Mordaunt turned toward the door as he spoke, and inviting me to ride with him, left the mansion. As I had agreed to stay with Mohun, I was obliged to decline.
Five minutes afterward he had mounted, and with a salute, the tall form disappeared in the forest.
We set out in turn, and were soon at Mohun’s bivouac.
XXIV. — A NIGHT BIRD.
I shared Mohun’s blankets, and was waked by the sun shining in my face.
My companion had disappeared, but I had scarcely risen when he was seen approaching at full gallop.
Throwing himself from his horse, he grasped my hand, his face beaming.
“All right, Surry!” he exclaimed; “I have seen Mordaunt; my command is all arranged; I have four superb regiments; and they are already in the saddle.”