mention having met you," said Voules.

Lord Reginald repeated the same words.

"Well, then, you may go about your business," said the smuggler; "only
don't in future talk of putting a stop to smuggling; it's what neither
you nor your elders can do. Now, good night, lads. Remember, if you
break your words it will be the worse for you."

Saying this, the smuggler and his men rejoined their companions, who had
already crossed the road, and the two midshipmen, glad to escape so
easily, proceeded on their way.

"I thought we were in for it!" observed Voules; "it would have been very
unpleasant if they had carried us off, or knocked us on the head!"

"Yes, indeed," answered Lord Reginald; "they are bold fellows to travel
through the country so openly, even at night; but, as my father says,
`Bold as they may be, they must be put down.'"

"Well, we must try to forget the circumstance at present, or we shall be
letting something slip out," remarked Voules. "Are we approaching the
hall yet?"

"We cannot be far off, though I should be better able to answer the
question in daylight. I am only certain that we are on the right road,
and have not reached the lodge gates; we shall see a light shining in
the window when we get near."

Nearly another half-hour passed before the light Lord Reginald spoke of
appeared. The park-keeper and his wife, who had their minds filled with
the dread of an invasion from the French, or an attack from the
smugglers, were at first very unwilling to open the gates. Not until
Lord Reginald had explained who he was, and had mentioned several
circumstances to prove that he spoke the truth, would they admit him and
his companion.

"Beg pardon, my lord; but we hope you won't take it amiss," exclaimed
the gate-keeper.

"We meant no offence, that we didn't, my lord," chimed in his wife.
"But you see, your lordship, that there are all sorts of bad characters
about--smugglers and highwaymen and gipsies, and we couldn't tell if it
was some of them come to murder us and burn the hall down, as they swear
they will; or if it was the French, for it's said that they will land
one of these nights, and turn out the king and Parliament."

"Hold your tongue, wife, and don't be keeping Lord Reginald and the
other gentleman waiting," exclaimed the husband. "You see, my lord, how
my good woman is afeered, and so I hope your lordship will pardon me, as
I mustn't leave her alone, if I don't go up with you to