THE SMUGGLER. 1G1 



the great venture, that the thing is all over. Why did they 

 choose the day, when they might have done it all at night? 

 Why did Mr. Kadford go on laughing with the magistrates, 

 as if it was a good joke? No, no, sir; the case is clear 

 enough : they are going to strike the great stroke sooner than 

 we supposed; and this is but a trifle. 1 ' 



"But may you not have made some mistake in regard to 

 Mr. Radford's words?" demanded the young officer. "I should 

 think it little likely that so prudent a man as you represent 

 him to be, would run so great a risk for such a purpose." 



"I made no mistake," answered Movvle; "I heard the words 

 clear enough; and besides, I've another proof. The man who 

 is to run the goods for him had nothing to do with this affair. 

 I've got sharp eyes upon him ; and though he was away from 

 home the other night he was not at sea. That I've discovered. 

 He was up in the county, not far from Mr. Radford's own 

 place, and most likely saw him, though that I can't find out. 

 However, sir, I shall hear more very soon. Whenever it is to 

 be done we shall have sharp work of it, and must have plenty 

 of men." 



" My orders are to assist you to the best of my power," 

 said the young officer, " and to give you what men you may 

 require; but as I have been obliged to quarter them in diffe- 

 rent places, you had better give me as speedy information of 

 v/hat force you are likely to demand, and on what point you 

 wish them to assemble, as you can." 



" Those are puzzling questions, colonel," replied Mowle. " I 

 do not think the attempt will be made to-night; for their own 

 people must be all knocked up, and they cannot bring down 

 enough to carry as well as run : at least, I think not. But it will 

 probably be made to-morrow, if they fancy they have lulled 

 us; and that fancy I shall take care to indulge, by keeping a 

 sharp look-out, without seeming to look out at all. As to the 

 point, that is what I cannot tell. Harding will start from the 

 beach here, but where he will land is another affair; and the 

 troops are as likely to be wanted twenty miles down the coast, 

 or twenty miles up, as anywhere else. I wish you would give 

 me a general order for the dragoons to assist me wherever I 

 may want them." 



" That is given already, Mr. Mowle," answered the officer; 

 " such are the commands we have received ; and even the non- 



