”Itisratheranoddstory”sayshe，”and，withyourleave，I”llanswerthesecondquestionfirst。Itwasfromacertainresemblanceyoubeartoyourcousin，M。leVicomte。””Itrust，sir，thatIresemblehimadvantageously？”saidI。”Ihastentoreassureyou”wasthereply：”youdo。Tomyeyes，M。AlaindeSt-Yveshasscarceapleasingexterior。Andyet，whenI
　　knewyouwerehere，andwasactuallylookingforyou-why，thelikenesshelped。AsforhowIcametoknowyourwhereabouts，byanoddenoughchance，itisagainM。Alainwehavetothank。Ishouldtellyou，hehasforsometimemadeithisbusinesstokeepM。deKeroualinformedofyourcareer；withwhatpurposeIleaveyoutojudge。Whenhefirstbroughtthenewsofyour-thatyouwereservingBuonaparte，itseemeditmightbethedeathoftheoldgentleman，sohotwashisresentment。Butfromonethingtoanother，mattershavealittlechanged。OrIshouldrathersay，notalittle。WelearnedyouwereunderordersforthePeninsula，tofighttheEnglish；thenthatyouhadbeencommissionedforapieceofbravery，andwereagainreducedtotheranks。AndfromonethingtoanotherasIsay，M。deKeroualbecameusedtotheideathatyouwerehiskinsmanandyetservedwithBuonaparte，andfilledinsteadwithwonderthatheshouldhaveanotherkinsmanwhowassoremarkablywellinformedofeventsinFrance。Anditnowbecameaverydisagreeablequestion，whethertheyounggentlemanwasnotaspy？Inshort，sir，inseekingtodisserveyou，hehadaccumulatedagainsthimselfaloadofsuspicions。”
　　Myvisitornowpaused，tooksnuff，andlookedatmewithanairofbenevolence。”GoodGod，sir！”saysI，”thisisacuriousstory。””YouwillsaysobeforeIhavedone”saidhe。”Fortherehavetwoeventsfollowed。ThefirstofthesewasanencounterofM。deKeroualandM。deMauseant。””Iknowthemantomycost”saidI：”itwasthroughhimIlostmycommission。””Doyoutellmeso？”hecried。”Why，hereisnews！””Oh，Icannotcomplain！”saidI。”Iwasinthewrong。Ididitwithmyeyesopen。Ifamangetsaprisonertoguardandletshimgo，theleasthecanexpectistobedegraded。””Youwillbepaidforit”saidhe。”Youdidwellforyourselfandbetterforyourking。””IfIhadthoughtIwasinjuringmyemperor”saidI，”IwouldhaveletM。deMauseantburninhellereIhadhelpedhim，andbesureofthat！Isawinhimonlyaprivatepersoninadifficulty：Ilethimgoinprivatecharity；noteventoprofitmyselfwillIsufferittobemisunderstood。””Well，well”saidthelawyer，”nomatternow。Thisisafoolishwarmth-averymisplacedenthusiasm，believeme！ThepointofthestoryisthatM。deMauseantspokeofyouwithgratitude，anddrewyourcharacterinsuchamannerasgreatlytoaffectyouruncle”sviews。Harduponthebackofwhich，incameyourhumbleservant，andlaidbeforehimthedirectproofofwhatwehadbeensolongsuspecting。Therewasnodubietypermitted。M。Alain”sexpensivewayoflife，hisclothesandmistresses，hisdicingandracehorses，wereallexplained：hewasinthepayofBuonaparte，ahiredspy，andamanthatheldthestringsofwhatIcanonlycallaconvolutionofextremelyfishyenterprises。TodoM。deKeroualjustice，hetookitinthebestwayimaginable，destroyedtheevidencesoftheonegreat-nephew”sdisgrace-andtransferredhisinterestwhollytotheother。””WhatamItounderstandbythat？”saidI。”Iwilltellyou”sayshe。”Thereisaremarkableinconsistencyinhumannaturewhichgentlemenofmyclothhaveagreatdealofoccasiontoobserve。Selfishpersonscanlivewithoutchickorchild，theycanlivewithoutallmankindexceptperhapsthebarberandtheapothecary；butwhenitcomestodying，theyseemphysicallyunabletodiewithoutanheir。Youcanapplythisprincipleforyourself。ViscountAlain，thoughhescarceguessesit，isnolongerinthefield。Remains，ViscountAnne。””Isee”saidI，”yougiveaveryunfavourableimpressionofmyuncle，theCount。””Ihadnotmeantit”saidhe。”Hehasledalooselife-sadlyloose-butheisamanitisimpossibletoknowandnottoadmire；
　　hiscourtesyisexquisite。””Andsoyouthinkthereisactuallyachanceforme？”Iasked。”Understand”saidhe：”insayingasmuchasIhavedone，Itravelquitebeyondmybrief。Ihavebeenclothedwithnocapacitytotalkofwills，orheritages，oryourcousin。Iwassentheretomakebuttheonecommunication：thatM。deKeroualdesirestomeethisgreat-nephew。””Well”saidI，lookingaboutmeonthebattlementsbywhichwesatsurrounded，”thisisacaseinwhichMahometmustcertainlycometothemountain。””Pardonme”saidMr。Romaine；”youknowalreadyyouruncleisanagedman；butIhavenotyettoldyouthatheisquitebrokenup，andhisdeathshortlylookedfor。No，no，thereisnodoubtaboutit-itisthemountainthatmustcometoMahomet。””FromanEnglishman，theremarkiscertainlysignificant”saidI；”butyouareofcourse，andbytrade，akeeperofmen”ssecrets，andIseeyoukeepthatofCousinAlain，whichisnotthemarkofatruculentpatriotism，tosaytheleast。””Iamfirstofallthelawyerofyourfamily！”sayshe。”Thatbeingso”saidI，”Icanperhapsstretchapointmyself。
　　Thisrockisveryhigh，anditisverysteep；amanmightcomebyadevilofafallfromalmostanypartofit，andyetIbelieveI
　　haveapairofwingsthatmightcarrymejustsofarastothebottom。OnceatthebottomIamhelpless。””AndperhapsitisjustthenthatIcouldstepin”returnedthelawyer。”Supposebysomecontingency，atwhichImakenoguess，andonwhichIoffernoopinion-”
　　ButhereIinterruptedhim。”Onewordereyougofurther。Iamundernoparole”saidI。”Iunderstoodsomuch”hereplied，”althoughsomeofyouFrenchgentryfindtheirwordsitlightlyonthem。””Sir，Iamnotoneofthose”saidI。”Todoyouplainjustice，Idonotthinkyouone”saidhe。”Supposeyourself，then，setfreeandatthebottomoftherock”
　　hecontinued，”althoughImaynotbeabletodomuch，IbelieveI
　　candosomethingtohelpyouonyourroad。InthefirstplaceI
　　wouldcarrythis，whetherinaninsidepocketormyshoe。”Andhepassedmeabundleofbanknotes。”Noharminthat”saidI，atonceconcealingthem。”Inthesecondplace”heresumed，”itisagreatwayfromheretowhereyourunclelives-AmershamPlace，notfarfromDunstable；
　　youhaveagreatpartofBritaintogetthrough；andforthefirststages，Imustleaveyoutoyourownluckandingenuity。IhavenoacquaintancehereinScotland，oratleast”withagrimace”nodishonestones。Butfurthertothesouth，aboutWakefield，IamtoldthereisagentlemancalledBurchellFenn，whoisnotsoparticularassomeothers，andmightbewillingtogiveyouacastforward。Infact，sir，Ibelieveit”stheman”strade：apieceofknowledgethatburnsmymouth。Butthatiswhatyougetbymeddlingwithrogues；andperhapsthebiggestroguenowextant，M。
