226 THE SMUGGLER. 



time to time a word was passed down from those who led the 

 advance, not shouted ; but spoken in a tone only loud enough 

 to be heard by the trooper immediately behind ; and this word, 

 for a considerable way, was merely "All clear!" 



At length, just at the end of the Priory Wood, where a 

 path, coming from the east, branched off towards Aldington 

 Freight, and two roads went away to the north and west, the 

 order to halt was given, to the surprise and consternation of 

 Mr. Mowle, who conceived that the escape of the smugglers 

 must be an inevitable result. At length a new word was 

 passed from the head of the line, which was, " On before." 

 But still the captain of the troop gave no command to march, 

 and the soldiers sat idle on their horses for a quarter of an 

 hour longer. Mowle calculated that it must now be at least 

 half past four or five o'clock. He thought he perceived the 

 approach of day; and though, in discontented silence, he ven- 

 tured to say no more, he would have given all he had in the 

 world to have had the command of the troop for a couple of 

 hours. 



His suspense and anxiety were brought to an end at length; 

 for just as he was assured, by the greyness of the sky, that 

 they sun would soon rise, a trooper came dashing down the 

 right-hand path at full speed, and Captain Irby spurred on to 

 meet him. What passed between them Mowle could not hear ; 

 but the message was soon delivered, the soldier rode back to 

 the east, by the way he came, and the order to march was 

 immediately given. Instead, however, of taking the road to 

 Stonecross, the troop directed its course to the west, but at a 

 somewhat quicker pace than before. Still a word was passed 

 back from the head of the line ; and, after a short time, the 

 troop was put into a quick trot, Captain Irby sometimes en- 

 deavouring to lead his companion into general conversation 

 upon any indifferent subject, but not once alluding to the 

 expedition on which they were engaged. Poor Mowle was 

 too anxious to talk much. He did not at all comprehend the 

 plan upon which the young officer was acting; but yet he 

 began to see that there, was some plan in operation, and he 

 repeated to himself more than once, " There must be some- 

 thing in it, that's clear; but he might as well tell me what it 

 is, I think." 



At length he turned frankly round to his companion, and 



