tage laughed.

"Yon have done well, Oscar; honor me by accepting a cigar."

The man took a cigar from the box which Armitage extended, but would not
light it. He held it rather absent-mindedly in his hand and continued to
stare.

"You are not dead,--Mr.--Armitage; but your father--?"

"My father is dead, Oscar."

"He was a good man," said the soldier.

"Yes; he was a good man," repeated Armitage gravely. "I am alive, and yet
I am dead, Oscar; do you grasp the idea? You were a good friend when we
were lads together in the great forest. If I should want you to help
me now--"

The man jumped to his feet and stood at attention so gravely that
Armitage laughed and slapped his knee.

"You are well taught, Sergeant Oscar! Sit down. I am going to trust you.
My affairs just now are not without their trifling dangers."

"There are enemies--yes?" and Oscar nodded his head solemnly in
acceptance of the situation.

"I am going to trust you absolutely. You have no confidants--you are not
married?"

"How should a man be married who is a soldier? I have no friends; they
are unprofitable," declared Oscar solemnly.

"I fear you are a pessimist, Oscar; but a pessimist who keeps his mouth
shut is a good ally. Now, if you are not afraid of being shot or struck
with a knife, and if you are willing to obey my orders for a few weeks we
may be able to do some business. First, remember that I am Mr. Armitage;
you must learn that now, and remember it for all time. And if any one
should ever suggest anything else--"

The man nodded his comprehension.

"That will be the time for Oscar to be dumb. I understand, Mr. Armitage."

Armitage smiled. The man presented so vigorous a picture of health, his
simple character was so transparently reflected in his eyes and face that
he did not in the least question him.

"You are an intelligent person, Sergeant. If you are equally
discreet--able to be deaf when troublesome questions are asked, then I
think we shall get on."

"You should remember--" began Oscar.

"I remember nothing," observed Armitage sharply; and Oscar was quite
humble again. Armitage opened a trunk and took out an envelope from which
he drew several papers and a small map, which he unfolded and spread on
the table. He marked a spot with his lead-pencil and passed the map to
Oscar.

"Do you think you could find that place?"

The man breathed hard over it for several minutes.

"Yes; it would be easy," and he nodded hi