　　deSaint-Yves，isyourcousin，M。Alain。””Ifthisbeamanofmycousin”s”Iobserved，”Iamperhapsbettertokeepclearofhim？””Itwasthroughsomepaperofyourcousin”sthatwecameacrosshistrail”repliedthelawyer。”ButIaminclinedtothink，sofarasanythingissafeinsuchanastybusiness，youmightapplytothemanFenn。Youmighteven，Ithink，usetheViscount”sname；andthelittletrickoffamilyresemblancemightcomein。How，forinstance，ifyouweretocallyourselfhisbrother？””Itmightbedone”saidI。”Butlookhereamoment？Youproposetomeaverydifficultgame：Ihaveapparentlyadevilofanopponentinmycousin；and，beingaprisonerofwar，Icanscarcelybesaidtoholdgoodcards。Forwhatstakes，then，amIplaying？””Theyareverylarge”saidhe。”Yourgreat-uncleisimmenselyrich-immenselyrich。Hewaswiseintime；hesmelttherevolutionlongbefore；soldallthathecould，andhadallthatwasmovabletransportedtoEnglandthroughmyfirm。ThereareconsiderableestatesinEngland；AmershamPlaceitselfisveryfine；andhehasmuchmoney，wiselyinvested。Helives，indeed，likeaprince。Andofwhatuseisittohim？Hehaslostallthatwasworthlivingfor-hisfamily，hiscountry；hehasseenhiskingandqueenmurdered；hehasseenallthesemiseriesandinfamies”pursuedthelawyer，witharisinginflectionandaheighteningcolour；andthenbrokesuddenlyoff，-”Inshort，sir，hehasseenalltheadvantagesofthatgovernmentforwhichhisnephewcarriesarms，andhehasthemisfortunenottolikethem。””YouspeakwithabitternessthatIsupposeImustexcuse”saidI；”yetwhichofushasthemorereasontobebitter？Thisman，myuncle，M。deKeroual，fled。Myparents，whowerelesswiseperhaps，remained。Inthebeginning，theywereevenrepublicans；
　　totheendtheycouldnotbepersuadedtodespairofthepeople。
　　Itwasagloriousfolly，forwhich，asason，Ireverencethem。
　　Firstoneandthentheotherperished。IfIhaveanymarkofagentleman，allwhotaughtmedieduponthescaffold，andmylastschoolofmannerswastheprisonoftheAbbaye。Doyouthinkyoucanteachbitternesstoamanwithahistorylikemine？””Ihavenowishtotry”saidhe。”AndyetthereisonepointI
　　cannotunderstand：IcannotunderstandthatoneofyourbloodandexperienceshouldservetheCorsican。Icannotunderstandit：itseemsasthougheverythinggenerousinyoumustriseagainstthat-
　　domination。””Andperhaps”Iretorted，”hadyourchildhoodpassedamongwolves，youwouldhavebeenoverjoyedyourselftoseetheCorsicanShepherd。””Well，well”repliedMr。Romaine，”itmaybe。Therearethingsthatdonotbeardiscussion。”
　　Andwithawaveofhishandhedisappearedabruptlydownaflightofstepsandundertheshadowofaponderousarch。
　　CHAPTERV-ST。IVESISSHOWNAHOUSE
　　THElawyerwasscarcegonebeforeIrememberedmanyomissions；andchiefamongthese，thatIhadneglectedtogetMr。BurchellFenn”saddress。Herewasanessentialpointneglected；andIrantotheheadofthestairstofindmyselfalreadytoolate。Thelawyerwasbeyondmyview；inthearchwaythatleddownwardtothecastlegate，onlytheredcoatandthebrightarmsofasentryglitteredintheshadow；andIcouldbutreturntomyplaceupontheramparts。
　　IamnotverysurethatIwasproperlyentitledtothiscorner。
　　ButIwasahighfavourite；notanofficer，andscarceaprivate，inthecastlewouldhaveturnedmeback，exceptuponathingofmoment；andwheneverIdesiredtobesolitary，Iwassufferedtositherebehindmypieceofcannonunmolested。Thecliffwentdownbeforemealmostsheer，butmantledwithathicketofclimbingtrees；fromfartherdown，anoutworkraiseditsturret；andacrossthevalleyIhadaviewofthatlongterraceofPrincesStreetwhichservesasapromenadetothefashionableinhabitantsofEdinburgh。Asingularityinamilitaryprison，thatitshouldcommandaviewonthechiefthoroughfare！
　　ItisnotnecessarythatIshouldtroubleyouwiththetrainofmyreflections，whichturnedupontheinterviewIhadjustconcludedandthehopesthatwerenowopeningbeforeme。Whatismoreessential，myeyeevenwhileIthoughtkeptfollowingthemovementofthepassengersonPrincesStreet，astheypassedbrisklytoandfro-met，greeted，andbowedtoeachother-orenteredandlefttheshops，whichareinthatquarter，and，foratownoftheBritannicprovinces，particularlyfine。Mymindbeingbusyuponotherthings，thecourseofmyeyewasthemorerandom；
　　anditchancedthatIfollowed，forsometime，theadvanceofayounggentlemanwitharedheadandawhitegreat-coat，forwhomI
　　carednothingatthemoment，andofwhomitisprobableIshallbegatheredtomyfatherswithoutlearningmore。Heseemedtohavealargeacquaintance：hishatwasforeverinhishand；andIdaresayIhadalreadyobservedhimexchangingcomplimentswithhalfadozen，whenhedrewupatlastbeforeayoungmanandayoungladywhosetallpersonsandgallantcarriageIthoughtIrecognised。
　　ItwasimpossibleatsuchadistancethatIcouldbesure，butthethoughtwassufficient，andIcranedoutoftheembrasuretofollowthemaslongaspossible。Tothinkthatsuchemotions，thatsuchaconcussionoftheblood，mayhavebeeninspiredbyachanceresemblance，andthatImayhavestoodandthrilledthereforatotalstranger！Thisdistantview，atleast，whetherofFloraorofsomeoneelse，changedinamomentthecourseofmyreflections。
　　Itwasallverywell，anditwashighlyneedful，Ishouldseemyuncle；butanuncle，agreat-uncleatthat，andonewhomIhadneverseen，leavestheimaginationcold；andifIweretoleavethecastle，ImightneveragainhavetheopportunityoffindingFlora。
　　ThelittleimpressionIhadmade，evensupposingIhadmadeany，howsoonitwoulddieout！howsoonIshouldsinktobeaphantommemory，withwhichinafterdaysshemightamuseahusbandandchildren！No，theimpressionmustbeclenched，thewaximpressedwiththeseal，ereIleftEdinburgh。Andatthisthetwointereststhatwerenowcontendinginmybosomcametogetherandbecameone。
　　IwishedtoseeFloraagain；andIwantedsomeonetofurthermeinmyflightandtogetmenewclothes。Theconclusionwasapparent。
　　Exceptforpersonsinthegarrisonitself，withwhomitwasapointofhonourandmilitarydutytoretainmecaptive，Iknew，inthewholecountryofScotland，thesetwoalone。Ifitweretobedoneatall，theymustbemyhelpers。TotellthemofmydesignedescapewhileIwasstillinbonds，wouldbetolaybeforethemamostdifficultchoice。Whattheymightdoinsuchacase，Icouldnotintheleastbesureof，forthesamecasearisingIwasfarfromsurewhatIshoulddomyself。ItwasplainImustescapefirst。Whentheharmwasdone，whenIwasnomorethanapoorwaysidefugitive，Imightapplytothemwithlessoffenceandmoresecurity。TothisenditbecamenecessarythatIshouldfindoutwheretheylivedandhowtoreachit；andfeelingastrongconfidencethattheywouldsoonreturntovisitme，Ipreparedaseriesofbaitswithwhichtoangleformyinformation。Itwillbeseenthefirstwasgoodenough。
　　Perhapstwodaysafter，MasterRonaldputinanappearancebyhimself。Ihadnoholdupontheboy，andpretermittedmydesigntillIshouldhavelaidcourttohimandengagedhisinterest。Hewasprodigiouslyembarrassed，nothavingpreviouslyaddressedmeotherwisethanbyabowandblushes；andheadvancedtomewithanairofonestubbornlyperformingaduty，likearawsoldierunderfire。Ilaiddownmycarving；greetedhimwithagooddealofformality，suchasIthoughthewouldenjoy；andfindinghimtoremainsilent，branchedoffintonarrativesofmycampaignssuchasGoguelathimselfmighthavescrupledtoendorse。Hevisiblythawedandbrightened；drewmoreneartowhereIsat；forgothistimiditysofarastoputmanyquestions；andatlast，withanotherblush，informedmehewashimselfexpectingacommission。”Well”saidI，”theyarefinetroops，yourBritishtroopsinthePeninsula。Ayounggentlemanofspiritmaywellbeproudtobeengagedattheheadofsuchsoldiers。””Iknowthat”hesaid；”Ithinkofnothingelse。Ithinkshametobedanglinghereathomeandgoingthroughwiththisfooleryofeducation，whileothers，noolderthanmyself，areinthefield。””Icannotblameyou”saidI。”Ihavefeltthesamemyself。””Thereare-therearenotroops，arethere，quitesogoodasours？”heasked。”Well”saidI，”thereisapointaboutthem：theyhaveadefect，-
