object of the mysterious interview between a knight and one who was
evidently a fugitive from justice.

His patience was rewarded. In the half hour which he waited the night had
fallen, and a thick fog which was rising over the swamps rendered it
difficult to discern anything at the distance of a few paces.

"You are quite sure that you can manage it?" a voice said as the two men
issued from the hut.

"There is no difficulty in managing it," the other replied, "if the boat is
punctual to the hour named. It will be getting dusk then, and if one boat
runs into another no one need be surprised. Such accidents will happen."

"They will be here just before nightfall," the other said, "and you will
know the boat by the white mantle the lady will wear. The reward will be
fifty pieces of gold, of which you have received ten as earnest. You can
trust me, and if the job be well done I shall take no count of the earnest
money.

"You may consider it as good as done," the other replied. "If the boat is
there the matter is settled. Now I will lead you back across the swamps. I
would not give much for your life if you tried to find the way alone. Who
would have thought when you got me off from being hung, after that little
affair at Bruges, that I should be able to make myself useful to your
worship?"

"You may be sure," the knight replied, "that it was just because I foresaw
that you might be useful that I opened the doors of your cell that night.
It is always handy in times like these to be able to lay one's hand on a