As they stopped talking, a low murmur, as of human voices in subdued
tones, reached their ears, and continuing on, they made out distinctly a
train of carts, accompanied by horsemen riding in front and rear.

"What they are is pretty clear," said Lord Reginald. "Those are
smugglers. I have heard they muster at times in great force to convey
their contraband goods up to London."

"I wish that we had some of the frigate's crew with us," said Voules;
"we'd soon put a stop to their journey."

"Will you, young masters?" said a voice. "You'll just come along with
us, and spend the night in different company to what you expect!"

Before the midshipmen could turn round, they found their arms seized by
half a dozen stout fellows, who had apparently been detached from the
main body, and had come up thus suddenly upon them.

"Unhand us!" exclaimed Lord Reginald, indignantly. "What right have you
to stop us in this way?"

"The right of might, young master," answered the man who had before
spoken. "Tell us what brings you here at this time of night!"

Voules, seeing that it would be to their advantage to speak the truth,
answered, "My good friends, we have only just landed from our ship, and
being unable to obtain a carriage, are walking on to Elverston Hall. We
have not the slightest wish to interfere with you or any one else we may
meet on the road; and it would be a serious inconvenience to us to be
detained."

"You speak fairly, my young master," said the man; "and if you and this
youngster here will give us your word of honour that you will not
mention having met us, we will let you go on in a few minutes; but do
not interfere in a matter which does not concern you."

"Oh! certainly, my friend, certainly," answered Voules. "We will hold
our tongues, depend upon that, and we shall be much obliged to you if
you will let us go at once, for we are desperately hungry, and want our
suppers."

"That may be," said the smuggler, laughing; "but you have not given us
your word yet that you will hold your tongue, and we want to know what
this other lad has to say for himself."

"Oh, I'll give you my word to say nothing about you, if on that
condition you will let us proceed on our way," said Lord Reginald;
"although I cannot make out what reason you have for asking us."

"Our reasons do not concern you, so give us your answer without further
delay."

"I promise, then, on the word of an officer and a gentleman, not to