　　theyarenottobetrustedinaretreat。Ihaveseenthembehaveveryillinaretreat。””Ibelievethatisournationalcharacter”hesaid-Godforgivehim！-withanairofpride。”Ihaveseenyournationalcharacterrunningawayatleast，andhadthehonourtorunafterit！”rosetomylips，butIwasnotsoilladvisedastogiveitutterance。Everyoneshouldbeflattered，butboysandwomenwithoutstint；andIputintherestoftheafternoonnarratingtohimtalesofBritishheroism，forwhichI
　　shouldnotliketoengagethattheywerealltrue。”Iamquitesurprised”hesaidatlast。”PeopletellyoutheFrenchareinsincere。Now，Ithinkyoursincerityisbeautiful。I
　　thinkyouhaveanoblecharacter。Iadmireyouverymuch。Iamverygratefulforyourkindnessto-toonesoyoung”andheofferedmehishand。”Ishallseeyouagainsoon？”saidI。”Oh，now！Yes，verysoon”saidhe。”I-Iwishtotellyou。I
　　wouldnotletFlora-MissGilchrist，Imean-cometo-day。I
　　wishedtoseemoreofyoumyself。Itrustyouarenotoffended：
　　youknow，oneshouldbecarefulaboutstrangers。”
　　Iapprovedhiscaution，andhetookhimselfaway：leavingmeinamixtureofcontrariousfeelings，partashamedtohaveplayedononesogullible，partragingthatIshouldhaveburnedsomuchincensebeforethevanityofEngland；yet，inthebottomofmysoul，delightedtothinkIhadmadeafriend-or，atleast，beguntomakeafriend-ofFlora”sbrother。
　　AsIhadhalfexpected，bothmadetheirappearancethenextday。I
　　strucksofineashadebetwixtthepridethatisallowedtosoldiersandthesorrowfulhumilitythatbefitsacaptive，thatI
　　declare，asIwenttomeetthem，Imighthaveaffordedasubjectforapainter。Somuchwashighcomedy，Imustconfess；butsosoonasmyeyeslightedfullonherdarkfaceandeloquenteyes，thebloodleapedintomycheeks-andthatwasnature！Ithankedthem，butnottheleastwithexultation；itwasmycuetobemournful，andtotakethepairofthemasone。”Ihavebeenthinking”Isaid，”youhavebeensogoodtome，bothofyou，strangerandprisonerasIam，thatIhavebeenthinkinghowIcouldtestifytomygratitude。Itmayseemastrangesubjectforaconfidence，butthereisactuallynoonehere，evenofmycomrades，thatknowsmebymynameandtitle。BytheseIamcalledplainChampdivers，anametowhichIhavearight，butnotthenamewhichIshouldbear，andwhichbutalittlewhileagoImusthidelikeacrime。MissFlora，suffermetopresenttoyoutheVicomteAnnedeKeroualdeSaint-Yves，aprivatesoldier。””Iknewit！”criedtheboy；”Iknewhewasanoble！”
　　AndIthoughttheeyesofMissFlorasaidthesame，butmorepersuasively。Allthroughthisinterviewshekeptthemontheground，oronlygavethemtomeforamomentatatime，andwithaserioussweetness。”Youmayconceive，myfriends，thatthisisratherapainfulconfession”Icontinued。”Tostandherebeforeyou，vanquished，aprisonerinafortress，andtakemyownnameuponmylips，ispainfultotheproud。AndyetIwishedthatyoushouldknowme。
　　Longafterthis，wemayyethearofoneanother-perhapsMr。
　　Gilchristandmyselfinthefieldandfromopposingcamps-anditwouldbeapityifweheardanddidnotrecognise。”
　　Theywerebothmoved；andbeganatoncetopressuponmeoffersofservice，suchastolendmebooks，getmetobaccoifIusedit，andthelike。Thiswouldhavebeenallmightywelcome，beforethetunnelwasready。NowitsignifiednomoretomethantoofferthetransitionIrequired。”Mydearfriends”Isaid-”foryoumustallowmetocallyouthat，whohavenootherswithinsomanyhundredleagues-perhapsyouwillthinkmefancifulandsentimental；andperhapsindeedI
　　am；butthereisoneservicethatIwouldbegofyoubeforeallothers。Youseemesethereonthetopofthisrockinthemidstofyourcity。EvenwithwhatlibertyIhave，Ihavetheopportunitytoseeamyriadroofs，andIdaretosay，thirtyleaguesofseaandland。Allthishostile！Underalltheseroofsmyenemiesdwell；whereverIseethesmokeofahouserising，I
　　musttellmyselfthatsomeonesitsbeforethechimneyandreadswithjoyofourreverses。Pardonme，dearfriends，Iknowthatyoumustdothesame，andIdonotgrudgeatit！Withyou，itisalldifferent。Showmeyourhousethen，wereitonlythechimney，or，ifthatbenotvisible，thequarterofthetowninwhichitlies！
　　So，whenIlookallaboutme，Ishallbeabletosay：“THEREISONE
　　HOUSEINWHICHIAMNOTQUITEUNKINDLYTHOUGHTOF。””
　　Florastoodamoment。”Itisaprettythought”saidshe，”and，asfarasregardsRonaldandmyself，atrueone。Come，IbelieveIcanshowyoutheverysmokeoutofourchimney。”
　　Sosaying，shecarriedmeroundthebattlementstowardstheoppositeorsouthernsideofthefortress，andindeedtoabastionalmostimmediatelyoverlookingtheplaceofourprojectedflight。
　　Thencewehadaviewofsomeforeshortenedsuburbsatourfeet，andbeyondofagreen，open，andirregularcountryrisingtowardsthePentlandHills。Thefaceofoneofthesesummitssaytwoleaguesfromwherewestoodismarkedwithaprocessionofwhitescars。
　　Andtothisshedirectedmyattention。”Youseethesemarks？”shesaid。”WecallthemtheSevenSisters。
　　Followalittlelowerwithyoureye，andyouwillseeafoldofthehill，thetopsofsometrees，andatailofsmokeoutofthemidstofthem。ThatisSwanstonCottage，wheremybrotherandIarelivingwithmyaunt。Ifitgivesyoupleasuretoseeit，Iamglad。We，too，canseethecastlefromacornerinthegarden，andwegothereinthemorningoften-dowenot，Ronald？-andwethinkofyou，M。deSaint-Yves；butIamafraiditdoesnotaltogethermakeusglad。””Mademoiselle！”saidI，andindeedmyvoicewasscarceundercommand，”ifyouknewhowyourgenerouswords-howeventhesightofyou-relievedthehorrorsofthisplace，Ibelieve，Ihope，I
　　know，youwouldbeglad。Iwillcomeheredailyandlookatthatdearchimneyandthesegreenhills，andblessyoufromtheheart，anddedicatetoyoutheprayersofthispoorsinner。Ah！Idonotsaytheycanavail！””Whocansaythat，M。deSaint-Yves？”shesaidsoftly。”ButI
　　thinkitistimeweshouldbegoing。””Hightime”saidRonald，whomtosaythetruthIhadalittleforgotten。
　　Onthewayback，asIwaslayingmyselfouttorecoverlostgroundwiththeyouth，andtoobliterate，ifpossible，thememoryofmylastandsomewhattooferventspeech，whoshouldcomepastusbutthemajor？Ihadtostandasideandsaluteashewentby，buthiseyesappearedentirelyoccupiedwithFlora。”Whoisthatman？”sheasked。”Heisafriendofmine”saidI。”IgivehimlessonsinFrench，andhehasbeenverykindtome。””Hestared”shesaid，-”Idonotsay，rudely；butwhyshouldhestare？””Ifyoudonotwishtobestaredat，mademoiselle，suffermetorecommendaveil”saidI。
　　Shelookedatmewithwhatseemedanger。”Itellyouthemanstared”shesaid。
　　AndRonaldadded。”Oh，Idon”tthinkhemeantanyharm。Isupposehewasjustsurprisedtoseeuswalkingaboutwithapr-withM。
