"'You could not return; my sentinels have positive orders to fire instantly on all----' "'Who have not the parole and countersign,' said he, smiling; 'they are _Quebec_ and WOLFE. You see that I have both!' "'From whom?' "'My friend André, of the Cameronians--the fort-major.' "'He is very rash! I wish he had this infernal picquet to command; the duty might teach him caution.' "'But, my dear Middleton----' "'Say no more, Charley--come, don't be rash; duty is duty; and I must perform mine. Moreover, I value your life and my own honour too much to risk either to further some mad-cap ramble of yours.' "'Zounds, sir!' he began, furiously. "'Now don't call me out, Charley; I am on duty and can't go, and when I am relieved and you are cool, you won't ask me. But tell me, Charley, what affair is this that seems so urgent? The country in front is full of perils; already eight or nine sentinels have been assassinated, and yonder grave covers one of three fine fellows I have lost.' "'Listen to me, Jack,' said he, dismounting, and throwing the reins of his horse over his arm, and leading me a little way apart from the soldiers who were smoking and lounging before the log-hut; 'you remember Ella Carleton?' "'I should rather think I do' said I, reddening, and giving him a very knowing wink, to which he made not the slightest response; 'Ella, whom we used to meet so much a year ago at Montreal.' "'The same,' said he. "'I remember her perfectly--a charming girl, with features that were pale but beautifully regular, and with eyes and hair so dark.' "'Exactly,' said Halket, whose eyes sparkled with pleasure. 'Her father, you are aware, is a rich land-owner, in the American interest.' "'Many a bottle of champagne I have drunk in his house in the Rue de Notre Dame.' "'Yet he is an old curmudgeon who hates us red-coats, and for that reason, as well as for a few others that were more cogent, Ella and I were privately married about a year ago.' "'Married?--whew! Here's news for the mess to discuss over their wine and walnuts!' I exclaimed, while laughing to conceal an irrepressible emotion of pique. "'I depend on your honour,' said he, earnestly. "'To the death, Charley; but you have quite taken my breath away. Married--you never looked a bit like it!'