It is certain, at least, that young Hazlewood was strongly impressed by her sudden appearance and imperative tone.

He rode to Hazlewood at a brisk pace.

It had been dark for some time before he reached the house, and on his arrival there he saw a confirmation of what the sibyl had hinted.
Thirty dragoon horses stood under a shed near the offices, with their bridles linked together.

Three or four soldiers attended as a guard, while others stamped up and down with their long broadswords and heavy boots in front of the house.

Hazlewood asked a non-commissioned officer from whence they came.
'From Portanferry.' 'Had they left any guard there ?' 'No; they had been drawn off by order of Sir Robert Hazlewood for defence of his house against an attack which was threatened by the smugglers.' Charles Hazlewood instantly went in quest of his father, and, having paid his respects to him upon his return, requested to know upon what account he had thought it necessary to send for a military escort.