The Resident ceased speaking to dwell for a moment upon the luminous look he had seen Helen bestow upon the chaplain--a look meant, he told himself, to annoy him, while he knew that it would give poor Rosebury food for sweet reflection during weeks to come. "It is very strange," said Mr Perowne excitedly; and his haggard gaze was directed about the place, as if he half expected to find that Helen was there. "Where did you see her last, do you say?" "Talking to Rosebury, and before then she was with Hilton. I fancy they were having words. Well, perhaps I ought hardly to say that; but Hilton was certainly remonstrating angrily." "When was that?" "Half-past ten or eleven; I cannot say for certain." "Let us go and see Hilton," said Mr Perowne; "but stay. Am I to believe you, Harley?" "As you please, Mr Perowne," said the Resident, with dignity. "Why should you doubt my word?" "I do not doubt it!" cried Mr Perowne, catching his hand. "Pity me, Harley. I seem cold and strange; but I love that girl, and she is gone." He gasped painfully as he spoke, but smiled sadly directly after as the Resident warmly grasped his hand. "One minute," said the Resident; and hastily adding something to his clothing, he joined his visitor again, and the two sallied forth into the still, hot night, to make their way to the little fort, which was stronghold and barracks in one. Here they were challenged by another sentry, for, peaceful times as they were, the military arrangements were always kept upon the sternest war footing. "We want to see Captain Hilton," said Mr Harley, in his quick, commanding way. "Captain's ashore, sir. He went to Mr Perowne's party." "Yes, yes," said that gentleman; "we know: but he has come back." "No, sir; not while I've been on guard--three hours, sir." "Call the sergeant," said Mr Harley, sharply. He needed no calling, for, hearing voices, he had come out to see who came so late. "Where is Captain Hilton?" "I thought he was stopping to sleep at Mr Perowne's, sir," said the sergeant, saluting. "Hasn't been back. Beg pardon, sir; didn't see it was Mr Perowne." "But he left my house hours ago," said that gentleman. "Gone to stay at Dr Bolter's, perhaps, sir," suggested the sergeant. "Are you sure he did not return while your back was turned?" said Mr Harley. "Quite sure, sir. Still, he might, sir; it's no use to be too sure. Like to go to his quarters, sir?" "Yes, we'll go in," said the Resident, quickly; and following the sergeant, after exchanging glances, the two gentlemen entered Hilton's room. The bed had not been pressed, and everything was in order, just as the regimental servant had placed it after his master had dressed to attend the evening _fete_. "Mr Chumbley hasn't come back neither," said the sergeant. "Not come back!" said the Resident, wondering. "This is strange. I don't know, though. They have gone to smoke a cigar with someone, and then decided to stay all night."