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Rh rascals the smugglers than you and Mistress Ann would have me suppose!"

"Smugglers! Nay, sir, I know naught of them! My good man and I have always kept ourselves from such folks, and brought up our childer in the same way. And if you please, sir, you can search where you like, if that be your purpose, but you shall find no such villains here."

In spite of all he had heard, of all he knew, Tregenna was almost inclined to believe her; for what could be more open, more honest, than this manner of receiving them, with the door flung wide and this frank invitation to enter where they would? The brigadier's manner, however, was rather short with her.

"Let us hope it may prove as you say," said he, as he beckoned his troopers to enter. "We have a warrant for certain of these fellows, ma'am, and we intend to search the place. But first I would speak with your daughter, Mistress Ann."

"Ah, sir, you'll be sorry to see her so bad as she is; for she's been nigh out of her wits with the toothache these two days and nights. But she'll speak with you, sir, I doubt not."