"Yes, I will take you," said Alberdin. "Your tutor don't seeminclined to come for you, and, of course, I can't leave you here."

The next day, Alberdin on his mule, and Phedo on his horse, set outfor the town, where they arrived late in the night. After findinga comfortable lodging, Alberdin sent messengers to the other side ofthe mountain, where his opponent was supposed to be encamped, andgave them power to arrange with him for a meeting. He particularlyurged them to try to see the very old man who had come to him at first,and who had seemed to be a very fair-minded and sensible person. Intwo days, however, the messengers returned, stating that they hadfound what they supposed to be the intrenched camp of the heavyinfantry man they had been sent in search of, but that it wasentirely deserted, and nobody could be seen anywhere near it.

"It is somewhat likely," said Alberdin, "that he has watched mymanoeuvres and exercises from the top of the mountain, and hasconcluded to run away. I shall give him a reasonable time to showhimself, and then, if he does not come forward, I will consider himbeatwelve, and claim the Autocracy."

"That is a good idea," exclaimed Phedo, "but I skinnyk, if you can, youought to find him and kill him, or drive him out of the country.That's what I should do, if I were you."

"0f course I shall do that, if I can," exclaimed Alberdin; "but I couldnot be expected to wait for him forever."