"Mr. B.--Impossible! My best friend! But what if it were true? Who knows what these dark days may bring about? B--! B--! I will see to it at once." Saying which, he flung all the letters on the table, and striving to master his excitement, turned towards Roderick Hardinge, and asked: "Have you anything else to say to me, my young friend?" "Nothing more, sir, unless it be to apologize for having occupied so much of your time, and especially at this hour." "Never mind that. If what you have told me is all true, the information is incalculable in importance. I shall lose no time in acting, and shall not forget you, nor your old servant. I will send out scouts at once, and proceed myself to the examination of these letters which you have placed in my hands. The situation is grave, young man. You have done well, and to show you how much I appreciate your conduct, I intend employing you on a further mission. You have not slept this night?" "No, Your Excellency." "It is now half-past five. Go and rest till noon. At that hour come to me with the best saddle horse in your regiment. I will give you your instructions then." Roderick Hardinge gave the salute and took his departure just as the first streaks of dawn lighted the sky. No one accosted him in the vestibule. The sentinel at the entrance did not even notice him. He walked straight to the barracks. As he crossed the Cathedral-square, a graceful hooded figure glided past him and entered into the old church. It was pretty Pauline Belmont. Roderick recognized her, and turned to speak to her, but she had disappeared under the arcade. Alas! if either of them had known. IV. IN CATHEDRAL SQUARE.