d him with it to L'Isle's quarters,
after schooling him well that he was to give it to the colonel's own
man, with strict injunctions to put it in his master's hand on his
return--if possible--before his foot was out of the stirrup;
certainly, before he got any other letter awaiting him.

Meanwhile, L'Isle was zealously fulfilling his mission at Badajoz. He
had made such good speed the evening before, that though the sun had
set on him in Elvas, some lingering rays of twilight still fell on the
round Moorish tower of white marble, on either hand, as he entered the
bridge-gate of Badajoz.

No sooner had he alighted at the posada, than he wrote a note, and
sent it to the governor of the place, saying, that having just come
back from Andalusia, whither he had been sent on an important mission
by Sir Rowland Hill, and not doubting that the Spanish dignitary would
be glad of news from that province, he would wait on him at breakfast
next morning. This done, and learning that many of the Spanish
officers were to be found at another posada, he hastened thither, soon
meeting acquaintances--and making more--among them. He knew well how
to approach the Spaniard, mingling the utmost consideration with his
frank address, and taking pains to make himself agreeable, even to
that puppy, Don Alonso Melendez, whom he found among them. Many of
them were at cards, and the dice were not idle. L'Isle soon found a
place among the gamesters, and took care to lose a few pieces to more
than one of his new friends; a thing easily done, they being in high
practice, and he little skilled in these arts. Having thus made
himself one of them, he, like a true Englishman, set to drinking,
contrived to get about him some of the graver and less busy of the
gentlemen present, and, while discussing with them the best wine the
house afforded, he adroitly turned the conversation to the topics on
which he sought information. He did not go to bed, at a late hour,
without having learned much as to the garrison of Badajoz, and of the
few precautions taken for the safety of this important fortress.

Early in the morning, L'Isle called on the governor, and found him in
his dressing-gown, just ready for his chocolate. The Don was well
pleased to hear L'Isle's account of the force coming up from
Andalusia, of his interviews with officers high in command in it, and
his comments on the spirit, activity, and endurance of the Spanish
soldier. This led to further conv