280 THE SMUGGLER. 



yet, perhaps, I acted afterwards as if I had been guilty, or at 

 all events in a way that was well calculated to make people 

 believe I was so. But I was mad at the time, mad with agi- 

 tation and grief; and every man, I believe, in moments of 

 deep emotion is mad, more or less. However, I crept out of 

 the wood again, and hastened on, determined to leave the man 

 to the care of Mr. Radford, but with all my thoughts wild and 

 confused, and no definite line of conduct laid out for myself. 

 Before I had gone a mile, I began to think what a folly I had 

 committed, that I should have joined Radford at once; that I 

 should have been present to hear what the man said, and to 

 give every assistance in my power, although it might be inef- 

 fectual, in order to staunch the blood and save his life. As 

 soon as these reflections arose, I determined, though late, to 

 do what I should have done at first; and, turning my steps, I 

 walked back at a quick pace. Ere I got half way to the top 

 of the hill which looks down upon the wood, I saw Radford 

 coming out again on horseback; but I went on, and met him. 

 As soon as he beheld me he checked his horse, which was 

 going at a rapid rate, and when I came pear, dismounted to 

 speak with me. We were then little more than common ac- 

 quaintances, and I had sometimes dealt hardly with him in his 

 different transactions ; but he spoke in a friendly tone, saying, 

 " This is a sad business, Sir Robert; but if you wilt take my 

 advice you will go home as quickly as you can, and say no- 

 thing to any one till you see me. I will be with you in an 

 hour or so. At present I must ride up to Middle Quarter, 

 and get down men to carry home the body. With a feeling I 

 cannot express, I asked if he were dead then. He nodded his 

 head significantly; and when I was going to put further ques- 

 tions, he grasped my hand, saying, ' Go home, Sir Robert; go 

 home. I shall say nothing about the matter to any one, till I 

 see you, except that I found him dying in the wood. His gun 

 was discharged, 7 he continued, 'so there is no proof that he 

 did not do it himself I' Little did I know what a fiend he was 

 into whose power I was putting myself." 



"Oh, heaven!" cried Edith, who had been listening with 

 her head bent down till her whole face was nearly concealed, 

 "I see it all, now! I see it all I" 



" No, dear child," replied Sir Robert Croyland, in a voice 

 sad and solemn, but wonderfully calm, "you cannot see it all; 



