Voules, seeing that it would be to their advantage to speak the truth, answered, "My good friends, we have only just landed from our ship, and being unable to obtain a carriage, are walking on to Elverston Hall. We have not the slightest wish to interfere with you or any one else we may meet on the road; and it would be a serious inconvenience to us to be detained." "You speak fairly, my young master," said the man; "and if you and this youngster here will give us your word of honour that you will not mention having met us, we will let you go on in a few minutes; but do not interfere in a matter which does not concern you." "Oh! certainly, my friend, certainly," answered Voules. "We will hold our tongues, depend upon that, and we shall be much obliged to you if you will let us go at once, for we are desperately hungry, and want our suppers." "That may be," said the smuggler, laughing; "but you have not given us your word yet that you will hold your tongue, and we want to know what this other lad has to say for himself." "Oh, I'll give you my word to say nothing about you, if on that condition you will let us proceed on our way," said Lord Reginald; "although I cannot make out what reason you have for asking us." "Our reasons do not concern you, so give us your answer without further delay." "I promise, then, on the word of an officer and a gentleman, not to mention having met you," said Voules. Lord Reginald repeated the same words. "Well, then, you may go about your business," said the smuggler; "only don't in future talk of putting a stop to smuggling; it's what neither you nor your elders can do. Now, good night, lads. Remember, if you break your words it will be the worse for you." Saying this, the smuggler and his men rejoined their companions, who had already crossed the road, and the two midshipmen, glad to escape so easily, proceeded on their way. "I thought we were in for it!" observed Voules; "it would have been very unpleasant if they had carried us off, or knocked us on the head!" "Yes, indeed," answered Lord Reginald; "they are bold fellows to travel through the country so openly, even at night; but, as my father says, `Bold as they may be, they must be put down.'" "Well, we must try to forget the circumstance at present, or we shall be letting something slip out," remarked Voules. "Are we approaching the hall yet?" "We cannot be far off, though I should be better able to answer the question in daylight. I am only certain that we are on the right road, and have not reached the lodge gates; we shall see a light shining in the window when we get near."