Here Mr. Bunkle’s eloquence was again disturbed by shooting, a scattered volley so much nearer and louder that Sir John instinctively peered from the casement expecting to see the village start from its slumbers in clamorous dismay. But Alfriston slumbered on; it seemed as serenely unperturbed by such trivial happenings as the old Cross itself, which has doubtless known overmuch of the like episodes in its weary length of days; not a door opened, not a light glimmered, not a sound broke the chaste quiet of its street save blustering wind and creaking sign. “Aweel, aweel, I’m awa’!” quoth Sir Hector, taking hat and cloak. “Say what ye will, Bunkle man, musket-balls be ill things day or nicht, ye ken, an’ amang the lads oot yonder be braw friends o’ mine, so I’m awa’——” “What to do, Hector?” inquired Sir John. “Wha kens, lad, wha kens! But yon men ha’ drunk wi’ me an’ grupped ma hand in friendship, an’ I’ll dae wha’ I may for ’em, be they smugglin’-bodies or no.” “Why, then, I’ll come with ye, Hector——” “Na, na, John! Hoot-toot, dinna be sic a muckle fule—” “If you go, Hector, so do I.” “But think, John, gin ye’re taken by Sayle’s soldiers, damn him!” “Your risk shall be mine, Hector!” “Well spoke, sir!” nodded Mr. Bunkle. “Sir ’Ector must not be mixed up in to-night’s business, not no’ow, sir, so if you be his friend——” “Bunkle man, hand that clapper o’ yours!” cried Sir Hector. “Your hat and cloak, sir!” said the imperturbable Robert. “Lead on, Hector, we follow!” “John, ye’re an unco’ obstinate, self-willed——” “I am,” laughed Sir John, folding long cloak about him—“especially to-night!” “Umph-humph!” exclaimed Sir Hector, and strode forth of the inn. CHAPTER XXV TELLETH HOW SIR JOHN BEHELD THE GHOST Down a dark and narrow lane Sir Hector led them, across a wide meadow, over a dim stream spanned by footbridge, along a glimmering road overhung by rustling trees, through a gate and so to a grassy, wind-swept upland crowned by a hedge with a mystery of trees beyond; a desolate gloom full of ghostly stirrings, with mournful sighs and groanings in every wind-gust. Here Sir Hector paused suddenly and stood very still and silent. “And, pray, what now?” questioned Sir John. “Whisht, lad! Can ye no’ see I’m listenin’?” “Aye, but why are you here? What do you purpose, Hector?” “Wull ye no’ be still, John?” “Not until I know why you run such needless risk. If the preventive officers discover us we shall be apprehended as accessories. If you attempt to stay them in their duty, you will be branded as a smuggler yourself——” “Umph-humph!” exclaimed Sir Hector, emitting a sound between laugh and groan. “What is the meaning of it all, Hector?”