Author: Gigi Pandian
Publisher: Minotaur Books
ISBN: 125080499X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
"Wildly entertaining." —The New York Times Book Review A Lefty Nominee for Best Mystery Novel Known for her wonderfully addictive characters, multiple award-winning author Gigi Pandian introduces her newest heroine in this heartfelt series debut. Under Lock & Skeleton Key layers stunning architecture with mouthwatering food in an ode to classic locked-room mysteries that will leave readers enchanted. An impossible crime. A family legacy. The intrigue of hidden rooms and secret staircases. After a disastrous accident derails Tempest Raj’s career, and life, she heads back to her childhood home in California to comfort herself with her grandfather’s Indian home-cooked meals. Though she resists, every day brings her closer to the inevitable: working for her father’s company. Secret Staircase Construction specializes in bringing the magic of childhood to all by transforming clients’ homes with sliding bookcases, intricate locks, backyard treehouses, and hidden reading nooks. When Tempest visits her dad’s latest renovation project, her former stage double is discovered dead inside a wall that’s supposedly been sealed for more than a century. Fearing she was the intended victim, it’s up to Tempest to solve this seemingly impossible crime. But as she delves further into the mystery, Tempest can’t help but wonder if the Raj family curse that’s plagued her family for generations—something she used to swear didn’t exist—has finally come for her.
Under Lock & Skeleton Key
Author: Gigi Pandian
Publisher: Minotaur Books
ISBN: 125080499X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
"Wildly entertaining." —The New York Times Book Review A Lefty Nominee for Best Mystery Novel Known for her wonderfully addictive characters, multiple award-winning author Gigi Pandian introduces her newest heroine in this heartfelt series debut. Under Lock & Skeleton Key layers stunning architecture with mouthwatering food in an ode to classic locked-room mysteries that will leave readers enchanted. An impossible crime. A family legacy. The intrigue of hidden rooms and secret staircases. After a disastrous accident derails Tempest Raj’s career, and life, she heads back to her childhood home in California to comfort herself with her grandfather’s Indian home-cooked meals. Though she resists, every day brings her closer to the inevitable: working for her father’s company. Secret Staircase Construction specializes in bringing the magic of childhood to all by transforming clients’ homes with sliding bookcases, intricate locks, backyard treehouses, and hidden reading nooks. When Tempest visits her dad’s latest renovation project, her former stage double is discovered dead inside a wall that’s supposedly been sealed for more than a century. Fearing she was the intended victim, it’s up to Tempest to solve this seemingly impossible crime. But as she delves further into the mystery, Tempest can’t help but wonder if the Raj family curse that’s plagued her family for generations—something she used to swear didn’t exist—has finally come for her.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
ISBN: 125080499X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
"Wildly entertaining." —The New York Times Book Review A Lefty Nominee for Best Mystery Novel Known for her wonderfully addictive characters, multiple award-winning author Gigi Pandian introduces her newest heroine in this heartfelt series debut. Under Lock & Skeleton Key layers stunning architecture with mouthwatering food in an ode to classic locked-room mysteries that will leave readers enchanted. An impossible crime. A family legacy. The intrigue of hidden rooms and secret staircases. After a disastrous accident derails Tempest Raj’s career, and life, she heads back to her childhood home in California to comfort herself with her grandfather’s Indian home-cooked meals. Though she resists, every day brings her closer to the inevitable: working for her father’s company. Secret Staircase Construction specializes in bringing the magic of childhood to all by transforming clients’ homes with sliding bookcases, intricate locks, backyard treehouses, and hidden reading nooks. When Tempest visits her dad’s latest renovation project, her former stage double is discovered dead inside a wall that’s supposedly been sealed for more than a century. Fearing she was the intended victim, it’s up to Tempest to solve this seemingly impossible crime. But as she delves further into the mystery, Tempest can’t help but wonder if the Raj family curse that’s plagued her family for generations—something she used to swear didn’t exist—has finally come for her.
