THE SMUGGLER. 197 



" That was merely because I did not like the man's look," 

 replied the young officer, " and thought you would understand 

 that a message sent you in so public a manner, upon a business 

 which required secrecy, must not be read in its direct sense." 



"Ohl I see, colonel, I see," cried the officer of customs; 

 " it was stupid enough not to understand. All my people are 

 ready, however, and if we could but discover the hour the run 

 is to be made, we should have a pretty sure game of it." 



" Cannot the same person who gave you so much intelli- 

 gence, give you that also?" asked his companion. 



"Why, no; either the imp can't or he won't," said Mowle. 

 " I had to pay him ten pounds for what tidings I got, for the 

 little wretch is as cunning as Satan." 



" Are you sure the intelligence was correct?" demanded the 

 officer of dragoons. 



44 Oh I yes, sir," replied Mowle, "His tidings have always 

 been quite right; and, besides, Fve the means of testing this 

 myself, for he told me where they are to meet, at least a large 

 party of them, before going down to the shore. I've a very 

 great mind to disguise myself, and creep in among them." 



" A very hazardous experiment, I should think," said the 

 colonel, "and I do not see any object worth the risk." 



" Why, the object would be to get information of the hour," 

 answered Mowle. " If we could learn that some time before, 

 we could have everything ready, and have them watched all 

 through the Marsh." 



" Well, you must use your own judgment in that particular," 

 answered the young officer ; " but I tell you I am quite pre- 

 pared myself, and such a large body, as you have mentioned, 

 cannot cross a considerable extent of country without attract- 

 ing attention." 



"Well, I'll see, sir, I'll see," answered Mowle; "but had I 

 not better send off two or three officers towards Dymchurch, 

 to give your men notice as soon as the goods are landed?" 



" Undoubtedly," answered the colonel. " There's a party 

 at New Romney, and a party at Burmarsh. They both have 

 their orders, and, as soon as they have intimation, will act 

 upon them. I would have enough men present, if I were you, 

 to watch the coast well, but with strict orders to do nothing 

 to create alarm." 



Some minor arrangements were then entered into, of no 



