uld have been required
to make us out. As long as there was a flood-tide we got on very well,
but it was high water before we got to Mackey's Mills, and in a short
time a strong current set against us. It was hard work in some spots
pulling against it; not that I minded that, but I was anxious to hurry
on to perform my mission and to assure myself that Miss Carlyon had
retired to a place of safety. We had just got into the broader part of
the stream, when, as I peered through the darkness ahead, I fancied I
saw a large object coming right down upon us. I instantly steered the
boat over to the north shore, and in a whisper told O'Driscoll and
Rockets to cease pulling. I was but just in time, for immediately after
a large boat full of people hove in sight. We could hear them talking,
and we made out that they expected an attack that very night from the
English. Had they seen us they would probably have supposed we had been
sent in advance, and would have shot us all down. The circumstances
made us consider how we should manage to return, for they would
certainly be on the look-out for us. Other boats also would be coming
down, which we might have some difficulty in avoiding. Still, what I
had undertaken I was determined to accomplish. We pulled on without
stopping. No other boat was seen. At length we reached what we
believed to be the place where we had landed on the night when I had met
Miss Carlyon. I knew it by the peculiar outline of the trees--otherwise
it might have been easily passed. O'Driscoll agreed with me that I was
right; so, running in under the bank, we effectually concealed our boat
in the bushes, and, clambering up, stood on the open ground with the
house we were in search of at no great distance from us. After a short
consultation O'Driscoll consented to remain near the boat with Rockets,
while I proceeded alone to the house. If I was well received I was to
summon him. My heart beat pretty fast as I approached the door. It did
not occur to me till my hand was actually on the knocker that it was
nearly midnight, and that in all probability the family would be in bed.
However, I knocked with tolerable distinctness, and then waited the
result. I saw lights gleaming at the windows, and before long a voice
in negro accents asked who was there and what was wanted.

"A messenger with important information for Colonel Carlyon or his
daughter," I answered. "I come alone, as a friend, tell you