Under Lock and Key, Volume III
Author: T. W. Speight
Publisher:
ISBN: 3752432721
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 106
Book Description
Reproduction of the original: Under Lock and Key, Volume III by T. W. Speight
Publisher:
ISBN: 3752432721
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 106
Book Description
Reproduction of the original: Under Lock and Key, Volume III by T. W. Speight
Lock and Key: The Final Step
Author: Ridley Pearson
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0062399098
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 290
Book Description
“Will leave you dying to know more.” —Rick Riordan, author of the #1 bestselling Percy Jackson series The New York Times bestselling author of the Peter and the Starcatchers and Kingdom Keepers series, Ridley Pearson, brings us the thrilling conclusion to the Lock and Key trilogy. Before James Moriarty and his sister Moria enrolled in Baskerville Academy, they were inseparable—as close to best friends as a brother and sister could be. But since setting foot on the boarding school’s campus, James has been different. At Baskerville, he’s become cunning, deceptive, ruthless, sometimes reckless. And now that his roommate Sherlock Holmes has been expelled, there’s no one left to help Moira figure out what’s going on with her brother or to uncover the connection between a recent string of deaths. To Moria, it seems obvious that someone has it out for the Moriarty family. First their father and then their family driver and now their legal guardian—clearly something is afoot. But to get the answers they need, they’ll first have to deal with an incriminating photograph, secret safe houses, and powerful enemies. It’s a highly original and satisfying take on the Sherlock Holmes series as only master of suspense Ridley Pearson could envision. As Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, says, “This tale will change the way you see Sherlock Holmes and leave you dying to know more.”
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0062399098
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 290
Book Description
“Will leave you dying to know more.” —Rick Riordan, author of the #1 bestselling Percy Jackson series The New York Times bestselling author of the Peter and the Starcatchers and Kingdom Keepers series, Ridley Pearson, brings us the thrilling conclusion to the Lock and Key trilogy. Before James Moriarty and his sister Moria enrolled in Baskerville Academy, they were inseparable—as close to best friends as a brother and sister could be. But since setting foot on the boarding school’s campus, James has been different. At Baskerville, he’s become cunning, deceptive, ruthless, sometimes reckless. And now that his roommate Sherlock Holmes has been expelled, there’s no one left to help Moira figure out what’s going on with her brother or to uncover the connection between a recent string of deaths. To Moria, it seems obvious that someone has it out for the Moriarty family. First their father and then their family driver and now their legal guardian—clearly something is afoot. But to get the answers they need, they’ll first have to deal with an incriminating photograph, secret safe houses, and powerful enemies. It’s a highly original and satisfying take on the Sherlock Holmes series as only master of suspense Ridley Pearson could envision. As Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, says, “This tale will change the way you see Sherlock Holmes and leave you dying to know more.”
Take the Key and Lock Her Up (Embassy Row, Book 3)
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 054565498X
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 286
Book Description
New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter returns with the third entry in this runaway series. For the past three years, Grace Blakely has been desperate to find out the truth about her mother's murder. She thought it would bring her peace. She thought it would lead her to answers. She thought she could put the past to rest. But the truth has only made her a target. And the past? The only way to put the past to rest is for Grace to kill it once and for all.
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 054565498X
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 286
Book Description
New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter returns with the third entry in this runaway series. For the past three years, Grace Blakely has been desperate to find out the truth about her mother's murder. She thought it would bring her peace. She thought it would lead her to answers. She thought she could put the past to rest. But the truth has only made her a target. And the past? The only way to put the past to rest is for Grace to kill it once and for all.
Lock and Key: The Downward Spiral
Author: Ridley Pearson
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0062399063
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 224
Book Description
“Will leave you dying to know more.” —Rick Riordan, author of the #1 bestselling Percy Jackson series The New York Times bestselling author of the Peter and the Starcatcher and Kingdom Keepers series, Ridley Pearson, brings us the second riveting tale in the Lock and Key trilogy. This bravely reimagined origin story of the rivalry of literature’s most famous enemies—Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty—is told from the perspective of James’s observant little sister, Moira. At the thrilling conclusion to book one, we left off with James and Moira’s father dying horribly and unexpectedly. Now the search is on to find out whatreallyhappened to their father. Did he fall or was he pushed? Sherlock, James, and Moira reluctantly partner up, trusting no one, not even each other, as they uncover a secret sect, a rare jewel, and a sordid history. Blood is spilled, trusts broken, and friendships lost in this story of how one simple mistake cost Father his life and James his heart, and sent the Moriartys spiraling ever downward. It’s a highly original and satisfying take on the Sherlock Holmes series as only master of suspense Ridley Pearson could envision. As Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, says, “This tale will change the way you see Sherlock Holmes and leave you dying to know more.”
