He found that he was
obliged to pass the Red Lion, and he had almost succeeded in doing so
unmolested, when one of the sailors who was loitering outside, cried
out after him,

"Ho, friend! I would speak with you!"

"Josh" had to stop although sorely tempted to run for it.

"I've got some idee of shippin' in th' Navy," said the fellow, as he
approached. "Now, friend, you can tell me somethin' of th' pay an'
service, as you're an officer of th' army."

Barney's eyes shone with pleasure, as he saw that his disguise had
deceived the fellow.

"Walk along with me towards Plymouth," said he, "and I'll explain
everything to you. I have business there which will not wait and I
must get on to it."

So they jogged along together, talking vigorously about the Navy, but,
in the course of half an hour the jack-tar seemed to think better of
his plan for entering "a service noted for its cruelty to seamen," and
turned back, saying,

"Thank'ee my fine friend. Thank'ee. I'll stick to privateerin'. It's
easier an' there's less cat-o'-nine-tails to it."

As soon as his burly form disappeared down the winding road, Barney
began to grow anxious about his safety. Perhaps a guard would be sent
after him? Perhaps--even now--men had discovered his absence and were
hurrying to intercept him? So--with these thoughts upon his mind--he
jumped over a stiff hedge into the grounds of Lord Mount-Edgecumbe.

"Egad! it's touch and go with me," said he, as he walked down one of
the gravelled paths. "I'm in for it now for here comes the gardener."

Sure enough, towards him ambled a middle-aged fellow, smiling as he
pushed along a wheel-barrow filled with bulbs.

Joshua walked up to him, extending his right hand.

"My friend," said he, "I am an officer escaping from some seamen who
wish my life because of a duel in which I recently engaged over the
hand of a fair lady. Here is a guinea. It is all that I possess.
And--if you could but pilot me to the waterside and will not tell of
my whereabouts--I will bless you to my dying day."

The good-humored man-of-the-soil smiled benignly.

"Prithee, but follow me," said he, "and we'll soon see that you pass
by the way of the water gate. Your money is most welcome, sir, for my
wife is just now ill and doctors must be paid, sir. That you know
right well."

Barney breathed easier as they walked towards the sea; for out of the
corner of his eye he saw a guard--sent to capture him--tramping along
the o