willing to nurse into conviction all the melancholy
imaginings of a diseased mind," observed Captain
Blessington, in a voice that told how deeply he felt for
the situation of his young friend. "Recollect, dearest
Charles, the time that has been afforded to our friends.
More than a week has gone by since they left the fort,
and a less period was deemed sufficient for their purpose.
Before this they must have gained their destination. In
fact, it is my positive belief they have; for there could
be nothing to detect them in their disguise. Had I the
famous lamp of Aladdin," he pursued, in a livelier tone,
"over the history of which Clara and yourself used to
spend so many hours in childhood, I have no doubt I could
show them to you quietly seated within the fort, recounting
their adventures to Clara and her cousin, and discoursing
of their absent friends."

"Would I to Heaven you had the power to do so!" replied
De Haldimar, smiling faintly at the conceit, while a ray
of hope beamed for a moment upon his sick soul; "for
then, indeed, would all my fears for the present be at
rest. But you forget, Blessington, the encounter stated
to have taken place between them and that terrible stranger
near the bridge. Besides, is it not highly probable the
object of their expedition was divined by that singular
and mysterious being, and that means have been taken to
intercept their passage? If so, all hope is at an end."

"Why persevere in viewing only the more sombre side of
the picture?" returned his friend. "In your anxiety to