398 THE SMUGGLER. 



former days, came painfully back upon him, and combining 

 with his treatment of Edith, raised up bitter and indignant 

 feelings that he could have wished to quell. The scenes which 

 he had passed through that day, too, had given a tone of 

 sternness to his mind which was not usual; and the few 

 minutes he had waited in the library, when every moment 

 seemed of value, added impatience to his other sensations. 



The baronet entered as firmly as he could, bowing his head 

 and motioning coldly to a chair. But Layton did not sit down, 

 gazing for an instant on the countenance of Sir Robert, struck 

 and astonished by the change that he beheld. That steadfast 

 gaze was painful to its object, and sank his spirit still farther, 

 but Layton, the moment after, began to speak, and the well- 

 known tones of his clear, mellow voice, awakened the recol- 

 lection of the days when, they were once pleasant to hear. 



" Sir Robert Croyland," he said, " I have come to you on 

 business of importance, in which it is necessary for you to act 

 immediately in your magisterial capacity." 



"I have no clerk with me, sir," answered the baronet, in a 

 hesitating manner; "at this late hour, it is not usual, except 

 under circumstances " 



" The circumstances admit of no delay, Sir Robert Croy- 

 land," replied Layton. "As the nearest magistrate, I have 

 applied to you in the first instance, and have done so for many 

 other reasons besides your being the nearest magistrate." 



"Well, sir, what is your application?" demanded Edith's 

 father. " I wish, indeed, you had applied to somebody else 

 at this time of night; but I will do my duty: oh, yes, I will 

 do my duty I" 



" That is all that is required, sir," answered the young 

 officer. " My application is for a warrant to search the house 

 of one Richard Radford, and I have to tender you, on oath, 

 information that customable goods, which have been introduced 

 without the payment of duty, are concealed on his premises. 

 One moment more, if you please ; I have also to apply to you, 

 upon similar evidence, for a warrant to search his house for 

 his son, Richard Radford, charged with murder; and, in the 

 end, if you would allow me to advise you, you would instantly 

 mount your horse, and superintend the search yourself." 



There was a marked and peculiar emphasis on the last few 

 words which Sir Robert Croyland did not understand. The 



