“A thing more difficult than you imagine.”

“The task may be difficult; but, I will not believe, impossible.”

“And it is in this matter you desire my service?”

“Yes.”

“I am ready.  Point the way, and I will go.  Digest the plan, and I am the one to carry it out.”

“You must go North.”

“Very well.”

“Do you know how her father is situated at present?”

“He is a poor clerk in a jobbing-house.”

“Indeed!  They stripped him of every thing?”

“Yes.  Woodbine Lodge vanished from beneath his feet as if it had been an enchanted island.”

“Poor man!  I am sorry for him.  I never contemplated so sweeping a disaster in his case.  But no one can tell, when the ball leaves his hand, what sort of a strike will be made.  How does he bear it, I wonder?”

“Don’t know.  It must have been a terrible fall for him.”

“And Fanny?  Have you learned nothing in regard to her?”

“Nothing.”

“Did you keep up a correspondence with the family whose acquaintance you made in—?”

“The family of Mr. Ellis?  No; not any regular correspondence.  We passed a letter or two, when I made a few inquiries about the Marklands, and particularly mentioned Fanny; but heard no further from them.”

“There are no landmarks, then?” said Lyon.

“None.”

“You must start immediately for the North.  I will remain here until word comes from you.  Ascertain, first, if you can, if there is any one connected with the Company who is yet on the alert in regard to myself; and write to me all the facts you learn on this head immediately.  If it is not safe to remain in the United States, I will return to the city of Mexico, and we can correspond from there.  Lose no time in gaining access to Miss Markland, and learn her state of mind in regard to me.  She cannot fail to have taken her father’s misfortunes deeply to heart; and your strongest appeal to her may be on his behalf.  It is in my power to restore him to his former position, and, for the sake of his daughter, if needful, that will be done.”

“I comprehend you; and trust me to accomplish all you desire, if in human power.  Yet I cannot help expressing surprise at the singular fascination this girl has wrought upon you.  I saw her two or three times, but perceived nothing very remarkable about her.  She is pretty enough; yet, in any company of twenty women, you may pick out three far handsomer.  What is the peculiar charm she carries about her?”

“It is nameless, but all-potent, and can only be explained psychologically, I suppose.  No matter, however.  The girl is necessary to my happiness, and I must secure her.”

“By fair means, or foul?” His companion spoke inquiringly.