must let the Pembertons know," said Mrs Twigg. "The other day
Fanny Pemberton told me that she was especially wishing to visit the
cave. She and her brother are sure to come."

"Pray ask them," exclaimed Ellen. "She is a dear, nice girl; and if she
is fond of riding, she will be ready to accompany me."

"The sooner, then, we start the better," said Mr Ferris, "or business
of some sort may prevent us, and we must not prolong our stay here."

"Then I propose we start to-morrow morning," said Mr Twigg. "There's
nothing like fixing an early day, as an ardent lover would say, and we
couldn't well choose an earlier. We'll order the buggies and horses to
be at the door on the first sound of the slave-driver's born, so that we
may enjoy the full freshness of the morning."

Mrs Twigg forthwith despatched a messenger with a note to Walton Hall,
Mr Pemberton's estate, which was situated about four miles inland from
Bellevue, asking Miss Pemberton and her brother to come over at once,
that they might be ready to start at daybreak.

The proposed expedition formed the subject of conversation for the rest
of the evening, Archie Sandys being especially pleased that his
suggestion had been so readily adopted. He and two other young
book-keepers were to form members of the party. The family had
collected for an early supper, when horses' hoofs were heard approaching
the house; and it being announced that several gentlemen were coming,
Mr Twigg, followed by half a dozen blacks, hurried out to meet them.
He speedily returned, accompanied by two strangers in military uniforms,
whom he introduced as Major Malcolm and Lieutenant Belt. The officers
bowed to the ladies and shook hands with the gentlemen, and at once felt
themselves at home.

"Supper will be ready in about ten minutes; in the mean time, will you
go to your rooms and make yourselves comfortable after your ride," said
Mr Twigg.

"What, did you expect us?" exclaimed the major.

"We always expect guests," answered Mr Twigg, laughing--"at all events,
we are always ready for them. Let me show you the way, gentlemen; your
valises are already there."

On their return, Major Malcolm, a fine, soldierly looking man who had
apparently seen much service, explained that he and Lieutenant Belt were
on their way to Montego Bay, having to inspect several small fortresses
along the coast. "We pushed on, however," he continued, "rather faster
than was prudent, and knocked up o