ng promises of a fine day. He had been a good penman at school, so
that he had no difficulty in writing his letter. He had bade an
affectionate good night to them all, and he would not run the risk of
being hindered in his project by remaining for breakfast. His letter
was brief.

"Dear father," it ran, "don't give up the farm. I shall be all safe,
though I don't want you or any one else to find me until the matter is
settled, but I have made up my mind that they shall not make a cat's paw
of me. Love to mother and Janet. So no more from your affectionate
son, Dick."

Leaving the letter on the table, with a bundle of clothes and a few
other articles in his hand, he slipped silently downstairs, thankful to
find that his father was not yet stirring. Filling his pocket with some
bread and cheese from the larder, he hurried out by the back door, which
was not likely to be opened for some time, and made his way by by-paths
in the direction of Keyhaven. He felt, it must be confessed, somewhat
like a culprit escaping from justice. Every now and then he looked back
to ascertain if he was followed; then again he ran on. He wished, if
possible, to avoid meeting any one who might question him as to where he
was bound at that early hour. The labourers would be going to work, but
a considerable portion of the country through which he passed was still
uncultivated. Twice when he saw people coming, he turned aside and hid
himself behind a hedge until the men had passed. He thus reached Ben
Rudall's cottage, without, as he supposed, being seen by any one who
knew him. Ben was not at home; but Susan asked him to come in and sit
down.

"He has been out nearly all night, Master Richard, but I am hoping to
see him back safe every minute," she said. "He got notice that the
_Nancy_ was standing in for the coast, and went out to lend a helping
hand. I don't mind telling you, as I know that you are not one of those
who side with the revenue people, or would go and give information--"

"Which would injure any of my friends," put in Dick. "No, indeed, I
would not. To say the truth, your husband promised me a trip on board
the _Nancy_, which I have come to accept."

"He'll be main glad, for he has agreed to go himself the next trip, and
he told me that he thought the lugger would be away again to-night or
to-morrow at furthest. She's not likely to be long away, though, and I
don't mind his going as much as I used to do. S