THE SMUGGLER. 251 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



ALL things have their several stages ; and, without a know- 

 ledge of the preceding one it is impossible to judge accurately 

 of any event which is the immediate subject of our contem- 

 plation. The life of every one, the history of the whole world 

 that we inhabit, is but a regular drama with its scenes and 

 acts, each depending for its interest upon that which preceded. 

 I therefore judge it necessary, before going on to detail the 

 events which took place in Mr. Croyland's house during his 

 absence, to visit the dwelling of his brother, and give some ac- 

 count of that which produced them. On the same eventful 

 morning, then, of which we have spoken so much already, the 

 inhabitants of Harbourne House slept quietly during the little 

 engagement between the smugglers and the dragoons, unaware 

 that things of great importance to their little circle were pass- 

 ing at no great distance. I have mentioned the inhabitants of 

 Harbourne House; but perhaps it would have been more pro- 

 per to have said the master, his family, and his guest; for a 

 number of the servants were up ; the windows were opened ; 

 and the wind, setting from Woodchurch, brought the sound of 

 fire-arms thence. The movement of the troops from the side 

 of High Halden was also remarked by one of the housemaids 

 and a footman, as the young lady was leaning out of one of 

 the windows with the young gentleman by her side. In a 

 minute or two after they perceived, galloping across the coun- 

 try, two or three parties of men on horseback, as if in flight 

 and pursuit. Most of these took to the right or left, and were 

 soon lost to the sight; but at length one solitary horseman 

 came on at a furious speed towards Harbourne House, with a 

 small party of dragoons following him direct at a couple of 

 hundred yards' distance, while two or three of the soldiery 

 were seen scattered away to the right, and a somewhat larger 

 body appeared moving down at a quick pace to the left, as if 

 to cut the fugitive off at Gallows Green. 



