A few bivouac fires had been lighted, and these were already beginning to burn low, the troops having dropped asleep almost as soon as they halted.
"I hope we shall meet no more of them, Mike," Desmond said, as they went on at a brisk trot.

"I sha'n't feel quite safe till we get to Mullen." They met, however, with no further interruption.

As they crossed the bridge, they halted, took off the borrowed uniforms, threw away the headgear and put on their own hats, which they carried under their cloaks, and then rode on up the hill, after having first satisfied the officer commanding a strong guard placed at the bridge that they were friends.
Another ten minutes, and they were upon the plateau.

Desmond had no difficulty in finding out where the headquarters were established at Hayse, and, riding there, he at once went into the house occupied by Berwick, and reported his return.
"I am glad to see you back again, Kennedy," the duke said, heartily.

"It is something to have recovered one friend from the wreck.