54-40 or Fight

merciful to the

Bulwer

e at the inscription on my sealed document. I had not looked at it before in the confusion of my somewhat hurried mental processes. In addit

ill seemed somewhat cryptic. Puzzled, I stood under the lamp, shielding

tood. It was driven rapidly, and as it approached the door swung open. I heard a quick word, and the driver pulled up his horses. I saw the li

rty. Moreover, I was a gentleman, and here might be a lady in need of help. I need not say that in a moment I was at the side of the carriage. It

portant errand, as I might guess. But white satin and a midnight advent

n the faint light of the street lamp, leaned toward me. The

s luminous, the forehead beautifully arched, chin and cheek beautifully rounded, nose clean-cut and straight, thin but not pinched. There was nothing niggard about her. She was magnificent-a magnificent woman. I saw that she had splendid jewels at her throat, in her ears-a necklace of diamonds, long hoops of diamonds and emeralds used as ear-rings; a sparkling clasp which caught

ther of invitation or not I scarce could tell, she drew back again to the farther side of the seat.

had got into this carriage with a strange lady. Now in a sober and matter of fac

nion, "in what manner can I be

sk who or what she herself was, for I had no do

oice, quite distinct, quite musical in quality, and marked with just the

, too, must be dark, I confirmed. Yes-as a passed lamp gave me aid-there were strong dark brows above them. Her nose, t

ite; also I could catch a glimpse of her arm, as it lay outstretched, her fingers clasping a fan. So I knew her arms were round and taper, hence all her limbs and figure finely molded, be

closed carriages and strange companions-I had far liefer it should be some such woman as this. I was not in such a hurry to ask again how I might be of service. In fact,

d I did as much, taking such advantage as I could of the passing street lamps. Then,

things and such emotions, but I swear that as I sat there, a stranger, not four minutes in companionship with this other stranger, I felt

least I sat, smiling to myself in my purple-amber shadow, now in no very special hurry. And now again she smiled, thoughtfully, rath

, in politeness, ke

rve the Baron

on the seat as fa

w?" she asked. "

f it comes to that, I might say I am simply an humble gentleman of Washington here. I

until this very moment-how, then, do you know me? Speak! At once!" He

d pink; by this perfume which weaves webs for me here in this carriage, I know you. The light

ourse she thought me crazed, and drew back again in the shadow; but w

t be disguised," I said; "not

mask which hung from the silke

ow who I am, who are you, and why do you ta

this absurd way, at midnight, on the streets of Was

ot on the carriage floor. "T

y misfortune not to be so distinguished in fame or beauty that my name is known by all; so I nee

!" she aga

to my lips-I do not remember what.

he said; "because it does not fit yo

elp you? Do you perhaps wish to hunt mushrooms in the Georgetown w

as not your personal charm which attracted me when I saw you

s heard save the steady patter of hoofs on

led to you-by another carriage. I asked help of the first ge

Neither do I blame the occupant of

aside such chatte

ore straightforward. If I can not be of service I beg you to le

ll her that my business was with herself. It seemed almo

ith an impatient ges

will pay-I will pay anything in reason." Actually I saw her

Nicholas Trist. We of this country do not offer our services to ladies for the sake of pay. But do not be troubled over any mistake-it is nothing. Now, you have perhaps had some li

"I leave it to you. I wa

oned the last of the pavement, and took to the turf, where the sound of our wheels was dulled. Rapidly as we could we passed on up the hill, until we struck a side street where there was no paving. Into this we whipped swiftly, following the flank of the hill, our going, which was all of earth or soft turf, now well wetted by the rain. When at last we reached a

"I think we may safely say we are

!" sh

here i

s she saw suggested either in the tone of my voice or in some glimpse she might

er, presenting to her inspection

is quite dark," s

out the framing roll of thick dark hair, from which, as a high light in a mass of shadows, the clear and yet strong features of her face showed plainly. I saw th

ddress," said she, smilin

s you go beyond this other stre

deepen on her face, even as t

called to the negro driver. "

de no