The Rival Crusoes | Page 7

she well
knew how to spend. At others it was a hard matter to find a few
shillings to pay the week's bills for bread and other necessaries, though,
to be sure, she could generally obtain credit, as it was hoped that, on
the return of the Nancy, Ben would again be flush of money.
Sometimes, however, she, as well as the tradespeople, were
disappointed. Then often and often, while south-westerly gales were
blowing, she had the anxious thought that the Nancy was at sea and
might perchance founder, as other similar craft had done, or be cast on
the rocky coast, or be taken by a revenue vessel, when Ben and his
companions, if caught with a cargo on board, would be thrown into
prison, or sent to serve his Majesty on board a man-of-war for three or
four years or more.
Poor Susan's lot was that of many other smugglers' wives, who,
notwithstanding the silks and laces with which they could bedeck
themselves, and the abundance of spirits and tobacco in which their
husbands might indulge, had often a troubled time of it. Not that she, or
any other of the wives and daughters of those engaged in the lawless

trade, thought that there was any harm in it. Probably their fathers and
grandfathers before them, and most of their male relatives, except those
sent off to sea, followed the same calling, and when any were caught or
killed, they looked on their fate as a misfortune which had to be borne,
without considering that it was justly brought upon themselves.
Meantime, the two midshipmen, after waiting till their patience was
almost exhausted, having seen their portmanteaus put into Silas Fryer's
cart, set off on foot for Elverston Hall.
"I really regret, my dear Oswald, that you should be exposed to this
inconvenience. For myself, I confess I do not care; the pleasure of
accompanying you and the honour of being received by your family,
will make ample amends to me for a far greater annoyance. As a
miserable younger son, with little more than my pay to depend upon, I
have often had to tramp it. But you, I fear, will be greatly fatigued."
"Not a bit of it," answered Reginald. "I can walk as well as any man,
and could get over the distance if it were twice as great. I was only
vexed at the impertinence of those fellows."
"Of course, of course," said Voules, soothingly; "but leave them to me,
and if I have an opportunity while remaining here, I'll endeavour to pay
them off."
Mr Alfred Voules, though an especial friend of Lord Reginald Oswald,
was not a favourite on board his ship, where he was known by the name
of "Toady Voules," an appellation he richly merited by the mode in
which he paid court to any shipmates possessed of titles or amply
stored purses. He had lately won his way into the good graces of Lord
Reginald, who had obtained leave to take him on a visit to Elverston
Hall, while the frigate was refitting at Portsmouth. When she brought
up in Yarmouth Roads, Lord Reginald explained that his home was a
short distance off on the opposite coast, and that it would save him and
his friend a long journey if they were to land at Keyhaven, as they
could easily reach it from thence. Much to their satisfaction, their
captain allowed them-- certainly an unusual favour--to be put on shore
as they desired. Voules himself stood well in the opinion of the captain

and lieutenants, as, although he might not have exhibited any especial
gallantry, he always appeared attentive to his duty.
As the two midshipmen stepped out briskly, they soon distanced the
cart, though darkness overtook them when they were still three or four
miles from the hall. Lord Reginald, however, knew the road, and there
was light enough from the stars to enable them to see it without
difficulty. Elverston was situated some distance from the coast, within
the borders of the New Forest. They were laughing and talking merrily
together as they made their way along an uncultivated tract, covered
with heather and occasional clumps of trees, here and there paths
crossing the main road, when Voules exclaimed--
"What are those objects moving beyond the trees there? They seem to
me to be like men on horseback; and, surely, that is the sound of cart
wheels."
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