ar; we shan't go on shore, except it may be at night, in
company with friends. You will soon see how we manage things," was the
answer.

The lugger made such good way, that when morning dawned, the coast of
France was seen close aboard. No vessels of any description were in
sight. As she got closer in, the French flag was hoisted, and other
flags were got ready for making signals. Dick heard the skipper talking
to three men whom he had not before observed, and whom he now discovered
to be Frenchmen. He asked Ben who they were.

"One of them is to act as captain, the other two as his mates. They
will go on shore and arrange about getting our cargo shipped. They
won't take long, as it will be all ready. If we have another favourable
night, we may run it, and it will be up in London before a week is
over."

A bright look-out was kept in every direction. As no suspicious sail
appeared, the _Nancy_ stood on. The signal which she made was answered
from the shore.

"All right," said Ben; "no fear of interruption for the present."

The topsails were lowered, and under the foresail and mizzen she glided
on into a small harbour between rocks of sufficient height to hide her
short masts from the view of any craft passing outside. The crew of the
_Nancy_ appeared on deck, dressed as much as possible like French
seamen, while they wisely kept their tongues quiet, so that their true
character might not be suspected.

The two Frenchmen went on shore, while the third remained on board to
answer any questions which might be put to them. Dick observed that the
lugger lay in such a position that she could easily slip out again,
should danger threaten. The crew seemed perfectly at their ease,
laughing and talking when below, as if their situation was one to which
they were well accustomed.

The day passed away; still no cargo was forthcoming, nor did the
Frenchmen re-appear. This made Dick fear that the authorities might
have discovered the true character of the _Nancy_, and in spite of their
precautions the smugglers might be taken in a trap. He did not,
however, express his apprehensions, and neither Ben nor any of the men
appeared troubled on the subject. At night the crew lay down on the
deck with their pistols in their belts, and their cutlasses and
boarding-pikes by their sides, each man at his station so that the cable
might be cut and the sails hoisted at a moment's notice. It showed Dick
that his fears we