“The fact is, colonel,” he said, “that I inadvertently mentioned my appointment with Swartz without reflecting how singular it must appear to you, unless I gave you some explanation. But I am quite at my ease with you--you are a friend of Colonel Mohun’s--and I will explain, as much of my business as propriety will permit. To be brief, I am anxious to procure a certain document in Swartz’s possession.” “A certain document?” I said, looking intently at the speaker. “Exactly, colonel.” “Which Swartz has?” “Precisely, colonel.” “And which he stole from the papers of Colonel Darke on the night of Mohun’s combat with Darke, in the house near Carlisle?” Mr. Nighthawk looked keenly at me, in turn. “Ah! you know that!” he said, quickly. “I saw him steal it, through the window, while the woman’s back was turned.” “I am deeply indebted to you, colonel,” said Mr. Nighthawk, gravely, “for informing me of this fact, which, I assure you, is important. Swartz swore to me that he had the paper, and had procured it in that manner, but I doubted seriously whether he was not deceiving me. He is a _very_ consummate rascal, knows the value of that document, and my appointment with him to-night is with an eye to its purchase from him.” “Do you think he will come?” “I think so. He would sell his soul for gold.” “And that woman? he seems to be her friend.” “He would sell _her_ for _silver_!” After uttering which _bon mot_, Mr. Nighthawk smiled. This man puzzled me beyond expression. His stealthy movements were strange enough--it was singular to meet him in this lonely house--but more singular still was the business which had brought him. What was that paper? Why did Nighthawk wish to secure it? I gave up the inquiry in despair. “Well,” I said, “I will not remain longer; I might scare off your friend, and to eaves-drop is out of the question, even if you were willing that I should be present.” “In fact, colonel, I shall probably discuss some very private matters with my friend Swartz, so that--” “You prefer I should go.” Mr. Nighthawk smiled; he was too polite to say “yes.” “You are not afraid to meet your friend in this lonely place?” I said, rising. “Not at all, colonel.” “You are armed?” Mr. Nighthawk opened his coat, and showed me a brace of revolvers. “I have these; but they are unnecessary, colonel.” “Unnecessary?” “I have an understanding with Swartz, and he with me.” “What is that?” “That we shall not employ the carnal weapon; only destroy each other by superior generalship.” “You speak in enigmas, Nighthawk!” “And yet, my meaning is very simple. If I can have Swartz arrested and hung, or he me, it is all fair. But we have agreed not to fight.” “So, if you caught him to-night, you could have him hung as a spy?” “Yes, colonel; but nothing would induce me to betray him.” “Ah!” “I have given him my parol, that he shall have safe conduct!”