n footsteps not
allowing him to hear other sounds, when on passing beneath some
overhanging trees, the shadow of which prevented him from seeing objects
ahead, he suddenly found himself close upon a body of men, some on
horseback and others on foot, escorting a line of carts. Dick at once
knew what they were about, and not wishing to be stopped, he sprang on,
hoping to remain concealed behind the trunk of a tree until they had
passed by; but he had been observed, and two of the men came up to him.

"What business have you here, youngster?" asked one of them, seizing his
arm and dragging him forward.

"I am Farmer Hargrave's son, and am on my way home with some fish Ben
Rudall and I have been catching for my sister Janet," he answered.

"All right, Master Dick," said the man; "we know you well enough; but
don't say that you have seen us, and if Ben has taken care to show
himself, the revenue people won't suspect what's in the wind, as they
will think that he would be sure to be along with us. Have you any
news?"

"Nothing that much concerns you, Master Fryer," answered Dick, who
recognised the speaker. "A frigate anchored in Yarmouth Roads this
evening, and two of the officers, one of them Lord Elverston's son, have
landed and gone on to the hall."

"I should like to pay them off for the trouble the marquis gives us,"
said Fryer; "though we have put him on a wrong scent, and he is not
likely to find out this time what we are about, until the goods are safe
in the hands of the London merchants."

"It would not do us much good to interfere with the youngsters,"
observed the other man. "If the marquis would but let us alone we
should have no ill will towards him. All we want is free trade and fair
play."

"You are right there, mate," observed Fryer; "and now, Master Dick, you
may go your way, and remember to keep a quiet tongue in your head."

Dick, escorted by his captors, who explained who he was, passed
unquestioned through the main body of the smugglers, who had halted for
some reason for a few minutes, just as he got up to them. Dick again
hurried on, while the smugglers proceeded along by-paths across the
country, shortly after to fall in, as has been seen, with the
midshipmen. Dick was met by his faithful dog, who was always on the
watch for him when he was away from home, and having an especial duty to
perform, seldom accompanied him. That duty, which he performed with
exemplary patience, was to le