harrowing threat that had been breathed in his ear by
his midnight visiter,--when he reflected, moreover, that
even now it was probable he was lurking within the
precincts of the fort with a view to the destruction of
all that it contained,--when, in short, he thought of
the imminent danger that must attend them should he be
suffered to escape,--he felt the necessity of precaution,
and determined on his measures, even at the risk of
manifesting a prudence which might be construed
unfavourably. On re-entering his apartments, he found
his orderly, who, roused by the midnight tumult, stood
waiting to receive the commands of his chief.

"Desire Major Blackwater to come to me immediately."

The mandate was quickly obeyed. In a few seconds a short,
thick-set, and elderly officer made his appearance in a
grey military undress frock.

"Blackwater, we have traitors within the fort. Let diligent
search be made in every part of the barracks for a
stranger, an enemy, who has managed to procure admittance
among us: let every nook and cranny, every empty cask,
be examined forthwith; and cause a number of additional
sentinels to be stationed along the ramparts, in order
to intercept his escape."

"Good Heaven, is it possible?" said the Major, wiping
the perspiration from his brows, though the night was
unusually chilly for the season of the year:--" how could