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112 to see why his companion had deserted him. Tregenna, therefore, with a low bow to Joan, re-mounted and rode across the grass to join him.

Squire Waldron, though by no means in the best of humors at this interruption to the serious business of fox-hunting, made out the warrants as desired by Tregenna and General Hambledon; but he took care to twit them with their ill success against the smugglers, and with their failure to catch "Gardener Tom."

Tregenna took these reproaches modestly, but the brigadier blustered, and said that he was ready to be shot if he did not bring one or more of the ringleaders among the smugglers back to Rye with him that afternoon.

"And, gads my life, sir," he went on with emphasis which made him purple in the face; "but I'll warrant me I'll have it out with Mistress Ann, and make her give up this Jem Bax, if she's harboring him."

The squire smiled a little, just as Joan had done at the mention of Jem's name. And Tregenna was confirmed in his belief that the young ruffian was a relation of Ann's, and that she would put every possible obstacle in the way of his being given up.