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0062399063
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 224
Book Description
“Will leave you dying to know more.” —Rick Riordan, author of the #1 bestselling Percy Jackson series The New York Times bestselling author of the Peter and the Starcatcher and Kingdom Keepers series, Ridley Pearson, brings us the second riveting tale in the Lock and Key trilogy. This bravely reimagined origin story of the rivalry of literature’s most famous enemies—Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty—is told from the perspective of James’s observant little sister, Moira. At the thrilling conclusion to book one, we left off with James and Moira’s father dying horribly and unexpectedly. Now the search is on to find out whatreallyhappened to their father. Did he fall or was he pushed? Sherlock, James, and Moira reluctantly partner up, trusting no one, not even each other, as they uncover a secret sect, a rare jewel, and a sordid history. Blood is spilled, trusts broken, and friendships lost in this story of how one simple mistake cost Father his life and James his heart, and sent the Moriartys spiraling ever downward. It’s a highly original and satisfying take on the Sherlock Holmes series as only master of suspense Ridley Pearson could envision. As Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, says, “This tale will change the way you see Sherlock Holmes and leave you dying to know more.”
Lock and Key
Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1440633002
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 434
Book Description
A New York Times bestseller Unlock your heart and the rest will follow. Ruby is used to taking care of herself. But now that she’s living with her sister, she’s got her own room, she’s going to a good school, and her future looks bright. Plus there’s the adorable boy next door. Can Ruby learn to open her heart and let him in? “All the Dessen trademarks here” —Publishers Weekly, starred review Also by Sarah Dessen: Along for the Ride Dreamland Just Listen Keeping the Moon The Moon and More Someone Like You That Summer This Lullaby The Truth About Forever What Happened to Goodbye
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1440633002
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 434
Book Description
A New York Times bestseller Unlock your heart and the rest will follow. Ruby is used to taking care of herself. But now that she’s living with her sister, she’s got her own room, she’s going to a good school, and her future looks bright. Plus there’s the adorable boy next door. Can Ruby learn to open her heart and let him in? “All the Dessen trademarks here” —Publishers Weekly, starred review Also by Sarah Dessen: Along for the Ride Dreamland Just Listen Keeping the Moon The Moon and More Someone Like You That Summer This Lullaby The Truth About Forever What Happened to Goodbye
The Best Friends in My Life Vol 3
Author: Reader John
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 1504318102
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 300
Book Description
SUDDENLY PANTHER AND HAMISH APPEARED AT THE SAME TIME DEMANDING WE HURRY UP AS BREAKFAST WAS BEEN SERVED. PANTHER JUMPED INTO MY ARMS AND SAID. “COME ON ADAM EVERYONE’S WAITING AND WE HAVE THINGS PLANNED FOR THIS MORNING, AND WHY IS IT YOU ARE ALWAYS THE LAST TO APPEAR.” “I AM SORRY BUT MARY AND I HAVE BEEN TALKING.” “YEAH, YOU’RE ALWAYS TALKING, CHATTER AND MORE CHATTER.” “THAT’S ENOUGH FROM YOU YOUNG MAN,” I SAID AS I DROPPED HIM ONTO THE CARPET WHEREBY HE AND HAMISH SCAMPERED INTO THE DINING ROOM INFORMING THE REST OF THE FAMILY WE WERE COMING. I LOOKED OVER AND SAW FATS WHO HAD A BIG GRIN FROM EAR TO EAR. I THOUGHT WHAT’S HE GOT TO BE SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS TIME OF THE MORNING. PERSONALLY, FOR MYSELF I DIDN’T FEEL IN THE MOOD CONSIDERING MARY WAS INTERFERING IN MY THOUGHT PATTERNS MAKING ME WELL AWARE THAT I WOULD NEED TO TELL THEM WHAT SAINT BERNADETTE DISCUSSED WITH ME. I DECIDED TO SIT AND GET BREAKFAST OVER WITH AND TRY AND FIND A SOLUTION. IT WAS TIME TO FIND A SOLUTION I NEEDED TO SET UP A DIALOGUE WITH MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY ESPECIALLY NOW THE GEESE ARE FLYING AROUND. WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT, WHY?