　　Saint-Yves。”
　　Butthenextmorning，whenIwenttoChevenix”srooms，andafterI
　　haddutifullycorrectedhisexercise-”Icomplimentyouonyourtaste”saidhetome。”Ibegyourpardon？”saidI。”Ohno，Ibegyours”saidhe。”Youunderstandmeperfectly，justasIdoyou。”
　　Imurmuredsomethingaboutenigmas。”Well，shallIgiveyouthekeytotheenigma？”saidhe，leaningback。”ThatwastheyoungladywhomGoguelatinsultedandwhomyouavenged。Idonotblameyou。Sheisaheavenlycreature。””Withallmyheart，tothelastofit！”saidI。”Andtothefirstalso，ifitamusesyou！YouarebecomesoveryacuteoflatethatIsupposeyoumusthaveyourownway。””Whatishername？”heasked。”Now，really！”saidI。”Doyouthinkitlikelyshehastoldme？””Ithinkitcertain”saidhe。
　　Icouldnotrestrainmylaughter。”Well，then，doyouthinkitlikelyIwouldtellyou？”Icried。”Notabit。”saidhe。”Butcome，toourlesson！”
　　CHAPTERVI-THEESCAPE
　　THEtimeforourescapedrewnear，andtheneareritcamethelessweseemedtoenjoytheprospect。Thereisbutonesideonwhichthiscastlecanbelefteitherwithdignityorsafety；butasthereisthemaingateandguard，andthechiefstreetoftheuppercity，itisnottobethoughtofbyescapingprisoners。Inallotherdirectionsanabominableprecipicesurroundsit，downthefaceofwhichifanywhereatallwemustregainourliberty。Byourconcurrentlaboursinmanyadarknight，workingwiththemostanxiousprecautionsagainstnoise，wehadmadeouttopiercebelowthecurtainaboutthesouth-westcorner，inaplacetheycalltheDEVIL”SELBOW。Ihavenevermetthatcelebrity；noriftherestofhimatallcomesuptowhattheycalledhiselbowhaveItheleastdesireofhisacquaintance。Fromtheheelofthemasonry，therascally，breakneckprecipicedescendedsheeramongwastelands，scatteredsuburbsofthecity，andhousesinthebuilding。
　　Ihadneverthehearttolookforanylengthoftime-thethoughtthatImustmakethedescentinpersonsomedarknightrobbingmeofbreath；and，indeed，onanybodynotaseamanorasteeple-jack，themeresightoftheDEVIL”SELBOWwroughtlikeanemetic。
　　Idon”tknowwheretheropewasgot，anddoubtifImuchcared。Itwasnotthatwhichgravelledme，butwhether，nowthatwehadit，itwouldserveourturn。Itslength，indeed，wemadeashifttofathomout；butwhowastotellushowthatlengthcomparedwiththewaywehadtogo？Dayafterday，therewouldbealwayssomeofusstolenouttotheDEVIL”SELBOWandmakingestimatesofthedescent，whetherbyabareguessorthedroppingofstones。A
　　privateofpioneersrememberedtheformulaforthat-orelserememberedpartofitandobliginglyinventedtheremainder。Ihadneveranyrealconfidenceinthatformula；andevenhadwegotitfromabook，thereweredifficultiesinthewayoftheapplicationthatmighthavedauntedArchimedes。Wedurstnotdropanyconsiderablepebblelestthesentinelsshouldhear，andthosethatwedroppedwecouldnothearourselves。Wehadneverawatch-ornonethathadasecond-hand；andthougheveryoneofuscouldguessasecondtoanicety，allsomehowguesseditdifferently。Inshort，ifanytwosetforthuponthisenterprise，theyinvariablyreturnedwithtwoopinions，andoftenwithablackeyeinthebargain。Ilookedonupontheseproceedings，althoughnotwithoutlaughter，yetwithimpatienceanddisgust。Iamonethatcannotbeartoseethingsbotchedorgoneuponwithignorance；andthethoughtthatsomepoordevilwastohazardhisbonesuponsuchpremises，revoltedme。HadIguessedthenameofthatunhappyfirstadventurer，mysentimentsmighthavebeenlivelierstill。
　　Thedesignationofthispersonagewasindeedallthatremainedforustodo；andeveninthatwehadadvancedsofarthatthelothadfallenonShedB。Ithadbeendeterminedtominglethebitterandthesweet；andwhoeverwentdownfirst，thewholeofhisshed-matesweretofollownextinorder。ThiscausedagooddealofjoyinShedB，andwouldhavecausedmoreifithadnotstillremainedtochooseourpioneer。Inviewoftheambiguityinwhichwelayastothelengthoftheropeandtheheightoftheprecipice-andthatthisgentlemanwastoclimbdownfromfiftytoseventyfathomsonapitchynight，onaropeentirelyfree，andwithnotsomuchasaninfantchildtosteadyitatthebottom，alittlebackwardnesswasperhapsexcusable。Butitwas，inourcase，morethanalittle。
　　Thetruthis，wewereallwomanishfellowsaboutaheight；andI
　　havemyselfbeenput，morethanonce，HORSDECOMBATbyalessaffairthantherockofEdinburghCastle。
　　Wediscusseditinthedarkandbetweenthepassageoftherounds；
　　anditwasimpossibleforanybodyofmentoshowalessadventurousspirit。Iamsuresomeofus，andmyselffirstamongthenumber，regrettedGoguelat。Somewerepersuadeditwassafe，andcouldprovethesamebyargument；butiftheyhadgoodreasonswhysomeoneelseshouldmakethetrial，theyhadbetterstillwhyitshouldnotbethemselves。Others，again，condemnedthewholeideaasinsane；amongthese，asill-luckwouldhaveit，aseamanofthefleet；whowasthemostdispiritingofall。Theheight，heremindedus，wasgreaterthanthetallestship”smast，theropeentirelyfree；andheasgoodasdefiedtheboldestandstrongesttosucceed。Wewererelievedfromthisdead-lockbyoursergeant-
　　majorofdragoons。”Comrades”saidhe，”IbelieveIrankyouall；andforthatreason，ifyoureallywishit，Iwillbethefirstmyself。Atthesametime，youaretoconsiderwhatthechancesarethatImayprovetobethelast，aswell。Iamnolongeryoung-Iwassixtynearamonthago。SinceIhavebeenaprisoner，IhavemadeformyselfalittleBEDAINE。Myarmsareallgonetofat。Andyoumustpromisenottoblameme，ifIfallandplaythedevilwiththewholething。””Wecannothearofsuchathing！”saidI。”M。Laclasistheoldestmanhere；and，assuch，heshouldbetheverylasttooffer。Itisplain，wemustdrawlots。””No”saidM。Laclas；”youputsomethingelseinmyhead！Thereisoneherewhoowesaprettycandletotheothers，fortheyhavekepthissecret。Besides，therestofusareonlyrabble；andheisanotheraffairaltogether。LetChampdivers-letthenoblegothefirst。”
　　Iconfesstherewasanotablepausebeforethenobleinquestiongothisvoice。Buttherewasnoroomforchoice。Ihadbeensoill-advised，whenIfirstjoinedtheregiment，astotakegroundonmynobility。Ihadbeenoftenralliedonthematterintheranks，andhadpassedundertheby-namesofMONSEIGNEURandTHEMARQUIS。
　　ItwasnowneedfulIshouldjustifymyselfandtakeafairrevenge。
　　AnylittlehesitationImayhavefeltpassedentirelyunnoticed，fromtheluckyincidentofaroundhappeningatthatmomenttogoby。Andduringtheintervalofsilencethereoccurredsomethingthatsentmybloodtotheboil。TherewasaprivateinourshedcalledClausel，amanofaveryuglydisposition。HehadmadeoneofthefollowersofGoguelat；but，whereasGoguelathadalwaysakindofmonstrousgaietyabouthim，Clauselwasnolessmorosethanhewasevil-minded。HewassometimescalledTHEGENERAL，andsometimesbyanametooill-manneredforrepetition。Asweallsatlistening，thisman”shandwaslaidonmyshoulder，andhisvoicewhisperedinmyear：”Ifyoudon”tgo，I”llhaveyouhanged，Marquis！”
　　Assoonastheroundwaspast-”Certainly，gentlemen！”saidI。”I
