All that evening Gualtier spent in searching for the Naples steamer. When he made his appearance on the following morning it was with news that was very unpleasant to Zillah. He informed her that the regular steamers did not run, that they had been taken up by the French government as transports for the troops, and, as far as he could learn, there were no provisions whatever for carrying the mails. He could scarcely think it possible that such should be the case, but so it was. At this intelligence Zillah was aghast. "No mail steamers?" said she. "Impossible! Even if they had taken up all of them for transports, something would be put on the route." "I can assure you, my lady, that it is as I said. I have searched every where, and can not find out any thing," said Gualtier. "You need not address me by my title," said Zillah. "At present I do not choose to adopt it." "Pardon me," said Gualtier, humbly. "It is taken for granted in France that every wealthy English lady is titled--every French hotel-keeper will call you 'miladi,' and why should not I? It is only a form." "Well," said Zillah, "let it pass. But what am I to do here? I must go on. Can I not go by land?" "You forget, my lady, the war in Lombardy." "But I tell you, I _must_ go on," said Zillah, impatiently. "Cost what it may--even if I have to buy a steamer." Gualtier smiled faintly. "Even if you wished to buy a steamer, my lady, you could not. The French government has taken up all for transports. Could you not make up your mind to wait for a few days?" "A few days!" cried Zillah, in tones of despair--"a few days! What! after hurrying here through France so rapidly! A few days! No. I would rather go to Spain, and catch the steamer at Gibraltar that Miss Krieff spoke of." Gualtier smiled. "That would take much longer time," said he. "But, my lady, I will go out again, and see if I can not find some way more expeditious than that. Trust to me. It will be strange if I do not find some way. Would you be willing to go in a sailing vessel?" "Of course," said Zillah, without hesitation. "If nothing else can be found I shall be only too happy."