The blow was so heavy that he was in a dull and apathetic state from which he was stirred only once in the evening, and that was when two Frenchmen passed near him, escorting a prisoner of whose face he caught a glimpse in the firelight.

He started forward, exclaiming: "Charteris!"[1] The young man, tall, handsome and firm of feature, although a captive, turned.
"Who called me ?" he asked.
"It is I, Robert Lennox," said Robert.

"I knew you in New York!" "Aye, Mr.Lennox.I recognize you now.

We meet again, after so long a time.

I could have preferred the meeting to be elsewhere and under other circumstances, but it is something to know that you are alive." They shook hands with great friendliness and the Frenchmen, who were guarding Charteris, waited patiently.
"May our next meeting be under brighter omens," said Robert.
"I think it will be," said Charteris confidently.
Then he went on.