　　willgiveyoualead，withallthepleasureintheworld。But，firstofall，thereisahoundheretobepunished。M。Clauselhasjustinsultedme，anddishonouredtheFrencharmy；andIdemandthatherunthegauntletofthisshed。”
　　Therewasbutonevoiceaskingwhathehaddone，and，assoonasI
　　hadtoldthem，butonevoiceagreeingtothepunishment。TheGeneralwas，inconsequence，extremelyroughlyhandled，andthenextdaywascongratulatedbyallwhosawhimonhisNEW
　　DECORATIONS。Itwasluckyforusthathewasoneoftheprimemoversandbelieversinourprojectofescape，orhehadcertainlyrevengedhimselfbyadenunciation。Asforhisfeelingstowardsmyself，theyappeared，byhislooks，tosurpasshumanity；andI
　　madeupmymindtogivehimawideberthinthefuture。
　　HadIbeentogodownthatinstant，IbelieveIcouldhavecarrieditwell。Butitwasalreadytoolate-thedaywasathand。Theresthadstilltobesummoned。Norwasthistheextentofmymisfortune；forthenextnight，andthenightafter，wereadornedwithaperfectgalaxyofstars，andshowedeverycatthatstirredinaquarterofamile。Duringthisinterval，IhavetodirectyoursympathiesontheVicomtedeSaint-Yves！Alladdressedmesoftly，likefolkroundasickbed。OurItaliancorporal，whohadgotadozenofoystersfromafishwife，laidthematmyfeet，asthoughIwereaPaganidol；andIhaveneversincebeenwhollyatmyeaseinthesocietyofshellfish。Hewhowasthebestofourcarversbroughtmeasnuff-box，whichhehadjustcompleted，andwhich，whileitwasyetinhand，hehadoftendeclaredhewouldnotpartwithunderfifteendollars。Ibelievethepiecewasworththemoneytoo！AndyetthevoicestuckinmythroatwithwhichImustthankhim。Ifoundmyself，inaword，tobefeduplikeaprisonerinacampofanthropophagi，andhonouredlikethesacrificialbull。
　　Andwhatwiththeseannoyances，andtheriskyventureimmediatelyahead，Ifoundmypartatryingonetoplay。
　　Itwasagooddealofareliefwhenthethirdeveningclosedaboutthecastlewithvolumesofsea-fog。ThelightsofPrincesStreetsometimesdisappeared，sometimesblinkedacrossatusnobrighterthantheeyesofcats；andfivestepsfromoneofthelanternsontherampartsitwasalreadygropingdark。Wemadehastetoliedown。Hadourjailersbeenuponthewatch，theymusthaveobservedourconversationtodieoutunusuallysoon。YetIdoubtifanyofusslept。Eachlayinhisplace，torturedatoncewiththehopeoflibertyandthefearofahatefuldeath。Theguardcallsounded；
　　thehumofthetowndeclinedbylittleandlittle。Onallsidesofus，intheirdifferentquarters，wecouldhearthewatchmancrythehoursalongthestreet。Oftenenough，duringmystayinEngland，haveIlistenedtothesegrufforbrokenvoices；orperhapsgonetomywindowwhenIlaysleepless，andwatchedtheoldgentlemanhobblebyuponthecausewaywithhiscapeandhiscap，hishangerandhisrattle。Itwaseverathoughtwithmehowdifferentlythatcrywouldre-echointhechamberoflovers，besidethebedofdeath，orinthecondemnedcell。Imightbesaidtohearitthatnightmyselfinthecondemnedcell！Atlengthafellowwithavoicelikeabull”sbegantoroaroutintheoppositethoroughfare：”Pastyino”cloak，andadark，haarymoarnin”。”
　　Atwhichwewereallsilentlyafoot。
　　AsIstoleaboutthebattlementstowardsthe-gallows，Iwasabouttowrite-thesergeant-major，perhapsdoubtfulofmyresolution，keptclosebyme，andoccasionallyprofferedthemostindigestiblereassurancesinmyear。AtlastIcouldbearthemnolonger。”Besoobligingastoletmebe！”saidI。”Iamneitheracowardnorafool。WhatdoYOUknowofwhethertheropebelongenough？
　　ButIshallknowitintenminutes！”
　　Thegoodoldfellowlaughedinhismoustache，andpattedme。
　　Itwasallverywelltoshowthedispositionofmytemperbeforeafriendalone；beforemyassembledcomradesthethinghadtogohandsomely。Itwasthenmytimetocomeonthestage；andIhopeI
　　tookithandsomely。”Now，gentlemen”saidI，”iftheropeisready，hereisthecriminal！”
　　Thetunnelwascleared，thestakedriven，theropeextended。AsI
　　movedforwardtotheplace，manyofmycomradescaughtmebythehandandwrungit，anattentionIcouldwellhavedonewithout。”KeepaneyeonClausel！”IwhisperedtoLaclas；andwiththat，gotdownonmyelbowsandkneestooktheropeinbothhands，andworkedmyself，feetforemost，throughthetunnel。Whentheearthfailedundermyfeet，Ithoughtmyheartwouldhavestopped；andamomentafterIwasdemeaningmyselfinmid-airlikeadrunkenjumping-
　　jack。Ihaveneverbeenamodelofpiety，butatthisjunctureprayersandacoldsweatburstfrommesimultaneously。
　　Thelinewasknottedatintervalsofeighteeninches；andtotheinexpertitmayseemasifitshouldhavebeeneveneasytodescend。Thetroublewas，thisdevilofapieceofropeappearedtobeinspired，notwithlifealone，butwithapersonalmalignityagainstmyself。Itturnedtotheoneside，pausedforamoment，andthenspunmelikeatoasting-jacktotheother；slippedlikeaneelfromtheclaspofmyfeet；keptmeallthetimeinthemostoutrageousfuryofexertion；anddashedmeatintervalsagainstthefaceoftherock。Ihadnoeyestoseewith；andIdoubtiftherewasanythingtoseebutdarkness。Imustoccasionallyhavecaughtagaspofbreath，butitwasquiteunconscious。Andthewholeforcesofmymindweresoconsumedwithlosingholdandgettingitagain，thatIcouldscarcehavetoldwhetherIwasgoinguporcomingdown。
　　OfasuddenIknockedagainstthecliffwithsuchathumpasalmostbereftmeofmysense；and，asreasontwinkledback，IwasamazedtofindthatIwasinastateofrest，thatthefaceoftheprecipicehereinclinedoutwardsatananglewhichrelievedmealmostwhollyoftheburthenofmyownweight，andthatoneofmyfeetwassafelyplantedonaledge。Idrewoneofthesweetestbreathsinmyexperience，huggedmyselfagainsttherope，andclosedmyeyesinakindofecstasyofrelief。ItoccurredtomenexttoseehowfarIwasadvancedonmyunluckyjourney，apointonwhichIhadnotashadowofaguess。Ilookedup：therewasnothingabovemebuttheblacknessofthenightandthefog。I
　　cranedtimidlyforwardandlookeddown。There，uponafloorofdarkness，Ibeheldacertainpatternofhazylights，someofthemalignedasinthoroughfares，othersstandingapartasinsolitaryhouses；andbeforeIcouldwellrealiseit，orhadintheleastestimatedmydistance，awaveofnauseaandvertigowarnedmetoliebackandclosemyeyes。InthissituationIhadreallybuttheonewish，andthatwas：somethingelsetothinkof！Strangetosay，Igotit：aveilwastornfrommymind，andIsawwhatafoolIwas-whatfoolswehadallbeen-andthatIhadnobusinesstobethusdanglingbetweenearthandheavenbymyarms。Theonlythingtohavedonewastohaveattachedmetoaropeandloweredme，andIhadneverthewittoseeittillthatmoment！
　　Ifilledmylungs，gotagoodholdonmyrope，andoncemorelaunchedmyselfonthedescent。Asitchanced，theworstofthedangerwasatanend，andIwassofortunateastobeneveragainexposedtoanyviolentconcussion。SoonafterImusthavepassedwithinalittledistanceofabushofwallflower，forthescentofitcameovermewiththatimpressionofrealitywhichcharacterisesscentsindarkness。Thismademeasecondlandmark，theledgebeingmyfirst。Ibeganaccordinglytocomputeintervalsoftime：
