was able to go to bed, feeling no inclination
to put myself in the way of going through any fresh adventures.

Next morning, after breakfast, I asked my father if he would accompany
me to Leighton Park, that I might make another appeal to Sir Reginald.

"You'll only get a flea in your ear, John," remarked Aunt Deb. "Sir
Reginald will just consider you troublesome. You are much more likely
to succeed if you let him alone."

My father, however, for a wonder, ventured to differ with Aunt Deb, and
agreed to take me to see the baronet. He had become, I found, very
anxious about my safety, being convinced that the smugglers would, if
they had the opportunity, punish me severely for having interfered in
their affairs. This made him more than ever anxious to get me away from
home. Not satisfied that even during the walk to Leighton Park we might
not be attacked, he directed old Thomas, the gardener, to arm himself
with a blunderbuss and a brace of pistols, and to follow, keeping us
always in sight. He didn't think it would become him as a minister of
the gospel to carry fire-arms through his own parish, and he was afraid
to entrust them to me.

"Remember, Thomas, that if you see any smugglers come near, you are to
march up and point your blunderbuss at their heads."

"You may be sure, sir, as I'll do that," answered Thomas. "I have been
a man of peace all my life, but I'm ready to fight in your cause, and I
believe the Lord will forgive me if I kill any one."

"I don't think there is much chance of that," said my father. "Your
appearance with your blunderbuss loaded up to the muzzle will be
sufficient to deter any of the ruffians from attacking us."

We set out together. Thomas gradually dropped behind to the required
distance. As we walked along I looked every now and then over my
shoulder to be sure that he was following, for I had an uncomfortable
feeling that the smugglers would be on the watch for me. We, however,
reached the park without any adventure.

Sir Reginald kept us waiting longer than usual before we were admitted
into his presence.

"Well, Mr Cheveley, we have succeeded at last in giving a blow to the
smugglers which will put a stop to their proceedings for some time to
come at all events. Though the `Saucy Bess' got off, we captured some
of her crew and several of the men assisting them."

"I congratulate you, Sir Reginald," said my father; "and I ventured to
call on you to explain that m