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men might have been induced to desert if they were told how much ready-money was to be picked up in smuggling, and what a free and happy life it was. And so the meeting at last came to an end, and they separated.

The sergeant was led by two of the men to the nearest spot to the farm, beyond which they did not venture, and he then proceeded alone up the hill. He was challenged, and, of course, could not give the watchword, so he answered, 'Friend!' When told to come forward he was immediately recognised by the sentinel, who fired off his piece, and the guard instantly turned out. Great pleasure was of course expressed at his return, and Latimer himself came out. The sergeant saluted, and requested to speak to him privately. Latimer called him in and took him up the old staircase to the officers' private room, and then questioned him on every point about what happened on the occasion of the advance of the troops, and the unfortunate attempt to rescue their leader. Of course he heard everything to confirm what he knew already about the conduct of Pardox. He was then questioned as to what had happened to himself, and he told fully to Latimer the whole of the conversation between Dingrose and Bridget. He said he'could not fairly understand it, but it was some one who was killed they cared very much about, and they said they wished he had a son. Then they thought all of a sudden that there was a son, and

!

talked a long time about it; and at last they said that you, Captain, was this somebody's son.'

Latimer, as it may be supposed, was moved beyond measure by the intelligence, his heart beat so loud that he could hear it himself. He questioned the sergeant, who endeavoured to explain how this all was, but in vain. He then told many of the stories of the old family Bridget had given him, but still was unable to make clear to Latimer who he was supposed to be. At last he said, 'That man Dingrose is a downright good man. He let me go once, he has given up being the and he told me to tell you this: That he could not fight against the son of his foster-brother, and that he had almost been called a coward, but that he would not go against the old family.'

and head of the smugglers,

'What family?' was of course the question. But to this the sergeant could give no clear answer. It was a family somewhere there, great people, but that was all he could say.

and

Latimer's thoughts may be easily imagined, but he was sorely puzzled. He had all his life known his own history was a mystery, which he hoped one day to solve, and now that he seemed to have obtained a clue, it had come in the most unexpected way, from a most extraordinary source. He felt sure of the truth of Dingrose's statement when it should be made to him, but how to get it he did not see. He was convinced Dingrose would not have taken so

important a step as resigning the leadership of the smugglers at such a time, unless influenced by a very strong impulse indeed. The next question he asked was, 'Where is Dingrose?' The sergeant did not know, and Latimer knew by experience he must not venture alone into what might be called the smugglers' territory. He saw that he must wait until after the encounter with the smugglers before he could make any inquiry. His mind became almost overpowered by the conflicting thought, and he was going to dismiss the sergeant after highly commending his conduct, and saying he would report him to the colonel, when the sergeant, saluting again, said,'Beg your pardon, sir, but I have brought another message from the smugglers.'

He then told the proposal. And Latimer said,— 'Go away. I will see you again in an hour. I must consult Lieutenant Jones.'

When the sergeant was gone, Latimer stood up, and taking off his shako, he looked solemnly upwards, while his lips moved. Then, after pacing the room two or three times, he sat down and said aloud, 'Duty first and foremost to my king and country.' The offer of the smugglers was a very tempting one. He wished to spare life, and it would enable him at

once to follow out the clue and discover his own parentage. But he at once came to the conclusion that he could make no such terms. How could he trust the smugglers? It then occurred to him that

perhaps through Dingrose it might be done. He thought if he could see him he could trust him, and, at the same time, hear from his lips this important secret. But the thought was again instantly banished, and when he found himself sufficiently master of his thoughts, he sought Lieutenant Jones, and calmly gave him the report of the sergeant and the message from the smugglers; and when they both agreed that the proposal could not be entertained for an instant, and that the sergeant must return according to his compact, he called the sergeant again before him, and gave him the reply. And he only added, 'If you can find out more from Bridget or from Dingrose, do so. I cannot explain to you what I know about myself now, but I have long expected some discovery of this kind. You need make no secret about it, my name as I am usually known will suffice, if I am ever to bear another to which I may have more right. I cannot be happier than I am in our noble service, especially when I command such men, sergeant, as yourself.'

The sergeant returned that same night to the cave, and gave himself up as a voluntary prisoner, until he was again actually detained by force, when he would feel himself at liberty to escape if he could.

CHAPTER XXIII.

N the evening of the day on which Mary Carfax had called at Holly Bank, Mr Maxwell, as usual now, greatly depressed, went out into the garden. It was a beautiful night, with a bright moon, fulfilling the words of the poet, who sang so soothingly thus,—

'As when the moon hath comforted the night,

And set the world in silver of her light.'

This influence could not fail to make itself felt and be appreciated by the harassed spirits of the worthy owner of Holly Bank. His son, as usual, was not at home, and he hoped he was employing himself in some way in the old stables, which he often did. He thought, therefore, that he would try to find him there. He was pleased as he drew near to see a light burning, which was less observable on account of the moonlight. 'God bless the dear boy,' he said to himself. He is all the while innocently engaged in his carpentering or something of the kind. I have perhaps often judged him harshly.' Exceedingly

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