“Remove them, Abershaw; and pray ask Colonel Corsoni if he will step here and see me before I retire.”

The man promptly obeyed the order by piling up as much of the cracked crockery and broken cutlery as he could carry, and walking off with his arms full.

He came back a second time with an assistant who helped him to take away all that was left; and he gave message to Madam Corsoni to the effect that the colonel would attend her immediately.

When the two men had finally left the spot, and the Free Sword was seen approaching it, Elfie retired within the hut leaving the husband and wife together.

CHAPTER XV.
COLONEL ROSENTHAL.

His eyebrow dark and eye of fire

Showed spirit proud and prompt to ire;

Yet lines of thought upon his cheek,

Did deep design and counsel speak;

His forehead by his casque worn bare,