said, "am under no delusions. With the tenregiments of the Irish Brigade, twenty thousand French troops, andarms sufficient to distribute to the whole country, I believe thatIreland and Scotland might again come under the rule of theStuarts; but nothing short of such a force would be of any avail. So convinced was I of this that, in 1691, after the successfuldefence of Limerick, I saw that the cause was for the time lost, and that further resistance would only prove disastrous toIreland. I therefore resigned my command, and went over to Franceto serve as a volunteer, and took no part in the war at home. Therefore, I think that you are fully justified in the course youhave taken. When the present war, which I think is approaching itsend, terminates, and you can again visit France, I trust that Ishall see you; and I am sure that you will receive the heartiestof welcomes from your comrades in the Brigade. "

Gerald followed out strictly the line he had laid down forhimself, and kept aloof from the plots and conspiracies that, foryears, agitated the country, entailing disaster upon all concernedin them. Mike was installed as his body servant, and majordomo ofhis household; and Norah Rooney as housekeeper at the castle. 

Three years later, in 1713, the treaty of Utrecht brought the warto an end. Communications being restored between the twocountries, Gerald wrote to the Baron de Pointdexter, and told himof the changes which had taken place in his position. He receiveda warm letter in reply, urging him to go over and pay him and hisson-in-law a visit. 

But Gerald had had enough of travelling, and wrote to say that hecould not leave his estate, as there was much to look after. Letters were, however, frequently exchanged between them, andwhen, three years later, Gerald married the daughter of the Mr. Kennedy he had visited near Cork, a present of a superb set ofjewels, the joint gift of the baron and Monsieur de la Vallee, arrived for the bride. 

After the conclusion of the peace, some of the Irish regimentswere disbanded, and as the British Government, wiser than before, offered a free pardon to all men and officers who would return, many availed themselves of it; and among these was O'Neil, whodelighted Gerald by riding up, one day, to the castle. 

"You did not expect to see me again, Kennedy; or, as I hear weought to call you, O'Carroll. Not knowing where I should find you, I took the liberty of writing to Baron de Pointdexter, and heinformed me of your good luck, and your change of name. "

"And you have left the French service altogether, O'Neill?"

"Yes, and glad enough I am that I shall be able to end my days athome. "

"And what are you thinking of doing?"

"Anything I can get. "

"Well, O'Neil, I have some interest with the lord lieutenant. As Iam no longer regarded as one likely to join in plots, I thinkthat, were I to ride with you to Dublin after you have been herefor a time; and speak to him for you, as one who had seen theerrors of his ways, and was anxious to live peacefully, he wouldprocure you some appointment. "

O'Neil stayed there for three weeks, and they then rode to Dublin. The lord lieutenant granted Gerald's request, and gave O'Neil anappointment which would enable him to live in comfort; knowingthat there is nothing, for keeping a man peaceable, like givinghim something to do; and that an idle man is a dangerous man, while one who has a comfortable position can be trusted to holdhimself aloof from any business that might imperil his place. 

O'Neil thoroughly justified Gerald's recommendation of him, and, acouple of years after his return, married a young and well-endowedwidow; and, to the end of his life, abstained carefully frommixing himself up, in any way, in politics. 

Gerald saw the failure of Prince Charlie's expedition to Scotland;and the terrible disasters, that befell all who had taken part inthe movement, showed him the wisdom of the course he hadadopted--of standing aloof from all intrigues in favour of thedescendants of James the Second. 

THE END.