't been for Ben; but the
way they spoke put his back up, and he gave them a piece of his mind."

"Just now, Dick, you said that you would not be influenced by Ben; but
surely you were on that occasion," remarked Mrs Hargrave. "However,
Dick, I do not want to blame you, but just try to keep clear of those
men, and show what a help you can be to your father on the farm. Now,
as you have had your supper, you had better go to bed, and I'll close
the door. I want to sit by Janet's side, in case she should awake
before I lie down. Do not forget to say your prayers, my son, and sing
one of the hymns I taught you, though you look so sleepy that I am
afraid you will not think much about what you are saying."

Dick had in truth given way to several wide yawns, while his eyelids had
begun to droop. He followed his mother's advice, as far as he was able,
and especially in the last particular; but he was fast asleep as soon
almost as his head touched the pillow.

CHAPTER THREE.

GOOD INTENTIONS--BLIND JANET--POOR FAITHFUL SHOT--A TRYING MOMENT--
DICK'S ANGER--DESIRE OF REVENGE--A DANGEROUS SPEECH--THREATENING TO
SHOOT--THE CONSEQUENCES--TEMPTED--INDIGNATION OF THE FARMER'S SON--A
SORROWFUL DUTY--GRIEF OF THE BLIND GIRL--A SCHEME OF MR GOOCH--DICK'S
FEARS OF ARREST--RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME--AT THE SMUGGLER'S COTTAGE--ON
BOARD THE NANCY--SAFE FOR THE PRESENT.

Dick Hargrave kept to his resolution of trying to avoid meeting with
Lord Reginald. Should he do so it would not be his fault, and should he
fall in with him, he would endeavour to retain his temper, should his
lordship speak to him in his former style. He likewise refrained from
going to Keyhaven, or any other place where he was likely to meet any of
his associates engaged in smuggling, although it was difficult to say
who was not, more or less, implicated in the lawless proceedings so
general at that time along the south coast. He assisted his father on
the farm, and occasionally took Janet out for a short walk, as,
notwithstanding the doctor's expectations, she was able to get up again
the very day after she had appeared to be so ill.

She declared that it was owing to the nice fish Dick had brought her.
Again, however, she was confined to her room. As she could not take out
Faithful, she begged that Dick would give him a run. "The poor dog sits
so quietly at my feet all day, and if he sees me moving, I hear his tail
thumping on the floor, and he begins to