　　somuchtotheledge，somuchagaintothewallflower，somuchmorebelow。IfIwerenotatthebottomoftherock，IcalculatedI
　　mustbenearindeedtotheendoftherope，andtherewasnodoubtthatIwasnotfarfromtheendofmyownresources。Ibegantobelight-headedandtobetemptedtoletgo，-nowarguingthatIwascertainlyarrivedwithinafewfeetofthelevelandcouldsafelyriskafall，anonpersuadedIwasstillcloseatthetopanditwasidletocontinuelongerontherock。InthemidstofwhichIcametoabearingonplainground，andhadnearlyweptaloud。Myhandswereasgoodasflayed，mycourageentirelyexhausted，and，whatwiththelongstrainandthesuddenrelief，mylimbsshookundermewithmorethantheviolenceofague，andIwasgladtoclingtotherope。
　　Butthiswasnotimetogiveway。IhadbyGod”ssinglemercy
　　gotmyselfaliveoutofthatfortress；andnowIhadtotrytogettheothers，mycomrades。Therewasaboutafathomofropetospare；Igotitbytheend，andsearchedthewholegroundthoroughlyforanythingtomakeitfastto。Invain：thegroundwasbrokenandstony，buttheregrewnottheresomuchasabushoffurze。”Nowthen”thoughtItomyself，”herebeginsanewlesson，andI
　　believeitwillprovericherthanthefirst。Iamnotstrongenoughtokeepthisropeextended。IfIdonotkeepitextendedthenextmanwillbedashedagainsttheprecipice。Thereisnoreasonwhyheshouldhavemyextravagantgoodluck。Iseenoreasonwhyheshouldnotfall-noranyplaceforhimtofallonbutmyhead。”
　　FromwhereIwasnowstandingtherewasoccasionallyvisible，asthefoglightened，alampinoneofthebarrackwindows，whichgavemeameasureoftheheighthehadtofallandthehorridforcethathemuststrikemewith。Whatwasyetworse，wehadagreedtodowithoutsignals：everysomanyminutesbyLaclas”watchanothermanwastobestartedfromthebattlements。Now，Ihadseemedtomyselftobeabouthalfanhourinmydescent，anditseemednearaslongagainthatIwaited，strainingontheropeformynextcomradetobegin。Ibegantobeafraidthatourconspiracywasout，thatmyfriendswereallsecured，andthatIshouldpasstheremainderofthenight，andbediscoveredinthemorning，vainlyclingingtotherope”sendlikeahookedfishuponanangle。I
　　couldnotrefrain，atthisridiculousimage，fromachuckleoflaughter。AndthenextmomentIknew，bythejerkingoftherope，thatmyfriendhadcrawledoutofthetunnelandwasfairlylaunchedonhisdescent。Itappearsitwasthesailorwhohadinsistedonsucceedingme：assoonasmycontinuedsilencehadassuredhimtheropewaslongenough，Gautier，forthatwashisname，hadforgothisformerarguments，andshownhimselfsoextremelyforward，thatLaclashadgivenway。Itwaslikethefellow，whohadnoharminhimbeyondaninstinctiveselfishness。
　　Buthewasliketohavepaidprettydearlyfortheprivilege。DoasIwould，IcouldnotkeeptheropeasIcouldhavewishedit；
　　andheendedatlastbyfallingonmefromaheightofseveralyards，sothatwebothrolledtogetherontheground。Assoonashecouldbreathehecursedmebeyondbelief，weptoverhisfinger，whichhehadbroken，andcursedmeagain。Ibadehimbestillandthinkshameofhimselftobesogreatacry-baby。Didhenotheartheroundgoingbyabove？Iasked；andwhocouldtellbutwhatthenoiseofhisfallwasalreadyremarked，andthesentinelsattheverymomentleaninguponthebattlementstolisten？
　　Theround，however，wentby，andnothingwasdiscovered；thethirdmancametothegroundquiteeasily；thefourthwas，ofcourse，child”splay；andbeforethereweretenofuscollected，itseemedtomethat，withouttheleastinjusticetomycomrades，Imightproceedtotakecareofmyself。
　　Iknewtheirplan：theyhadamapandanalmanack，anddesignedforGrangemouth，wheretheyweretostealaship。Supposethemtodoso，Ihadnoideatheywerequalifiedtomanageitafteritwasstolen。Theirwholeescape，indeed，wasthemosthaphazardthingimaginable；onlytheimpatienceofcaptivesandtheignoranceofprivatesoldierswouldhaveentertainedsomisbegottenadevice；
　　andthoughIplayedthegoodcomradeandworkedwiththemuponthetunnel，butforthelawyer”smessageIshouldhaveletthemgowithoutme。Well，nowtheywerebeyondmyhelp，astheyhadalwaysbeenbeyondmycounselling；and，withoutwordsaidorleavetaken，Istoleoutofthelittlecrowd。ItistrueIwouldratherhavewaitedtoshakehandswithLaclas，butinthelastmanwhohaddescendedIthoughtIrecognisedClausel，andsincethesceneintheshedmydistrustofClauselwasperfect。Ibelievedthemantobecapableofanyinfamy，andeventshavesinceshownthatIwasright。
　　CHAPTERVII-SWANSTONCOTTAGE
　　IHADtwoviews。Thefirstwas，naturally，togetclearofEdinburghCastleandthetown，tosaynothingofmyfellow-
　　prisoners；thesecondtoworktothesouthwardsolongasitwasnight，andbenearSwanstonCottagebymorning。WhatIshoulddothereandthen，Ihadnoguess，anddidnotgreatlycare，beingadevoteeofacoupleofdivinitiescalledChanceandCircumstance。
　　Prepare，ifpossible；whereitisimpossible，workstraightforward，andkeepyoureyesopenandyourtongueoiled。Witandagoodexterior-thereisalllifeinanutshell。
　　Ihadatfirstaratherchequeredjourney：gotinvolvedingardens，buttedintohouses，andhadevenoncethemisfortunetoawakeasleepingfamily，thefatherofwhich，asIsuppose，menacedmefromthewindowwithablunderbuss。Altogether，thoughIhadbeensometimegonefrommycompanions，Iwasstillatnogreatdistance，whenamiserableaccidentputaperiodtotheescape。Ofasuddenthenightwasdividedbyascream。Thiswasfollowedbythesoundofsomethingfalling，andthatagainbythereportofamusketfromtheCastlebattlements。Itwasstrangetohearthealarmspreadthroughthecity。Inthefortressdrumswerebeatandabellrungbackward。Onallhandsthewatchmensprangtheirrattles。Eveninthatlimboorno-man”s-landwhereIwaswandering，lightsweremadeinthehouses；sasheswereflungup；Icouldhearneighbouringfamiliesconversefromwindowtowindow，andatlengthIwaschallengedmyself。”Wha”sthat？”criedabigvoice。
　　Icouldseeitproceededfromabigmaninabignightcap，leaningfromaone-pairwindow；andasIwasnotyetabreastofhishouse，Ijudgeditwasmorewisetoanswer。ThiswasnotthefirsttimeI
　　hadhadtostakemyfortunesonthegoodnessofmyaccentinaforeigntongue；andIhavealwaysfoundthemomentinspiriting，asagamblershould。Pullingaroundmeasortofgreat-coatIhadmadeofmyblanket，tocovermysulphur-colouredlivery，-”A
　　friend！”saidI。”Whatlike”sallthiscollieshangie？”saidhe。
　　Ihadneverheardofacollieshangieinmydays，butwiththeracketallaboutusinthecity，Icouldhavenodoubtastotheman”smeaning。”Idonotknow，sir，really”saidI；”butIsupposesomeoftheprisonerswillhaveescaped。””Bedamned！”sayshe。”Oh，sir，theywillbesoontaken”Ireplied：”ithasbeenfoundintime。Goodmorning，sir！””Yewalklate，sir？”headded。”Oh，surelynot”saidI，withalaugh。”Earlyish，ifyoulike！”
　　whichbroughtmefinallybeyondhim，highlypleasedwithmysuccess。
　　Iwasnowcomeforthonagoodthoroughfare，whichledaswellasIcouldjudgeinmydirection。Itbroughtmealmostimmediatelythroughapieceofstreet，whenceIcouldhearclosebythespringingofawatchman”srattle，andwhereIsupposeasixthpartofthewindowswouldbeopen，andthepeople，inallsortsofnightgear，talkingwithakindoftragicgustofromonetoanother。