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 1504318102
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 300
Book Description
SUDDENLY PANTHER AND HAMISH APPEARED AT THE SAME TIME DEMANDING WE HURRY UP AS BREAKFAST WAS BEEN SERVED. PANTHER JUMPED INTO MY ARMS AND SAID. “COME ON ADAM EVERYONE’S WAITING AND WE HAVE THINGS PLANNED FOR THIS MORNING, AND WHY IS IT YOU ARE ALWAYS THE LAST TO APPEAR.” “I AM SORRY BUT MARY AND I HAVE BEEN TALKING.” “YEAH, YOU’RE ALWAYS TALKING, CHATTER AND MORE CHATTER.” “THAT’S ENOUGH FROM YOU YOUNG MAN,” I SAID AS I DROPPED HIM ONTO THE CARPET WHEREBY HE AND HAMISH SCAMPERED INTO THE DINING ROOM INFORMING THE REST OF THE FAMILY WE WERE COMING. I LOOKED OVER AND SAW FATS WHO HAD A BIG GRIN FROM EAR TO EAR. I THOUGHT WHAT’S HE GOT TO BE SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS TIME OF THE MORNING. PERSONALLY, FOR MYSELF I DIDN’T FEEL IN THE MOOD CONSIDERING MARY WAS INTERFERING IN MY THOUGHT PATTERNS MAKING ME WELL AWARE THAT I WOULD NEED TO TELL THEM WHAT SAINT BERNADETTE DISCUSSED WITH ME. I DECIDED TO SIT AND GET BREAKFAST OVER WITH AND TRY AND FIND A SOLUTION. IT WAS TIME TO FIND A SOLUTION I NEEDED TO SET UP A DIALOGUE WITH MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY ESPECIALLY NOW THE GEESE ARE FLYING AROUND. WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT, WHY?
Lock and Key: The Initiation
Author: Ridley Pearson
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0062399039
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
“Will leave you dying to know more.”—Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series The New York Times bestselling author of the Peter and the Starcatchers and Kingdom Keepers series, Ridley Pearson, brings us the riveting first tale of the Lock and Key trilogy about the origins of the rivalry between literature’s most famous enemies—Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty, told from the perspective of James’s observant little sister, Moria. Before James grew up to be a ruthless, remorseless villain, he was a curious boy from Boston, with a penchant for trouble and an acid tongue. Thrown into a boarding school against his wishes, James winds up rooming with a most unlikely companion: a lanky British know-it-all named Sherlock Holmes (“Lock” to his friends). An heirloom Bible, donated by the Moriarty family more than a hundred years ago, has gone missing, and it doesn’t take long for the two to find themselves embroiled in the school-wide scandal. The school is on lockdown until it’s found, strange clues keep finding their way to James, and a secret society lurks behind it all. It’s a brave new reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes series as only master of suspense Ridley Pearson could envision. As Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, says, “This tale will change the way you see Sherlock Holmes and leave you dying to know more.”
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0062399039
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
“Will leave you dying to know more.”—Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series The New York Times bestselling author of the Peter and the Starcatchers and Kingdom Keepers series, Ridley Pearson, brings us the riveting first tale of the Lock and Key trilogy about the origins of the rivalry between literature’s most famous enemies—Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty, told from the perspective of James’s observant little sister, Moria. Before James grew up to be a ruthless, remorseless villain, he was a curious boy from Boston, with a penchant for trouble and an acid tongue. Thrown into a boarding school against his wishes, James winds up rooming with a most unlikely companion: a lanky British know-it-all named Sherlock Holmes (“Lock” to his friends). An heirloom Bible, donated by the Moriarty family more than a hundred years ago, has gone missing, and it doesn’t take long for the two to find themselves embroiled in the school-wide scandal. The school is on lockdown until it’s found, strange clues keep finding their way to James, and a secret society lurks behind it all. It’s a brave new reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes series as only master of suspense Ridley Pearson could envision. As Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, says, “This tale will change the way you see Sherlock Holmes and leave you dying to know more.”
