'I am here. Now what is your business?'

if

'There is business, and great business, you will do it; business for you.

'Well I am a soldier, and soldiering is my trade, and I do not much care what I do in that way, provided it is not against the good cause. But I must tell you at once, friend Perroni, I am not a man who will take a leap in the dark. I must form my own staff, and I must have my commissariat secure.'

own terms.

'My General, you will be master of your The standing committee of the Holy Alliance of Peoples are sitting upstairs at this moment. They were unanimous in sending for you. See them; judge for yourself; and, rest assured, you will be satisfied.'

'I do not much like having to do with committees,' said the General. However, let it be as you like-I will see them.'

'I had better just announce your arrival,'

thing, my General, after your travel; you must be wearied.'

'A glass of sugar and water. You know, I am not easily tired. And, I agree with you, it is better to come to business at once: so prepare them.'

CHAPTER XI.

THE Standing Committee of the Holy Alliance of Peoples all rose, although they were extreme Republicans, when the General entered. Such is the magical influence of a man of action over men of the pen and the tongue. Had it been, instead of a successful military leader, an orator that had inspired Europe, or a journalist who had established the rights of the human race, the Standing Committee would have only seen men of their own kidney, who having been favoured with happier opportunities than themselves, had reaped a harvest, which, equally favoured, they might here have garnered.

'General,' said Felix Drolin the president, who was looked upon by the brother

hood as a statesman, for he had been, in his time, a member of a Provisional Government, 'this seat is for you,' and he pointed to one on his right hand. You are ever welcome; and I hope you bring good tidings, and good fortune.'

'I am glad to be among my friends, and I may say,' looking around, my comrades. I hope I may bring you better fortune than my tidings.'

'But now they have left Rome,' said the President, 'every day we expect good news.'

'Ay, ay! he has left Rome, but he has not left Rome with the door open. I hope it is not on such gossip you have sent for me. You have something on hand. What is it ?'

เ You shall hear it from the fountain head,' said the President, fresh from New York,' and he pointed to an individual seated in the centre of the table.

• Ah! Colonel Finucane,' said the General, 'I have not forgotten James River. You did that well. What is the trick now?'

Whereupon a tall, lean man, with a decided brogue but speaking through his nose, rose from his seat and informed the General that the Irish people were organised and ready to rise; that they had sent their deputies to New York; all they wanted were arms and officers; that the American brethren had agreed to supply them with both and amply; and that considerable subscriptions were raising for other purposes. What they now required was a commander-in-chief equal to the occasion, and in whom all would have confidence; and therefore they had telegraphed for the General.'

'I doubt not our friends over the water would send us plenty of rifles,' said the General, if we could only manage to land

เ

them; and, I think, I know men now in the States from whom I could form a good staff; but how about the people of Ireland? What evidence have we that they will rise, if we land?'