　　Here，again，Imustrunthegauntletofahalf-dozenquestions，therattleallthewhilesoundingnearer；butasIwasnotwalkinginordinatelyquick，asIspokelikeagentleman，andthelampsweretoodimtoshowmydress，Icarrieditoffoncemore。Oneperson，indeed，inquiredwhereIwasofftoatthathour。
　　Irepliedvaguelyandcheerfully，andasIescapedatoneendofthisdangerouspassIcouldseethewatchman”slanternenteringbytheother。Iwasnowsafeonadarkcountryhighway，outofsightoflightsandoutofthefearofwatchmen。AndyetIhadnotgoneaboveahundredyardsbeforeafellowmadeanuglyrushatmefromtheroadside。Iavoidedhimwithaleap，andstoodonguard，cursingmyemptyhands，wonderingwhetherIhadtodowithanofficeroramerefootpad，andscarceknowingwhichtowish。Myassailantstoodalittle；inthethickdarknessIcouldseehimbobandsidleasthoughhewerefeintingatmeforanadvantageousonfall。Thenhespoke。”Mygoo”frien””sayshe，andatthefirstwordIprickedmyears，”mygoo”frien”，willyouoblishemewithlilnesharyinfamation？
　　Whishroa”t”Cramond？”
　　Ilaughedoutclearandloud，steppeduptotheconvivialist，tookhimbytheshouldersandfacedhimabout。”Mygoodfriend”saidI，”IbelieveIknowwhatisbestforyoumuchbetterthanyourself，andmayGodforgiveyouthefrightyouhavegivenme！
　　There，getyougonetoEdinburgh！”AndIgaveashove，whichheobeyedwiththepassiveagilityofaball，anddisappearedincontinentlyinthedarknessdowntheroadbywhichIhadmyselfcome。
　　Onceclearofthisfoolishfellow，Iwentonagainupagradualhill，descendedontheothersidethroughthehousesofacountryvillage，andcameatlasttothebottomofthemainascentleadingtothePentlandsandmydestination。Iwassomewayupwhenthefogbegantolighten；alittlefarther，andIsteppedbydegreesintoaclearstarrynight，andsawinfrontofme，andquitedistinct，thesummitsofthePentlands，andbehind，thevalleyoftheForthandthecityofmylatecaptivityburiedunderalakeofvapour。Ihadbutoneencounter-thatofafarm-cart，whichI
　　heard，fromagreatwayaheadofme，creakingnearerinthenight，andwhichpassedmeaboutthepointofdawnlikeathingseeninadream，withtwosilentfiguresintheinsidenoddingtothehorse”ssteps。Ipresumetheywereasleep；bytheshawlaboutherheadandshoulders，oneofthemshouldbeawoman。Soon，byconcurrentsteps，thedaybegantobreakandthefogtosubsideandrollaway。
　　Theeastgrewluminousandwasbarredwithchillycolours，andtheCastleonitsrock，andthespiresandchimneysoftheuppertown，tookgradualshape，andarose，likeislands，outoftherecedingcloud。Allaboutmewasstillandsylvan；theroadmountingandwinding，withnowhereasignofanypassenger，thebirdschirping，Isupposeforwarmth，theboughsofthetreesknockingtogether，andtheredleavesfallinginthewind。
　　Itwasbroadday，butstillbittercoldandthesunnotup，whenI
　　cameinviewofmydestination。Asinglegableandchimneyofthecottagepeepedovertheshoulderofthehill；notfaroff，andatriflehigheronthemountain，atalloldwhite-washedfarmhousestoodamongthetrees，besideafallingbrook；beyondwereroughhillsofpasture。Ibethoughtmethatshepherdfolkwereearlyrisers，andifIwereonceseenskulkinginthatneighbourhooditmightprovetheruinofmyprospects；tookadvantageofalineofhedge，andworkedmyselfupinitsshadowtillIwascomeunderthegardenwallofmyfriends”house。Thecottagewasalittlequaintplaceofmanyrough-castgablesandgreyroofs。Ithadsomethingtheairofaramblinginfinitesimalcathedral，thebodyofitrisinginthemidsttwostoreyshigh，withasteep-pitchedroof，andsendingoutuponallhandsasitwerechapter-houses，chapels，andtranseptsone-storeyedanddwarfishprojections。Toaddtothisappearance，itwasgrotesquelydecoratedwithcrocketsandgargoyles，ravishedfromsomemedievalchurch。Theplaceseemedhiddenaway，beingnotonlyconcealedinthetreesofthegarden，but，onthesideonwhichIapproachedit，buriedashighastheeavesbytherisingoftheground。Aboutthewallsofthegardentherewentalineofwell-grownelmsandbeeches，thefirstentirelybare，thelaststillprettywellcoveredwithredleaves，andthecentrewasoccupiedwithathicketoflaurelandholly，inwhichIcouldseearchescutandpathswinding。
　　Iwasnowwithinhailofmyfriends，andnotmuchthebetter。Thehouseappearedasleep；yetifIattemptedtowakeanyone，IhadnoguaranteeitmightnotproveeithertheauntwiththegoldeyeglasseswhomIcouldonlyrememberwithtrembling，orsomeassofaservant-maidwhoshouldburstoutscreamingatsightofme。
　　HigherupIcouldhearandseeashepherdshoutingtohisdogsandstridingontheroughsidesofthemountain，anditwasclearI
　　mustgettocoverwithoutlossoftime。Nodoubtthehollythicketswouldhaveprovedaverysuitableretreat，buttherewasmountedonthewallasortofsignboardnotuncommoninthecountryofGreatBritain，andverydampingtotheadventurous：SPRINGGUNS
　　ANDMAN-TRAPSwasthelegendthatitbore。Ihavelearnedsincethattheseadvertisements，threetimesoutoffour，wereinthenatureofQuakergunsonadisarmedbattery，butIhadnotlearneditthen，andevenso，theoddswouldnothavebeengoodenough。
　　Forachoice，IwouldahundredtimessoonerbereturnedtoEdinburghCastleandmycornerinthebastion，thantoleavemyfootinasteeltraporhavetodigestthecontentsofanautomaticblunderbuss。Therewasbutonechanceleft-thatRonaldorFloramightbethefirsttocomeabroad；andinordertoprofitbythischanceifitoccurred，Igotmeonthecopeofthewallinaplacewhereitwasscreenedbythethickbranchesofabeech，andsattherewaiting。
　　Asthedayworeon，thesuncameverypleasantlyout。Ihadbeenawakeallnight，Ihadundergonethemostviolentagitationsofmindandbody，anditisnotsomuchtobewonderedat，asitwasexceedinglyunwiseandfoolhardy，thatIshouldhavedroppedintoadoze。FromthisIawakenedtothecharacteristicsoundofdigging，lookeddown，andsawimmediatelybelowmethebackviewofagardenerinastablewaistcoat。Nowhewouldappearsteadilyimmersedinhisbusiness；anon，tomymoreimmediateterror，hewouldstraightenhisback，stretchhisarms，gazeabouttheotherwisedesertedgarden，andrelishadeeppinchofsnuff。Itwasmyfirstthoughttodropfromthewallupontheotherside。A
　　glancesufficedtoshowmethateventhewaybywhichIhadcomewasnowcutoff，andthefieldbehindmealreadyoccupiedbyacoupleofshepherds”assistantsandascoreortwoofsheep。I
　　havenamedthetalismansonwhichIhabituallydepend，butherewasaconjunctureinwhichbothwerewhollyuseless。Thecopestoneofawallarrayedwithbrokenbottlesisnofavourablerostrum；andI
　　mightbeaseloquentasPitt，andasfascinatingasRichelieu，andneitherthegardenernortheshepherdladswouldcareahalfpenny。
　　Inshort，therewasnoescapepossiblefrommyabsurdposition：
　　thereImustcontinuetosituntiloneorotherofmyneighboursshouldraisehiseyesandgivethesignalformycapture。
