THE SMUGGLER. 127 



Ci'oy hinds. It was a good broad open way, in which there 

 was plenty of fencing room, and he thought to himself as he 

 walked on, "I shall not be sorry to punish this young vaga- 

 bond a little. I must see what sort of skill he has, and if 

 possible wound him without hurting him much. If one could 

 keep him to his bed for a fortnight, we should have the field 

 more clear for our own campaign; but these things must al- 

 ways be a chance." 



Thus meditating, and looking at his watch to see how much 

 time he had to spare, Major Sir Edward Digby walked on till 

 he came within sight of the garden wall and some of the out- 

 buildings of Harbourne House. The reader, if he has paid 

 attention, will remember that the road did not go straight to 

 the back of the house itself: a smaller path, which led to the 

 left, conducting thither; but as the gardens extended for 

 nearly a quarter of a mile on that side, it followed the course 

 of the wall to the left to join the garish road which ran in 

 front of the mansion, leaving the green court, as it was called, 

 or lawn, and the terrace on the right hand. 



As there was no other road in that direction, Sir Edward 

 Digby felt sure that he must be on the ground appointed, but 

 yet, as is the case in all moments of expectation, the time 

 seemed so long, that when he saw the brick-work he took out 

 his watch again, and found there were still five minutes to 

 spare. He accordingly turned upon his steps, walking slowly 

 back for about a quarter of a mile, and then returned, looking 

 sharply out for his opponent, but seeing no one. He was now 

 sure that the time must be past ; but, resolved to afford young 

 liadford every opportunity, he said to himself: " Watches 

 may differ, and something may have detained him. I will 

 give him a full half hour, and then if he does not come I 

 shall understand the matter." 



As soon, then, as he saw the walls once more, he wheeled 

 round and re-trod his steps, then looked at his watch, and 

 found that it was a quarter past three. " Too badl" he said, 

 " too bad I The fellow can't be coward, too, as well as black- 

 guard. One turn more, and then I've done with him." But 

 as he advanced on his way towards the house, he suddenly 

 perceived the flutter of female garments before him, and say- 

 ing to himself, "This is awkward 1" he gazed round for some 

 path, in order to get out of the way for a moment, but could 



