meaning look, to the young aid, who by this time was again poring over his files of documents.

"May I go now ?"

"Go now-yes, go when you choose and where you choose, and stay as long as you choose; but mark you, Miss Impudence ❞————

"Margaret, sir, is my name," she said, very demurely, with a low courtesy.

66 Well, Miss Impudence Margaret, if I catch you at any capers, I'll hang you as high as Haman.”

"As high as who, grandpa ?" she asked, with an arch smile; and as she saw a cloud gathering on the old general's brow, she hurried from the room, and in less than five minutes was cantering through Broadway, mounted on Selim, who pranced and curvetted, as if proud of his lovely burden.

CHAPTER XIX.

MARGARET AND THE ROYALIST CAPTAIN.

As she was riding along, attracting the attention of all beholders, as well by her splendid horsemanship as by the ease and grace with which she managed the impatient Selim, she perceived, at some distance ahead, the well-remembered form and face of Captain Blanchard, walking arm-in-arm with an officer in the Provincial uniform, and reining in the impatient Selim, she moved along slowly until they met, when, checking her horse so suddenly that he almost went on his haunches, Captain Blanchard advanced toward her, and, with a courteous salute, inquired how it chanced that she was out alone.

"Because I hoped to meet you, captain," she said, meaningly.

"It is a fortunate meeting," he said; "for I was on the road to pay you a call. I have something for you."

"From his Excellency the Governor ?" she inquired, eagerly.

"Even so, Miss Margaret," and, looking cautiously around, to see whether he was observed or not, he

hurriedly thrust into her hand a letter which he had crumpled into the smallest possible space, and which Margaret as quickly thrust into the pocket of her riding-dress, but without interrupting the conversation; for she continued, in unchanged tones: "Who is your friend who seems to watch your movements so intently?" and she eyed the young Continental officer with a scrutinizing glance.

"You will be surprised when I introduce him to you, and more surprised when I tell you that he is one of us."

"Indeed!" she exclaimed, her countenance lighting with an expression of pleasure; for she had recognized the uniform of McDougal's corps as she again fastened her gaze upon the officer, who stood there, carelessly kicking his heels on the pavement, as if quite unconscious of the presence of any parties, but stealing occasional glances of admiration at the beautiful creature who had burst so suddenly on his sight.

“You have heard, I suppose, for you seem to learn everything, that a captain in McDougal's regiment has joined the cause of his majesty ?"

Margaret nodded assent, but made no verbal reply. "Edmund," he said, turning to his brother, for it was he who was his companion, and at the word the young Provincial advanced with unwonted alacrity.

"Miss Moncrieffe, Captain Blanchard, my younger

brother."

"Your brother, Captain Blanchard!" exclaimed Margaret, turning from one to the other, with looks of unrestrained amazement.

"My only living brother, and only relative on earth, Miss Margaret," replied Arthur, with a low bow.

"I am truly glad to make your acquaintance, captain," she said, extending her hand cordially, "the more so that I find in you the brother of my father's dearest friend; and I am doubly glad to learn from your brother that "

"Hush, Miss Margaret," said the Royalist, "there are persons turning that corner who may overhear our conversation. You may repose as much confidence in him as you would in myself. It will be much more easy to communicate through him than through me, and everything intrusted to him will reach the proper quarter. I vouch for his sincerity and truth."

Margaret gazed earnestly into the face of the young Provincial, now all aglow at finding himself so suddenly placed on terms of confidential intercourse with one of whom he had heard so much, and whose appearance, he felt, fully justified the lavish encomiums passed upon

her.

"Captain," and she addressed the Royalist, "I have no time or opportunity to write to-day, and if I had I might not be able to dispatch it. Do you write to Governor Tryon, and say that I desire him to send to

me-mind, to me, captain-a colonel's commission in blank."

The Royalist captain looked astounded at this request, while the Provincial officer, who construed her words at once as an intention to secure to him a reward for his treason, could scarcely conceal the smile of gratification and triumph, which her words had called to his face.

Margaret noticed the expression, and the slightest possible curl of contempt was perceptible on her pretty mouth; but it passed as quickly as it had come, and she continued:

"Yes, a colonel's commission-write that. He must not deny me-I scarcely think he will. Tell him that orders were given to-day to strengthen the defences in the vicinity of Richmond Hill, and that General Washington is expected to return in a few days. What was done with that man who was sent to Corbie's last night ?"

"I really don't know. The letter you have was brought to me this morning by a messenger from Corbie, but he said nothing to me of anything having occurred last night."

"Something has evidently gone wrong, I am afraid. The man who was sent there, and who was to have reported this morning, has not been seen since, and there will be much trouble about it, for he was a great favorite; so tell any one concerned to be on his