"I have now no more to say," observed Richard. "I am about to retire to the library for a short time. At five o'clock the post-chaise will be here. Whittingham, my faithful friend, you will see that all my necessaries be carefully packed." Markham then withdrew to his study. There he wrote a few letters upon matters of business. At length Whittingham made his appearance. "Morcar is arrived, Master Richard," said the old man, "and it is close upon five." "I shall soon be ready, Whittingham," answered Richard. The old butler withdrew. Then Richard took from his strong-box the mysterious packet which had been left to him by Thomas Armstrong; and that sacred trust he secured about his person. "Now," he said, "I am about to quit the home of my forefathers." And tears trickled down his cheeks. "This is foolish!" he exclaimed, after a pause: "I must not yield to my emotions, when on the eve of such a grand and glorious undertaking." He then returned to the drawing-room. At that moment the post-chaise arrived at the front door of the mansion. We will not detail the affecting nature of the farewell scene: suffice it to say that Richard departed with the fervent prayers and the sincerest wishes of those whom he left behind. Morcar, the gipsy, accompanied him. "Which road, sir?" asked the postillion. "Canterbury—Deal," replied Richard. And the post-chaise whirled him away from the home of his forefathers! * * * * * By a special messenger, on the same day when the above-mentioned incidents took place, the following letter was despatched from London:— "TO HER SERENE HIGHNESS THE GRAND DUCHESS OF CASTELCICALA. "I have the honour to inform your Serene Highness that the measures which I adopted (and which your Highness condemned in the last letter your Highness deigned to address to me) have enabled me to ascertain the intentions of the conspirators. The three vessels purchased by them are now completely equipped and manned. One has already arrived in the Downs, where the Chiefs of the rebels are to join her. A second sailed from Hull four days ago: and the third left Waterford about the same time. They will all three meet at Cadiz, where they are to take in stores and water. Twelve hundred exiled Castelcicalans are on board these three ships, which are ostensibly fitted out as emigrant vessels for North America. So well have General Grachia, Colonel Morosino, and Mr. Markham planned their schemes, that I question whether even the English government is acquainted with the real destination of those ships, and the object of their crews.