Staging "The Mysterious Mother"
Author: Cynthia E. Roman
Publisher: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300274858
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 373
Book Description
The first book-length study of Horace Walpole’s scandalous The Mysterious Mother, including critical essays, an abridged script, and a facsimile edition Horace Walpole’s five-act tragedy The Mysterious Mother (1768), a sensational tale of incest and intrigue, was initially circulated only among the author’s friends. Walpole never permitted it to be performed during his lifetime except as a private theatrical. He described his play as a “delicious entertainment for the closet” and claimed that he “did not think it would do for the stage.” Yet the essays in this volume trace a history of private readings, amateur theatricals, and even early public performances, demonstrating that the play was read and performed more than Walpole’s protests suggest. Exploring a wide variety of topics—including the play’s crypto-Catholicism, its treatments of incest, guilt, motherhood, orphans, and scientific spectacle, and the complex relations between print and performance—the essays demonstrate the rich relevance of The Mysterious Mother to current critical discussions. The volume includes the proceedings of a mini-conference hosted at Yale University in 2018 on the occasion of a staged reading of the play. Also included are the director’s reflections, an abridged script, a facsimile of Walpole’s own copy of the full-length play, and reproductions of the illustrations he commissioned from Lady Diana Beauclerk.
Publisher: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300274858
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 373
Book Description
The first book-length study of Horace Walpole’s scandalous The Mysterious Mother, including critical essays, an abridged script, and a facsimile edition Horace Walpole’s five-act tragedy The Mysterious Mother (1768), a sensational tale of incest and intrigue, was initially circulated only among the author’s friends. Walpole never permitted it to be performed during his lifetime except as a private theatrical. He described his play as a “delicious entertainment for the closet” and claimed that he “did not think it would do for the stage.” Yet the essays in this volume trace a history of private readings, amateur theatricals, and even early public performances, demonstrating that the play was read and performed more than Walpole’s protests suggest. Exploring a wide variety of topics—including the play’s crypto-Catholicism, its treatments of incest, guilt, motherhood, orphans, and scientific spectacle, and the complex relations between print and performance—the essays demonstrate the rich relevance of The Mysterious Mother to current critical discussions. The volume includes the proceedings of a mini-conference hosted at Yale University in 2018 on the occasion of a staged reading of the play. Also included are the director’s reflections, an abridged script, a facsimile of Walpole’s own copy of the full-length play, and reproductions of the illustrations he commissioned from Lady Diana Beauclerk.
The Romance of War, Vol.2 (of 3)
Author: James Grant
Publisher: HENRY COLBURN, PUBLISHER
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
Exmaple in this ebook continue from Vol.1 CHAPTER I. CASTELLO BRANCO. "Well, Ronald, my bon camarado, and so you are really here, and in safety?" said Macdonald as he came up at the head of his sub-division. "Quite well now, I perceive. You received my letter from your servant, of course?" "Yes. I have a thousand strange adventures to tell you of; but I will reserve them for the halt, which I suppose will be at the castle of Zagala. But meanwhile, let me hear the regimental news." "Defer that till the halt also,—talking is dry work. A few rank and file were knocked on the head at Fuente del Maistre; but the officers, you may see, are all present. We feared you were on your route for France, when we heard that Dombrouski's dragoons were in Merida." "A daring deed it was, for a handful of men to advance thus." "Daring indeed!" "But then they were Poles,—and the Poles are no common troops. Sad work, however, they have made at Merida. Every shop and house in the Plaza has been gutted and destroyed." "More shame to the citizens! A city containing five or six thousand inhabitants, should have made some resistance to so small a party." "Ay; but the cits here are not like what our Scottish burghers were two centuries ago,—grasping axe and spear readily at the slightest alarm. By Sir Rowland's orders, Thiele, the German engineer, blew up the Roman bridge, to prevent D'Erlon from pressing upon part of the 13th, who form the rear-guard." "'Twas a pity to destroy so perfect a relic of antiquity." "It was dire necessity." "Did you see any thing of our friends in the Calle de Guadiana,—the house at the corner of the Plaza?" "Ah! Donna Catalina's residence? Blushing again! Why, no; it was dark, and I was so fatigued when we marched through the market-place, that I could not see the house, and Fassifern is so strict that it is impossible to leave the ranks. But I could observe that nearly all the houses above the piazzas are in ruins. However, we have captured nearly every man of the ravagers. A glorious-looking old fellow their commander is,—a French chef-de-bataillon,—Monsieur le Baron de Clappourknuis, as he styles himself." "Clappourknuis? That has a Scottish sort of sound." "The name is purely Scottish. I had a long conversation with him an hour since. He is grandson of the famous John Law of Laurieston, and brother of the French general, the great Marquis of Laurieston.[*] He takes his title of Clappourknuis from some little knowes, which stand between the old castle of Laurieston and the Frith of Forth. What joy and enthusiasm he displayed at sight of our regiment, and the 71st! 'Ah, mon ami!' he exclaimed, holding up his hands. 'Braave Scots,—very superb troupes!' he added, in his broken English, and the soldiers gave him a hearty cheer. He is a true Frenchman of the old school, and has a peculiar veneration for Scotland, which is only equalled by his bitter hatred for England; and all my arguments were lost in endeavouring to prove to him that we are one people,—one nation now. There is one of the 71st, a relation of the Laurieston family: I must introduce him to the baron, who seems to have a great affection for all who come from the land of his fathers.—A handsome young man, apparently, this Louis Lisle, our new sub." To the political or historical reader, the names of the marquis and his brother will be familiar. The house of Laurieston stands within four miles from Edinburgh, on the south bank of the Forth. "Very agreeable you'll find him, I dare say," replied Ronald, colouring slightly. To be continue in this ebook...
