ladies have arrived," said he.

"It is irregular and a matter of some difficulty," said the
general. "Whom would you send with such a message?"

"Well, I should say some Frenchwoman could do it. There must be
one here who is clever enough."

"I know the very one," said I, with enthusiasm. "She is as smart
and cunning as they make them."

"Very well," said the general; "that is but one step. Who is to
capture them and take the risk of their own heads?"

"D'ri and I could do it alone," was my confident answer.

"Ah, well," said his Lordship, as he rose languidly and stood with
his back to the fire, "I shall send them where the coast is
clear--my word for that. Hang me if I fail to protect them."

"I do not wish to question your honor," said the general, "or
violate in any way this atmosphere of fine courtesy; but, sir, I do
not know you."

"Permit me to introduce myself," said the Englishman, as he ripped
his coat-lining and drew out a folded sheet of purple parchment.

"I am Lord Ronley, fifth Earl of Pickford, and, cousin of his Most
Excellent Majesty the King of England; there is the proof."