pany of men, who had prosecuted their search
in spite of the deadly hail of bullets that came from a neighbouring
battery, found another mine, a particularly formidable affair. Eagerly
George Fairburn pressed forward, his friend Matthew close behind.
Suddenly Colonel Rhodes dashed up, crying, "Fall back, for Heaven's
sake! There's another mine below this, I have just learnt. For your
lives!" And the brave man galloped off, his retreat followed by a
startled rush for safety on the part of the men.

"Come along, George! What are you after?" cried Matthew, observing
that his friend did not budge.

"I'm not going till I've settled this mine," Fairburn answered.

Even as they spoke the ground heaved with a mighty convulsion beneath
their feet, and an appalling roar rent the air, the echo resounding
far and near.

"Ah! You're feeling better? That's right."

George Fairburn opened his eyes and beheld the face of none other than
the Duke himself gazing kindly down upon him! It was the evening after
the fearful explosion, and Marlborough was making a tour of the
hospital wards, where lay long rows of wounded men. George had been
unconscious, and the Duke's words were caused by the fact that the
young man happened to open his eyes for the first time as the General
passed him. Before the sick man could answer a word, Marlborough had
passed on, with a quiet remark to Major Wilson, "I know the lad's face
well."

"Where's Blackett?" George now inquired. The Major shook his head.
"And the Colonel?" Another mournful shake. George closed his eyes
dazed, stupefied.

Three hundred poor fellows had perished in that double explosion.
Colonel Rhodes's battered body had been picked up; Blackett's could
not be distinguished, but doubtless the gallant lad was one of the
mass of victims whose remains were mangled beyond recognition.

Captain Fairburn took no further part in the siege of Tournai. After a
month of terrible fighting, all but the citadel was captured by the
Allies, and five weeks saw that also in their possession.

There was a long glade or clearing between two extensive plantations.
At the southern end of this glade, behind strong entrenchments, the
great army of Villars was drawn up, every man eager to fight, for
every Frenchman believed in the Marshal's luck, and that his presence
would certainly bring them victory. Away to the north was Marlborough,
equally eager to begin the combat, Eugene and the Dutch generals with