morning."

The scout smiled, not because of what was said, which of course he did
not understand, but because of the Englishman's expression. But time
pressed; too much had already been lost. He therefore contented himself
by giving Lancey a friendly slap on the shoulder and turned to the
sergeant.

"Gotsuchakoff," said he, "I'm out on special service, and have already
been delayed too long. This man," pointing to Lancey, "is an Englishman
and a friend--remember that. The others are Turks. You know what to do
with them. I cannot help you, but you won't need help."

"Just so," replied Gotsuchakoff, with an intelligent nod, "only lend a
hand to tie them together and then be off about your business."

"Lancey," said Ali Bobo, while the operation was being performed, "zat
big Bulgar beast he say you's his friend."

"Big he is, a beast he's not, and a friend he was," replied Lancey, with
a dazed look.

Further conversation was cut short by the sergeant ordering the trio to
move on. He led them towards the Russian lines by a cord passed round
Bobo's neck, and carried a revolver in his right hand. Dobri Petroff
immediately disappeared in the opposite direction.

At a later hour that night he entered the cottage of young Borronow.
Giuana, Petko's sister, reclined on a rude but comfortable couch. She
was singularly pretty and innocent-looking, but very delicate and young.
Her friends called her Formosa Giuana or Pretty Jane. Petko had been
seated beside her, talking about the war, when his friend entered with a
quick stealthy motion and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Dobri!" exclaimed the youth.

"Petko, there is danger at hand. Mischief is in the air. Time is
precious. I may not say what it is, but you know me--I am not easily
alarmed. You must promise me to quit this village with your sister
within one hour."

"But, Dobri, why?--what?--"

"Petko, no questions. More than that, no remarks," interrupted the
scout earnestly and firmly. "Another time I will explain. At present I
ask you to trust, believe, and obey your friend. If you would save your
life and that of Giuana leave this village within an hour. Go where you
will, but leave it."

"I will both trust and obey you, Dobri," said Petko, returning the
squeeze of his friend's hand, which he had not yet let go.

"I said that time pressed, Petko; God be with you! Farewell."

The scout turned, stooped to kiss Giuana on her pale cheek, and befo