s. It
is needless to say they are without name, stating that if matters go
unfortunately with us in this campaign they will meet the fate of men
taken in open treason; and that their condition of officers in our
service will avail them nothing. I do not believe this. I cannot believe
that they will be treated in any respect differently from the rest
of us. However, it is only just that I should tell you that your name
figures amongst those so denounced; for this reason I have sent for you
now. You, at least, have nothing to apprehend on this score. You are as
much a Frenchman as myself. I know Merochamp thinks differently from me,
and that your Irish descent and name will be quite enough to involve you
in the fate of others.'

A gesture, half of assent but half of impatience, from the aide-de-camp,
here arrested the speaker.

'Why not tell him frankly how he stands?' said Humbert eagerly; 'I see
no advantage in any concealment.'

Then addressing me, he went on. 'I purpose, Tiernay, to give you the
same option I gave the others, but which they have declined to accept.
It is this: we are daily expecting to hear of the arrival of a force in
the north under the command of Generals Tandy and Rey.'

'The Army of the North?' asked I, in some anxiety. 'Precisely; the Army
of the North. Now I desire to open a communication with them, and at the
same time to do so through the means of such officers as, in the event
of any disaster here, may have the escape to France open to them; which
this army will have, and which, I need not say, we have no longer.
Our Irish friends have declined this mission as being more likely to
compromise them if taken; and also as diminishing and not increasing
their chance of escape. In my belief that you were placed similarly
I have sent for you here this evening, and at the same time desire to
impress upon you that your acceptance or refusal is purely a matter at
your own volition.'

'Am I to regard the matter simply as one of duty, sir? or as an
opportunity of consulting my personal safety?'

'What shall I say to this, Merochamp?' asked Humbert bluntly.

'That you are running to the full as many risks of being banged for
going as by staying; such is my opinion,' said the aide-de-camp. 'Here
as a rebel, there as a spy.'

'I confess, then,' said I, smiling at the cool brevity of the speech,
'the choice is somewhat embarrassing! May I ask what you advise me to
do, general?'

'I should say go