at he was alone, and
did not, besides, exhibit anything very formidable in his appearance. He
was told, as he passed in, that he must leave his horse at the stables
beside the gate, and make the rest of his way on foot The Major was both
tired and hungry; he had been in the saddle since daybreak, had twice
missed his way, and tasted no food since he set out.

"Is there much more of this confounded way to go?" asked he of his
guide, as they now mounted a terrace, only to descend again.

"About a quarter of an hour will bring you to the Molo," said the other,
just as ill-pleased to have the duty of escorting him. A quick glance
at the fellow's face showed the Major how hopeless it would be to
expect any information from him; and though he was burning to know who
inhabited this lonesome place, and why he lived there, he forebore all
questioning, and went along in silence.

"There!" said his guide, at last, as they reached a great archway
standing alone in a sort of lawn,--"there! you follow that road to the
little gate yonder, pass in, cross the garden, and you will be at the
side entrance of the Molo. I don't suppose you want to enter by the
grand gate?"

Major M'Caskey was not much in the habit of suffering an insolence to
pass unresented; but he seemed to control himself as he drew forth his
purse and took out a crown piece. "This is for your trouble, my worthy
fellow," said he; "go and look for it yonder;" and he jerked the piece
of money over the low parapet, and sent it skimming along the sea a
hundred yards off.

Though the man's lips murmured in passion, and his dark eyes flashed
anger, one look at the face of his companion assured him that the safer
policy was to restrain his wrath, and, touching his hat in salute, he
retired without a word.

As though he felt in better temper with himself for having thus
discharged this little debt, the Major stepped more briskly forward,
gained the small postern, and entered a large and formal garden, the
chief avenue of which showed him the gate at the extremity. It lay open,
and he found himself in a large vaulted hall, from which doors led off.
In doubt which course to take, he turned to seek for a bell, but there
was none to be found; and after a careful search on every side, he
determined to announce himself by a stout knocking at one of the doors
before him.

The hollow clamor resounded through the whole building, and soon brought
down two men in faded livery, hal