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The old mill on the cliff, which belonged to Sir Reginald Castleton, was in a somewhat decayed condition, and had long been unoccupied, when a short time before the period at which our story commences, a stranger, calling himself Miles Gaffin, a miller by trade, called on Mr Groocock, and offered to take it.
If no more men can be spared, we must obtain a few cavalry, as fortunately some troops arrived here a few days ago, and are to remain a short time to obtain recruits in the neighbourhood. I will see their commanding officer, and take care that they are sent off in time to reach Texford by dark. You may go home, therefore, Mr Groocock, with your mind at rest on the subject.
I am curious to learn who she is," observed Algernon. "Perhaps Groocock or some of the Hurlston people may know." Although the rain had moderated, the young men were nearly wet through before they had made their way across the down; and instead of stopping at Hurlston, as they had intended, they rode on to Texford.
"Bless you, Mr Groocock, of course Adam will be main proud to take out Sir Reginald's nephew, and for his own sake will be careful not to go far enough off the land to run the risk of being caught by any of the French cruisers," answered the dame. "When would the young gentleman like to come?
"You will see that my directions are carried out." Mr Groocock bowed, and tried to suppress the sigh which he found rising from his bosom. "If Sir Ralph wishes to stand for the county he will find his object defeated by these proceedings. My dear old master would have grieved if he had known the changes likely to be made, but I must obey orders I must obey orders," he thought to himself.
On his way back he met Mr Groocock, and begging the steward to accompany him, mentioned what he had heard about Gaffin. "The man is a mystery to me, Captain Headland. I believe him to be all you have heard. But he has possession of the mill, and until his lease is up the law will not allow us to turn him out.
There will be a great change there shortly, for he has already let Mr Groocock understand that his lady, and daughter, and eldest son, will be coming down soon, and Mr Harry is expected home before long. If he is like what he was when he was here last, he will keep the house alive.
"I'll not give it up, however, and you can tell your master that I'll pay the rent he demands." His eye kindled as he spoke, and a dark frown gathered on his brow, adding, in a low fierce mutter as he left the steward's room, "and with interest too, such as he does not expect." Mr Groocock, however, did not catch the words, and believing the matter settled was glad to get rid of his surly visitor.
"Did any one advise you not to go on board my craft?" asked Gaffin, suddenly. Harry hesitated. "Adam Halliburt offered to take me a trip, and as Mr Groocock thought I should prefer the Nancy to any other craft, I arranged to go with him," he said at length. "Ah, I guessed how it was. My neighbours are apt to say unpleasant things about me.
"Mr Groocock says that Mr Harry has done all sorts of brave things, and that he will be captain himself before long," observed the dame to her husband and May, who had just then come in from Downside to pay her a visit. "It seems but the other day that he was a young midshipman, and now to think that he is old enough to be captain of a big ship, though he cannot be very old either."
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