, cuirasses.

"To the boats!" yelled the crowd.

"To the water! Drive 'em to the water!" answered the stentorian
voice, now recognisable as Mr. Smellie's.

The Dragoons, using the flat of their sabres, drove the fugitives
down to the tide's edge, nor drew rein until their chargers stood
fetlock-deep in water, still pressing the huddled throng around the
boats.

"Bring a lantern, there!" shouted the Riding Officer. "And call
Hymen! Where is Hymen!"

"I am here!"

The Major had picked himself up out of two feet of water, into which
he had been flung on all fours. He was dripping wet, but he still
clutched his naked blade, and advancing into the light of the
lantern's rays, brought it up to salute with a fine cold dignity.

"I am here," he repeated quietly.

"Well, then, I'm sorry for you, Hymen; but the game's up," said Mr.
Smellie.

The Major glanced at him, for a moment only.

"Will someone inform me who commands this troop?" he asked, looking
first to right, then to left, along the line of the Dragoons.

"At your service, sir," answered a young officer, pressing his horse
forward alongside Mr. Smellie's.

The Major reached out a hand for the lantern. Someone passed it to
him obediently; and holding it he scanned the officer up and down
amid the dead silence of the crowd.

"Your name, sir?"

"Arbuthnot, sir--Captain Arbuthnot, of the 5th Dragoons."

"Then allow me to ask, Captain Arbuthnot, by what right have you and
your troopers assaulted my men?"

"Excuse me," the Captain answered. "I am acting on trustworthy
information. The Riding Officer here, Mr. Smellie--"

But here Mr. Smellie himself interposed brusquely.

"You can stow this bluster, Hymen. I've cornered you, and you know
it. The flares in the offing yonder came from two preventive boats.
Back-door and front I have you, as neat as a rat in a drain; so you
may just turn that lantern of yours on the cargo, own up, and sing
small."

"To resume our conversation, Captain Arbuthnot," the Major went on.
"Upon what information are you and your men taking a part, uninvited,
in this evening's--er--proceedings? You must understand, sir, that I
put this question as a magistrate."

"To be frank, sir, I am warned that under cover of a feigned attack
between your two corps an illicit cargo was to be run here to-night.
The Riding Officer's information is precise, and he tells me he is
acquainted with the three boats in which the goods hav