Thus far our fortune keeps an onward course,

And we are graced with wreaths of victory.

Shakespeare

Leaving Mrs. Le Noir, Traverse went down to the stable, saddled the

horse that had been allotted to his use, and set off for a long day's

journey to New Orleans, where late at night he arrived, and put up at

the St. Charles.

He slept deeply from fatigue until late the next morning, when he was

awakened by the sounds of trumpets, drums and fifes, and by general

rejoicing.

He arose and looked from his windows to ascertain the cause, and saw

the square full of people in a state of the highest excitement,

watching for a military procession coming up the street.

It was the United States troops under their gallant commanders, who had

landed from the steamboats that morning and were now marching from the

quays up to their quarters at the St. Charles.

As they advanced, Traverse, eagerly upon the lookout, recognized his

own regiment.

Traverse withdrew from the window, hurriedly completed his toilet, and

hastened down-stairs, where he soon found himself face to face with

Herbert, who warmly grasping his hand, exclaimed: "You here, old friend? Why, I thought you were down in East Feliciana,

with your interesting patient!"

"It is for the interest of that 'interesting patient' that I am here,

Herbert! Did I tell you, she was one of the victims of that demon Le

Noir?"

"No: but I know it from another source. I know as much, or more of her,

perhaps, than you do!"

"Ah!" exclaimed Traverse, in surprise.

"Yes! I know, for instance, that she is Capitola's mother, the

long-lost widow of Eugene Le Noir, the mistress of the Hidden House,

and the ghost who drew folks' curtains there at night."

"Then you do know something about her, but how did you arrive at the

knowledge?"

"By the 'last dying speech and confession' of Gabriel Le Noir, confided

to me to be used in restitution after his decease. But, come! There is

the second bell. Our mess are going in to breakfast; join us and

afterwards you and I will retire and compare notes," said Herbert,

taking the arm of his friend as they followed the moving crowd into the

breakfast parlor.

After the morning meal was concluded the friends withdrew together to

the chamber occupied by Traverse Rocke, where they sat down for mutual

explanations.

Herbert first related to Traverse all that had occurred from the time

that the latter left the city of Mexico, including the arrival of

Craven Le Noir at the dying bed of his father, the subsequent death and

funeral of Colonel Le Noir, and the late emigration of Craven, who to

avoid the shame of the approaching revelation, joined a party of

explorers bound for the recently discovered gold mines in California.




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