Publisher: HENRY COLBURN, PUBLISHER
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
Exmaple in this ebook continue from Vol.1 CHAPTER I. CASTELLO BRANCO. "Well, Ronald, my bon camarado, and so you are really here, and in safety?" said Macdonald as he came up at the head of his sub-division. "Quite well now, I perceive. You received my letter from your servant, of course?" "Yes. I have a thousand strange adventures to tell you of; but I will reserve them for the halt, which I suppose will be at the castle of Zagala. But meanwhile, let me hear the regimental news." "Defer that till the halt also,—talking is dry work. A few rank and file were knocked on the head at Fuente del Maistre; but the officers, you may see, are all present. We feared you were on your route for France, when we heard that Dombrouski's dragoons were in Merida." "A daring deed it was, for a handful of men to advance thus." "Daring indeed!" "But then they were Poles,—and the Poles are no common troops. Sad work, however, they have made at Merida. Every shop and house in the Plaza has been gutted and destroyed." "More shame to the citizens! A city containing five or six thousand inhabitants, should have made some resistance to so small a party." "Ay; but the cits here are not like what our Scottish burghers were two centuries ago,—grasping axe and spear readily at the slightest alarm. By Sir Rowland's orders, Thiele, the German engineer, blew up the Roman bridge, to prevent D'Erlon from pressing upon part of the 13th, who form the rear-guard." "'Twas a pity to destroy so perfect a relic of antiquity." "It was dire necessity." "Did you see any thing of our friends in the Calle de Guadiana,—the house at the corner of the Plaza?" "Ah! Donna Catalina's residence? Blushing again! Why, no; it was dark, and I was so fatigued when we marched through the market-place, that I could not see the house, and Fassifern is so strict that it is impossible to leave the ranks. But I could observe that nearly all the houses above the piazzas are in ruins. However, we have captured nearly every man of the ravagers. A glorious-looking old fellow their commander is,—a French chef-de-bataillon,—Monsieur le Baron de Clappourknuis, as he styles himself." "Clappourknuis? That has a Scottish sort of sound." "The name is purely Scottish. I had a long conversation with him an hour since. He is grandson of the famous John Law of Laurieston, and brother of the French general, the great Marquis of Laurieston.[*] He takes his title of Clappourknuis from some little knowes, which stand between the old castle of Laurieston and the Frith of Forth. What joy and enthusiasm he displayed at sight of our regiment, and the 71st! 'Ah, mon ami!' he exclaimed, holding up his hands. 'Braave Scots,—very superb troupes!' he added, in his broken English, and the soldiers gave him a hearty cheer. He is a true Frenchman of the old school, and has a peculiar veneration for Scotland, which is only equalled by his bitter hatred for England; and all my arguments were lost in endeavouring to prove to him that we are one people,—one nation now. There is one of the 71st, a relation of the Laurieston family: I must introduce him to the baron, who seems to have a great affection for all who come from the land of his fathers.—A handsome young man, apparently, this Louis Lisle, our new sub." To the political or historical reader, the names of the marquis and his brother will be familiar. The house of Laurieston stands within four miles from Edinburgh, on the south bank of the Forth. "Very agreeable you'll find him, I dare say," replied Ronald, colouring slightly. To be continue in this ebook...