“Yes, and come back to-morrow by daylight. Well, the sooner I’m off the better. Good morning, sir.” “Good morning, sir.” My friend mounted Sancho at the door, and set off forthwith to Oyarzun. Mr Q—, laughing heartily, then handed me my route, made out in due form. While I was making the necessary arrangements for my start in the afternoon, Mr Q— summoned me into his private apartment. He had doffed his blue frock with black velvet collar, and now appeared in full fig, departmental coat, epaulet on his shoulder, staff-hat on the table. His manner was serious, but friendly. “You are probably aware, Mr Y—,” said he, “that the Allied army is not likely to resume active operations for some days.” “So I have understood, sir,” said I. “I presume, however, you are not acquainted with the cause of this temporary inactivity.” “Can’t say I am, sir.” “It is, I believe I may venture to inform you, principally the want of money. That deficiency your arrival will supply. You will readily perceive, then, how much depends on your conducting the treasure safely, and delivering it by the time when it is looked for. Your route lies through the enemy’s country; but the population is now comparatively quiet; the date of your departure is known at headquarters, and, I have no doubt, every requisite arrangement has been made to secure the safety of your convoy. All such arrangements, however, proceed, and must proceed, on one supposition—namely, that the officer in charge is, on his part, competent to the task committed to him, obeys his orders, and does his duty properly. You will readily perceive, then, that some measure of responsibility rests upon your own shoulders.” “Yes, sir; and, in the course of the last few days, I have been thinking on that subject more than once.”