to a duel, I tell you at once that I shall not accept it. I have, sir," and he raised his head proudly, "proved my courage, and France has recognized it in the rank and honour she has given me. We English, for I am English, do not fight duels; but I will make an exception. When you, M. Desmaret, come to me decorated as I am, or having in any signal way proved your courage and devotion to France, I will meet you. At present I see that you, an officer in the French army, well in health, are staying here in idleness instead of being in the field. Go and fight the enemies of France first, M. Desmaret, and after that talk, if you like, about fighting her friends."

There was a loud exclamation of applause and satisfaction at these words from those who had been looking on at this unpleasant scene, and the sous-prefect warmly shook Ralph by the hand.

"Well said, Captain Barclay, well said, indeed. I believe I may say that every one here agrees with you entirely. There are too many officers continually absent from the army upon 'private affairs,' and those of M. Desmaret have taken longer to arrange than usual, for he has been staying here for five weeks now. However," he said significantly, "he will hardly prolong his stay in the island. Enough upon that subject," he said, as M. Desmaret left the room, pale and furious. "I am glad, I am proud, sir, to make the acquaintance of yourself and your brother, and I can really at heart feel grateful to that fellow for having forced you to declare who you are ; had he not done so, you would have left without our knowing that we had you among us."

There was now quite an ovation to the boys, the ladies

Off to the Main Land.

315

especially would hardly conceive that it was possible that these quiet-looking young fellows had performed feats of such daring. They now begged to hear the details of the adventures, but at this moment word was brought that steam was up, and the vessel ready to start, and as M. Teclier was most anxious to get on, and as Percy was quite done up, Ralph was glad to seize the excuse, and to make his apologies for leaving at once. The sous-prefect, all the breakfast party, and a large proportion of the population of the little place accompanied them thence to the landing-place, and then, amidst hearty cheering, the little steamer, carrying the voyagers, the despatches, and the remains of the balloon, started for the main land.

CHAPTER XVIII.

A

A DAY OF VICTORY.

FTER travelling all night, the Barclays arrived at
Tours at ten o'clock on the morning of the day

after that upon which they had left Belle Isle. At the station they said adieu to M. Teclier, who went at once to Gambetta with the despatches, while the Barclays turned away to Colonel Tempé's lodgings, and to their great surprise as well as delight, found him in.

The colonel gave quite a shout of joy when he saw them. "Ah, my brave boys, my brave boys, I am glad to see you," and he took them in his arms and kissed them as heartily and as earnestly as if he had been their father. "I am glad to see you," he repeated, wiping his eyes with his handkerchief. "I was sure you would do it, I never really doubted; I told Gambetta it was as good as done, but I could not help being nervous, horribly nervous, and when the news came five days ago, by the balloon which left three days after you got in, I almost lost my head, I laughed, I cheered, I shook everyone by the hand, ma foi, I don't know

Tim's Uneasiness.

what I did, I was so pleased.

317

Your Irishman was

the funniest thing. He was not surprised, or pleased, or even interested. I explained to him over again, thinking he did not understand, but he only shook his head, and said in his strange English, Sure colonel, I never doubted them for a moment, arn't they clever enough to decaive the ould gintleman himself? It was as sartin as peas is peas that they would slip in somehow, and if they did get into a scrape, that they were the boys for getting themselves out of it. It's the coming out I am afraid of.' I looked surprised, naturally enough, and he went on, 'and doesn't your honour know that they are talking of coming out in a balloon? only to think of it, colonel, flying through the clouds, shut up in a big ball of silk! it's just flying in the face of Providence. What's the use of scheming, or of courage, you can't decaive a cloud, though it's as aisy as dancing to take in a German. When you tell me colonel, that they're safe out of the balloon, then I'll shout as loud as you like.' Yesterday, when the telegram from Teclier came, saying that he had fallen in Belle Isle, had had a narrow escape of being driven into the sea, but had avoided that by running the risk of breaking his neck, and mentioned that you were with him, and had like himself escaped with a few bruises, Tim went nearly out of his mind with joy. He has been cleaning his sword and accoutrements this morning. I am off to-morrow, and you are only just come in time to see the fighting. But you are looking ill, Percy; far too ill for service just at present."

"Yes, he has been very ill," Ralph said, "he had a touch of brain fever the night we got into Paris, and was delirious for two days. He has picked up quickly, but that balloon descent was not the thing for an invalid.

The doctor in Paris ordered a month, at least, of absolute rest, and has given him a sick certificate."

"He needs rest, certainly," Colonel Tempé said, “but he cannot go home at present. The Prussians hold Dijon in considerable strength. There are far too many people in the town who have heard of your connexion with the franc-tireurs. Some spy or other would be certain to peach."

"Yes," Ralph assented, "we have been talking it over, and quite agree that Percy could not go back, as although he would willingly run the risk himself, it would bring such serious consequences upon them at home if he were found there, that he has determined to go down to Nice for a while, and rejoin as soon as he gains strength again."

"Yes, Colonel Tempé said, “but above all things do not let him be in a hurry. You have gone through an immense deal, Percy, and have done a great deal more than your share for France, and have gained great honour and credit. Be content with that. You might ruin your constitution for life by further exertions."

"But about yourself, colonel, where are you going ?” "I am starting to-morrow to join General Chanzy's staff."

"I have not heard his name before," Ralph said.

"He commands the 16th Corps. He has not had much opportunity yet, but he is a good soldier. If you like, Ralph, I will go with you at once to Freysinet, and get you attached with me."

"Thank you very much, colonel; I should like it of all things."

"Come along then, Freysinet is in his office."