CHAPTER IV.

PREPARING FOR THE JOURNEY.

MARGARET left Major Burr and Patsy, and proceeded directly to the small shed, scarcely worth the name even of stable, where Selim was housed, and as she passed along the path which led to it, a singular expression was on her face. Perhaps it was one of triumph-perhaps of mere exultation-perhaps-but no matter what; it was an expression evidently called there by some extraordinary occasion, and it was well that he who was most connected with it had not observed it.

Selim, a noble, powerful bay horse, showing all the signs of blood and breeding, turned his head as he heard his young mistress enter the stable, and fastening his large eyes upon her with an expression almost human, neighed out his pleasure at the sight of the one to whom he was so strongly attached. Selim was indeed worthy of all her high praises, for in addition to the possession of great powers of endurance and high speed, he seemed endowed with even more than a horse's sagacity, and naturalists have placed that ani

mal at the head of all others for intelligence and instinct -an instinct amounting sometimes almost to intellect.

Selim, my good friend," she said, approaching and patting his neck, "it's no play-ride to-day; you are going among those who don't like anything that comes from dear old England, and I am afraid you won't fare so well as you do even here."

Selim rubbed his nose against her shoulder, as she was untying the halter which secured him in his stall, and testified his pleasure again at her presence by a low whinny. Perhaps he understood what she said.

"Yes, old friend," she continued, as she lifted down the cumbersome side-saddle of those days, and placed it on his ready back, "you'll have a long and hot ride to-day, and you won't have your mistress to take care of you when you get to the end of your journey. No matter; be a good fellow, and I'll come and see you, if I can't do any more."

The saddle was adjusted, the girths tightened to the regular mark, and the heavy military bridle, which formed a part of his trappings, placed in his mouth without resistance, for Selim was glad to have the little exercise which the occasional rides with his young mistress afforded.

As she led him out toward the fence, where the troopers' horses were picketed, she turned toward the house and looked through the open door of the kitchen, or rather that portion of the house devoted to

kitchen uses; she perceived the troopers still standing around the table, and a glance in the other direction showed that the same man was on sentry whom she had first noticed, and between whom and herself such meaning glances had been exchanged.

Assured of this, she approached him boldly, and in authoritative tones commanded him to make her horse fast also; as he advanced to obey her mandate, she turned toward the house, so as to be able to perceive any one who might come out, and said to him, but without looking at him, "what are you doing here, Hickey, and wearing that uniform ?"

"Can't you guess, Miss Margaret ?" he replied, in low tones, at the same time taking hold of her horse's bridle, and leading him to a spot most remote from the horses which he was guarding, followed, however, by Margaret, who continued in the same strain:

"Does any one suspect you, or your purpose ?" "Not a soul. Governor Tryon knows all about it, but he's on board the Duchess of Gordon."

"Do you communicate with him?”

"We used to do so before old Putnam took command, and without any great trouble; but as soon as he came, he forbade all communication between the ships and the shore, and the ships have now gone down outside the bay."

"Can you send word to him now ?"

"Oh, yes, we manage that,” he replied with a mean

ing smile, "only there's a good deal more risk about it than there used to be. Where are you going, miss ?” "To New York, to live with General Putnam." "In his house ?"

"In his own house, with his family. Can you send word to Governor Tryon that I am there?"

"To be sure I can; and how glad he will be to hear it."

"Tell him I am ready to do anything he desires, to serve my country and her cause. You stupid fellow," she suddenly exclaimed, in a loud voice, as she saw a trooper emerge from the house to relieve the party with whom she was talking, so that he might enjoy the hospitality of Mrs. Adams, "don't you see how you have fastened that horse ?”

"Where can I see you?" she added, in tones so low they only reached the ears for whom they were intended.

"I must manage that when I get to the city. Right opposite the general's quarters, there is" But the approach of the trooper checked the sentence, and he said in his usual voice, "I will fasten him better, miss," and he commenced fumbling about Selim's bridle, who, however, stood with his head turned, and eyes intently fastened upon his mistress, as if to ask why she permitted any one to do that which belonged only to her.

"Of course you don't know me, Hickey." A look

assured her that she was understood, for his relief was now too near for further words.

"That is a fine horse you have, miss," said the trooper-a tall, fresh-looking young man, standing over six feet in his stockings, and he gazed admiringly on Selim.

"He is, indeed," she said, turning upon him her brilliant eyes, and trying to read in that glance his character.

Whatever she might have read, she could find in his frank, open, sun-burnt countenance, no encouragement to hope she could bring him also within her power by the fascination of her charms, and she continued:

"He is a noble, brave beast, and I love him-don't I, Selim ?" and, approaching him, she patted his arched neck, as he stooped to receive her welcome caress.

The young trooper gazed alternately at the maiden and at the horse, and upon each with looks of admiration, for each were worthy of it, and, turning to Margaret, said: "He looks to be high mettled."

"He is as gentle as a lamb, and as playful as a kitten, and minds me like a dog," and as she spoke, she gave him another friendly pat, and turned to go into the house, to await further directions of the young officer, in whose charge she was to remain until placed in a proper position of security.

She found Major Burr and Patsy as she had left them, still seated at the table, deeply engaged in ear