e. For myself, I confess I do not care; the pleasure of
accompanying you and the honour of being received by your family, will
make ample amends to me for a far greater annoyance. As a miserable
younger son, with little more than my pay to depend upon, I have often
had to tramp it. But you, I fear, will be greatly fatigued."

"Not a bit of it," answered Reginald. "I can walk as well as any man,
and could get over the distance if it were twice as great. I was only
vexed at the impertinence of those fellows."

"Of course, of course," said Voules, soothingly; "but leave them to me,
and if I have an opportunity while remaining here, I'll endeavour to pay
them off."

Mr Alfred Voules, though an especial friend of Lord Reginald Oswald,
was not a favourite on board his ship, where he was known by the name of
"Toady Voules," an appellation he richly merited by the mode in which he
paid court to any shipmates possessed of titles or amply stored purses.
He had lately won his way into the good graces of Lord Reginald, who had
obtained leave to take him on a visit to Elverston Hall, while the
frigate was refitting at Portsmouth. When she brought up in Yarmouth
Roads, Lord Reginald explained that his home was a short distance off on
the opposite coast, and that it would save him and his friend a long
journey if they were to land at Keyhaven, as they could easily reach it
from thence. Much to their satisfaction, their captain allowed them--
certainly an unusual favour--to be put on shore as they desired. Voules
himself stood well in the opinion of the captain and lieutenants, as,
although he might not have exhibited any especial gallantry, he always
appeared attentive to his duty.

As the two midshipmen stepped out briskly, they soon distanced the cart,
though darkness overtook them when they were still three or four miles
from the hall. Lord Reginald, however, knew the road, and there was
light enough from the stars to enable them to see it without difficulty.
Elverston was situated some distance from the coast, within the borders
of the New Forest. They were laughing and talking merrily together as
they made their way along an uncultivated tract, covered with heather
and occasional clumps of trees, here and there paths crossing the main
road, when Voules exclaimed--

"What are those objects moving beyond the trees there? They seem to me
to be like men on horseback; and, surely, that is the sound of cart
wheels."