. In
another quarter of an hour or so we might reach it. I hoped that we
might find nothing to stop us in passing over the intervening space. We
continued on, concealing ourselves as much as possible beneath the
hedges of cacti, or the trunks of trees. We had got close to a thick
copse, as we should call it, only that the plants were of a very
different character, when I heard a sound of feet passing apparently
before us. Then I heard a remark made in French by one person to
another, who answered it in the same tongue. Grasping Larry's arm, I
dragged him towards the wood. Fortunately we found some thick bushes,
behind which we crouched down. Presently the sounds of the footsteps
grew louder, and I could just distinguish the dim outline of a party of
men and several officers, passing along the road towards the left, where
the French army were supposed to be encamped. They had evidently been
out on a reconnoitring expedition, and were now returning. Had we gone
on we should certainly have fallen into their hands. I waited until
they were out of hearing, and then, whispering to Larry, we got up and
made our way directly towards the fort, with much less fear than before
of meeting any one. Still I knew that we were not safe until we had
actually gained our destination.

At last we were hurrying on, when I heard a voice say, "Who goes there?"
and I answered, "A friend from the fleet, with a letter for the
general." The sentry told us to pass on. In another minute we reached
the picket, a soldier from which was sent up with us to the fort. We
were at once admitted into the presence of General Fraser, to whom I
delivered the despatches and signals.

"You have performed your service well, young gentleman," said the
general. "Are you to remain here, or to return to the fleet?"

I told him that my directions were to get back as soon as possible.

"I'll detain you, then, but a short time, while I write a letter to Sir
Samuel Hood," he said. "I hope that you'll be as successful on your
journey back, as you were in coming here."

Before he began to write, he ordered a servant to bring me refreshments,
and to look after my companion. The walk had given me an appetite; and
I did justice to the food placed before me.

The general had soon finished his letter; and, giving it to me, with a
warm shake of the hand, told me that I was at liberty to set out when I
was ready.

"My orders are to return without delay,