redly would, that the whole story was a ridiculous mare's
nest, and then what proof could they adduce, or what excuse give for
their interference. However plausible their suspicions might be, they
were, after all, only suspicions, which other people might not view in
as grave a light.

"What would you advise, then?" Tom asked, passing his hand over his
heated forehead.

"Bedad! I'll tell you the plan," the old soldier answered, "and I think
me friend Von Baumser will agray with me. I understand that this place
is surrounded by a wall to which there is only one gate. Sure, we shall
wait outside this wall, and one of us can go in as a skirmisher and find
out how the land lies. Let him ascertain from the young lady herself if
she requires immadiate help, and what she would wish done. If he can't
make his way to her, let him hang about the house, and see and hear all
that he can. We shall then have something solid to work on. I have a
dog whistle here on me watch-chain, given me by Charley Gill, of the
Inniskillens. Our skirmisher could take that with him, and if he wants
immadiate help one blow of it would be enough to bring the four of us
over to him. Though how the divil I am to git over a wall," concluded
the major ruefully, looking down at his own proportions, "is more than I
can tell."

"I hope, my vriends," said Von Baumser, "dat you vill allow me the
honour of going first, for ven I vas in the Swabian Jager I vas always
counted a very good spion."

"That is my place," said Tom with decision.

"You have the best claim," the major answered. "What a train this is!
Ged, it's as slow as the one which Jimmy Travers, of the Commissariat,
travelled in in America. They were staming along, according to Jimmy,
when they saw a cow walking along the loine in front of them. They all
thought that they were going to run into her, but it was all right, for
they never overtook her, and she soon walked clane out of sight. Here
we are at a station! How far to Bedsworth, guard?"

"Next station, sir."

"Thank the Lord! It's twinty to eight. We are rather behind our time.
You always are if you are in a particular hurry."

It was nearly eight o'clock by the time they reached their destination.
The station-master directed them to the _Flying Bull_, where they
secured the very vehicle in which Kate and her guardian had been
originally driven up. By the time that the horse was put in it was
close upon the half-hour