　　ThepartofthewallonwhichformysinsIwaspostedcouldbescarcelessthantwelvefeethighontheinside；theleavesofthebeechwhichmadeafashionofshelteringmewerealreadypartlyfallen；andIwasthusnotonlyperilouslyexposedmyself，butenabledtocommandsomepartofthegardenwalksandunderanevergreenarchthefrontlawnandwindowsofthecottage。Forlongnothingstirredexceptmyfriendwiththespade；thenIheardtheopeningofasash；andpresentlyaftersawMissFloraappearinamorningwrapperandcomestrollinghitherwardbetweentheborders，pausingandvisitingherflowers-herselfasfair。THERE
　　wasafriend；HERE，immediatelybeneathme，anunknownquantity-
　　thegardener：howtocommunicatewiththeoneandnotattractthenoticeoftheother？Tomakeanoisewasoutofthequestion；I
　　daredscarcetobreathe。Iheldmyselfreadytomakeagestureassoonassheshouldlook，andshelookedineverypossibledirectionbuttheone。Shewasinterestedinthevilesttuftofchickweed，shegazedatthesummitofthemountain，shecameevenimmediatelybelowmeandconversedonthemostfastidioustopicswiththegardener；buttothetopofthatwallshewouldnotdedicateaglance！Atlastshebegantoretraceherstepsinthedirectionofthecottage；whereupon，becomingquitedesperate，Ibrokeoffapieceofplaster，tookahappyaim，andhitherwithitinthenapeoftheneck。Sheclappedherhandtotheplace，turnedabout，lookedonallsidesforanexplanation，andspyingmeasindeedI
　　waspartingthebranchestomakeitthemoreeasy，halfutteredandhalfswalloweddownagainacryofsurprise。
　　Theinfernalgardenerwaserectupontheinstant。”What”syourwull，miss？”saidhe。
　　Herreadinessamazedme。Shehadalreadyturnedandwasgazingintheoppositedirection。”There”sachildamongtheartichokes”
　　shesaid。”ThePlaguesofEgyp”！I”LLseetothem！”criedthegardenertruculently，andwithahurriedwaddledisappearedamongtheevergreens。
　　Thatmomentsheturned，shecamerunningtowardsme，herarmsstretchedout，herfaceincarnadinedfortheonemomentwithheavenlyblushes，thenextpaleasdeath。”Monsieurde。Saint-
　　Yves！”shesaid。”Mydearyounglady”Isaid，”thisisthedamnedestliberty-I
　　knowit！ButwhatelsewasItodo？””Youhaveescaped？”saidshe。”Ifyoucallthisescape”Ireplied。”Butyoucannotpossiblystopthere！”shecried。”Iknowit”saidI。”AndwhereamItogo？”
　　Shestruckherhandstogether。”Ihaveit！”sheexclaimed。”Comedownbythebeechtrunk-youmustleavenofootprintintheborder-quickly，beforeRobiecangetback！Iamthehen-wifehere：I
　　keepthekey；youmustgointothehen-house-forthemoment。”
　　Iwasbyhersideatonce。Bothcastahastyglanceattheblankwindowsofthecottageandsomuchaswasvisibleofthegardenalleys；itseemedtherewasnonetoobserveus。Shecaughtmebythesleeveandran。Itwasnotimeforcompliments；hurrybreatheduponournecks；andIranalongwithhertothenextcornerofthegarden，whereawiredcourtandaboardhovelstandinginagroveoftreesadvertisedmyplaceofrefuge。Shethrustmeinwithoutaword；thebulkofthefowlswereatthesametimeemitted；andI
　　foundmyselfthenextmomentlockedinalonewithhalfadozensittinghens。Inthetwilightoftheplaceallfixedtheireyesonmeseverely，andseemedtoupbraidmewithsomecryingimpropriety。
　　Doubtlessthehenhasalwaysapuritanicappearance，althoughinitsownbehaviourIcouldneverobserveittobemoreparticularthanitsneighbours。ButconceiveaBritishhen！
　　CHAPTERVIII-THEHEN-HOUSE
　　IWAShalfanhouratleastinthesocietyofthesedistressingbipeds，andalonewithmyownreflectionsandnecessities。Iwasingreatpainofmyflayedhands，andhadnothingtotreatthemwith；Iwashungryandthirsty，andhadnothingtoeatortodrink；
　　Iwasthoroughlytired，andtherewasnoplaceformetosit。Tobesuretherewasthefloor，butnothingcouldbeimaginedlessinviting。
　　Atthesoundofapproachingfootsteps，mygood-humourwasrestored。
　　Thekeyrattledinthelock，andMasterRonaldentered，closedthedoorbehindhim，andleanedhisbacktoit。”Isay，youknow！”hesaid，andshookasullenyounghead。”Iknowit”saliberty”saidI。”It”sinfernallyawkward：mypositionisinfernallyembarrassing”
　　saidhe。”Well”saidI，”andwhatdoyouthinkofmine？”
　　Thisseemedtoposehimentirely，andheremainedgazinguponmewithaconvincingairofyouthandinnocence。Icouldhavelaughed，butIwasnotsoinhumane。”Iaminyourhands”saidI，withalittlegesture。”Youmustdowithmewhatyouthinkright。””Ah，yes！”hecried：”ifIknew！””Yousee”saidI，”itwouldbedifferentifyouhadreceivedyourcommission。Properlyspeaking，youarenotyetacombatant；Ihaveceasedtobeone；andIthinkitarguablethatwearejustinthepositionofoneordinarygentlemantoanother，wherefriendshipusuallycomesbeforethelaw。Observe，IonlysayARGUABLE。ForGod”ssake，don”tthinkIwishtodictateanopinion。Thesearethesortofnastylittlebusinesses，inseparablefromwar，whicheverygentlemanmustdecideforhimself。IfIwereinyourplace-””Ay，whatwouldyoudo，then？”sayshe。”Uponmyword，Idonotknow”saidI。”Hesitate，asyouaredoing，Ibelieve。””Iwilltellyou”hesaid。”Ihaveakinsman，anditiswhatHE
　　wouldthink，thatIamthinking。ItisGeneralGrahamofLynedoch-SirThomasGraham。Iscarcelyknowhim，butIbelieveIadmirehimmorethanIdoGod。””Iadmirehimagooddealmyself”saidI，”andhavegoodreasonto。Ihavefoughtwithhim，beenbeaten，andrunaway。VENI，VICTUSSUM，EVASI。””What！”hecried。”YouwereatBarossa？””Thereandback，whichmanycouldnotsay”saidI。”Itwasaprettyaffairandahotone，andtheSpaniardsbehavedabominably，astheyusuallydidinapitchedfield；theMarshalDukeofBellunomadeafoolofhimself，andnotforthefirsttime；andyourfriendSirThomashadthebestofit，sofarastherewasanybest。Heisabraveandreadyofficer。””Now，then，youwillunderstand！”saidtheboy。”IwishtopleaseSirThomas：whatwouldhedo？””Well，Icantellyouastory”saidI，”atrueonetoo，andaboutthisverycombatofChiclana，orBarossaasyoucallit。IwasintheEighthoftheLine；welosttheeagleoftheFirstBattalion，morebetoken，butitcostyoudear。Well，wehadrepulsedmorechargesthanIcaretocount，whenyour87thRegimentcameonatafoot”space，veryslowbutverysteady；infrontofthemamountedofficer，hishatinhishand，white-haired，andtalkingveryquietlytothebattalions。OurMajor，Vigo-Roussillon，setspurstohishorseandgallopedouttosabrehim，butseeinghimanoldman，veryhandsome，andascomposedasifhewereinacoffee-
　　house，lostheartandgallopedbackagain。Only，yousee，theyhadbeenveryclosetogetherforthemoment，andlookedeachotherintheeyes。SoonaftertheMajorwaswounded，takenprisoner，andcarriedintoCadiz。OnefinedaytheyannouncedtohimthevisitoftheGeneral，SirThomasGraham。“Well，sir，“saidtheGeneral，takinghimbythehand，“Ithinkwewerefacetofaceuponthefield。”Itwasthewhite-hairedofficer！””Ah！”criedtheboy，-hiseyeswereburning。”Well，andhereisthepoint”Icontinued。”SirThomasfedtheMajorfromhisowntablefromthatday，andservedhimwithsixcovers。””Yes，itisabeautiful-abeautifulstory”saidRonald。”Andyetsomehowitisnotthesame-isit？””Iadmititfreely”saidI。