of gaining favor with one whose stay was to be merely temporary.

While they were yet gathered together discussing these things, they
were disturbed by the report of a gun. Another followed, and yet
another. All of them hurried to the signal station, from which a view
of the harbor was commanded.

There a noble sight appeared before their eyes. With all sail set, a
frigate came into the harbor, and then, rounding to, swept grandly up
towards the town. Gun after gun sounded, as the salute was given and
returned. After her came a schooner.

"It's the Vengeur," said Florian. "I wonder whether Montresor will
get his despatches. Gentlemen, I must go aboard."

With these words Florian hurried away from the citadel to the shore.

CHAPTER XXVI.

NEWS FROM HOME.

Cazeneau had heard the guns, and had learned that the long-expected
frigate had arrived, together with a schooner that looked like a
prize. To him the matter afforded much gratification, since it
offered a quick and easy way of getting rid of Florian, and of making
the way easier towards the accomplishment of his own purposes. He did
not know that Florian had hurried aboard, nor, had he known, would he
have cared. For his own part he remained where he was, awaiting the
visit which the captain of the Vengeur would make, to report his
arrival. After more than two hours of waiting, it began to strike him
that the said captain was somewhat dilatory, and he began to meditate
a reprimand for such a neglect of his dignity.

All this time had been spent by Florian on board, where he had much
to say to De Brisset, and much to ask of him and also of Margot.

At length a boat came ashore. In the boat were Florian, De Brisset,
and Margot. On landing, these three went up to the citadel; and on
their way De Brisset was stopped by several of the officers, who were
old acquaintances, and were anxious to learn the latest news. Florian
also had much to tell them which he had just learned. While they were
talking, Margot hurried to the Residency, where she found Mimi, to
whom she gave information of a startling kind; so startling, indeed,
was it, that it acted like a powerful remedy, and roused Mimi from a
deep stupor of inconsolable grief up to life, and hope, and joy, and
strength.

The information which De Brisset gave the officers was of the same
startling kind, and Florian was able to corroborate it by a despatch
which he had received. The despatch was to the ef