MANON LESCAUT.

AND A RAPIER-THRUST Beverley's absence was not noticed by Hamilton until late on the following day, and even then he scouted Helm's suggestion that the young man was possibly carrying out his threat to disregard his parole.
"He would be quite justified in doing it; you know that very well," said Helm with a laugh, "and he's just the man to undertake what is impossible.

Of course, however, he'll get scalped for his trouble, and that will cost you something, I'm happy to say." "It's a matter of small importance," Hamilton replied; "but I'll wager you the next toddy that he's not at the present moment a half-mile from this spot.

He may be a fool, I readily grant that he is, but even a fool is not going to set out alone in this kind of weather to go to where your rebel friends are probably toasting their shins by a fire of green logs and half starving over yonder on the Mississippi." "Joking aside, you are doubtless right.

Beverley is hot-headed, and if he could he'd get even with you devilish quick; but he hasn't left Vincennes, I think.