308 THE SMUGGLER. 



any embarrassment over an intercourse which is necessary at 

 present, and which is my only hope and resource, in the cir- 

 cumstances in which we are placed. So now tell me what 

 you are going to do ; for you seemed, but now, as if you were 

 about to set out somewhere." 



" I am going to Woodchurch instantly," replied Digby. 

 " Sir Henry Layton must be there still." 



" Sir Henry Layton 1 '' exclaimed Zara ; " then he has, indeed, 

 been a successful campaigner.'' 



"Most successful, and most deservedly so," answered his 

 friend. "No man but Wolfe won more renown; and if he 

 can but gain this battle, Layton will have all that he desires 

 on earth. But I will not stay here, skirmishing on the flanks, 

 dear lady, while the main body is engaged. I will ride over 

 as fast as possible, see Layton, consult with him, and be back, 

 if possible, by dinner-time. If not, you must tell your fa- 

 ther not to wait for me, as I was suddenly called away on 

 business." 



"But how shall I know the result of your expedition?" 

 demanded Zara; "we shall be surrounded I fear by watchful 

 eyes.'' 



" We must trust to fortune and our own efforts to afford us 

 some means of communication," replied Digby. " But remem- 

 ber, dearest lady, that for this great object, you have promised 

 to cast away all reserve. For the time, at least, you miu>t 

 look upon Edward Digby as a brother, and treat him as such." 



"That I will!" answered the fair girl, heartily; and Digby, 

 leaving her to explain their conduct to her aunt as she best 

 might, ordered his horse, and rode away towards Wopdchurch, 

 in haste. 



Pulling his rein at the door of the little inn, hejnquired 

 which was Sir Henry Lay ton's room, and was directed up 

 stairs; but on opening the door of the chamber whicji had 

 been pointed out, he found no one in it, but the somewhat 

 strange-looking old man, whom we have once before seei with 

 Layton, at Hythe. 



" Ah, Mr. Warde, you here!" exclaimed Sir Edward Digby. 

 " Layton told me you were in England. But where is he? I 

 have business of some importance to talk with him upon;" and 

 as he spoke, he shook the old man's hand warmly. 



" I know you have," answered Mr. Warde, gazing upon 



