The Friday night came, and at a time appointed Dick crossed the barrack yard, to find it soft, delicious, and summer-like, starry but dark, and with a feeling in the air which accorded well with the mission they were on. On reaching the lieutenant's room, he found him impatiently walking up and down, smoking a cigarette--the ends of half a dozen more lying on the fire-grate ornament. "Come--come, Smithson! you are late," cried the young officer impatiently. "It will be so vexatious to find nobody stirring. People do go to sleep when they are in bed." "Generally, sir. But you said half-past ten, to be the time." "Yes; and for you to be here by ten." "Exactly, sir; but I thought I would get here half an hour sooner, in case you liked to try through the piece before we started." "Eh? What time is it, then?" "Just about to chime half-past nine, sir." Dick had hardly uttered the words before the barrack clock chimed twice. "Surely that's not half-past ten," cried the lieutenant excitedly, as he snatched out his watch. "Dear me, no! I'm an hour out in my calculations. Yes; let's try over the piece." The flutes were produced, and the duet was whispered through, as it were; and at the end Dick applauded softly. "Yes, that's very kind of you," said Lacey; "but I don't feel satisfied. By the way, Smithson, you must not go like that. Your red jacket will be so conspicuous." "What can I do, sir?" "Would you mind wearing one of my light overcoats, Smithson? It will be rather large for you, but so effectual in hiding your military character." "I shall not mind it," said Dick, though he could not help wincing a little at the idea; and soon after, with his scarlet jacket hidden by the lieutenant's long, loose garment, which also well concealed the musical instruments, they walked together through the gates. Fifty yards farther on, Dick felt his shoulder suddenly seized, and he was thrust through a swing-door into the gas-lit glare of a public-house bar. CHAPTER TWENTY. BENEATH THE LADY'S LATTICE-PANE. Dick Smithson turned round in astonishment to gaze in the face of his companion, whose act had at once taken the attention of a couple of soldiers, out beyond their time, and of some men with whom they were drinking. "Call for something, Smithson," whispered the lieutenant, glancing back anxiously at the door. "But I don't want anything, sir," said Dick, angrily. "Never mind; treat me, then." Dick stared, wondering whether his companion was going out of his mind. "Don't stop," whispered the lieutenant. "Order some beer." With the reason beginning to dawn upon him now, Dick ordered and paid for two pots of ale, which he handed to the two half-tipsy soldiers, who began proposing their health just as steps and voices were heard passing. The next minute they were outside.