376 THE SMUGGLER. 



rascal, and the other's a strong one; that's the only difference 

 between them; and Robert may fit on which cap he likes 

 best." 



Digby did not think it necessary to stop to justify Sir Robert 

 Croyland in his brother's opinion ; but, mounting his horse, he 

 rode back across the country towards Harbourne as fast as he 

 could go. He reached the house before the usual breakfast 

 hour; but he found that everybody there had been an early 

 riser as well as himself; the table was laid ready for break- 

 fast; and Sir Robert Croyland was waiting in the drawing- 

 room with some impatience in his looks. 



" I think I am not too late, Sir Robert," said Digby, taking 

 out his watch, and bowing with a smile to Zara and Mrs. 

 Barbara. 



"No, oh dear! no, my young friend," replied the baronet; 

 " only in such a house as this, breakfast is going on all the 

 morning long ; and I thought you would excuse me, if I took 

 mine a little earlier than usual, as I have got some way to go 

 this morning.* 



This was said as they were entering the breakfast-room; 

 but Sir Edward Digby replied, promptly, " I must ask you to 

 spare me five minutes before you go, Sir Robert, as I wish to 

 speak with you for a short time." 



His host looked uneasy; for he was in that nervous and 

 agitated state of mind, in which anything that is not clear and 

 distinct seems terrible to the imagination, from the conscious- 

 ness that many ill-defined calamities are hanging over us. He 

 said, " Certainly, certainly!" however, in a polite tone; but he 

 swallowed his breakfast in haste; and the young officer per- 

 ceived that his host looked at every mouthful he took as if liltely 

 to procrastinate the meal. Zara's face, too, was anxious and 

 thoughtful ; and consequently he hurried his own breakfast as 

 fast as possible, knowing that the signal to rise would be a 

 relief to all parties. 



" If you will come into my little room, Sir Edward," said 

 the master of the house, as soon as he saw that his guest was 

 ready, " I shall be very happy to hear what you have to say." 



Sir Edward Digby followed in silence; and, to tell the truth, 

 his heart beat a good deal, though it was not one to yield upon 

 slight occasions. 



" I will not detain you a moment. Sir Robert," he said, 



