After pacing the deck for some time in silence, he suddenly exclaimed to La Tour, "It is tedious beyond measure to lie here, becalmed almost within sight of the fort! and then so little reliance can be placed on the flying reports which we have heard! I wish, as nothing can, at any rate, be done to-night, you would allow me to push off in a boat by myself and reconnoitre with my own eyes." "And leave me to meet the enemy without you in the morning;--is that your intention ?" asked La Tour, pettishly.
"You do not ask that question seriously, I presume ?" said De Valette.
"Why, not exactly, Eustace," he answered; "though I confess I think it rather a strange request to make just at this time." "Why so ?" asked De Valette; "I would only borrow a few hours from repose, and my plan may be accomplished with ease;--nor shall you have reason to complain, that I am tardy at the call of duty." "I understand you now, my brave nephew and lieutenant," said La Tour, smiling; "you would play the lover on this moonlight night, and serenade the lady of your heart, to apprise her of your safe return." "There was not quite so much romance in my plot," replied De Valette; "but if you permit me to execute it, I pledge myself to return before midnight; and though you are not a lover, I am sure you are far from being indifferent to the intelligence which I may bring you." "Go, if you will, if you _can_ in safety," said La Tour; "though, could your impatience brook the delay of a few short hours, it would be well--well for yourself, perhaps; for if I remember right, you could ill bear a look of coldness, and Lucie is not always lavish of her smiles." "I fear it not," said De Valette; "she would not greet me coldly after so long an absence; and though you smile at my folly, I am not ashamed to confess my eagerness to see her." "She already knows her power over you but too well," said La Tour; "shew her that you are indifferent--disdainful, if you like--and trust me, she will learn to prize the love, which she now pretends to slight." "The heart of woman must be wayward indeed," said De Valette, "if such is its nature or artifice; but my hopes are not so desperate yet, and if my memory serves me truly, I have more smiles than frowns on record." With these words, De Valette threw himself into a small boat, and in a few moments reached the shore.

He entered the hut of a half-civilized Indian, and to avoid being recognized by any of D'Aulney's people whom he might chance to encounter, borrowed his savage attire, and in that disguise proceeded to the fort, near which he met the page of Mad.

la Tour, as has been already related..