If, as you surmise--or rather as your
informant surmises--these boats should prove to be laden with
contraband goods, the men undoubtedly deserve punishment; and I am
the less likely to deprecate it since they have compromised me by
their folly. For me, holding as I do the King's commission of the
peace, to be involved, however innocently, however unconsciously--"
"Ay," struck in Mr. Smellie again, "it's a devilish awkward business
for you, Hymen. But you won't improve it by turning cat-in-the-pan
at the last moment, and so I warn you. Come along, lads!" he called
to the preventive crews. "We have 'em right and tight this trip.
See the three luggers, there, to port of ye?"
"Ay, ay, sir!"
"Tumble aboard, then, and fetch us out a sample of their cargo."
There was a pause. Save for the jingling of the chargers' bits and
now and again the clink of scabbard on boot, silence--dead silence--
held the beach. Aboard the boats the preventive men could be heard
rummaging.
"Found anything?" called out Mr. Smellie.
"Ay, ay, sir!"
"What is it?"
"Casks!"
"What did I promise you?" Mr. Smellie turned to Captain Arbuthnot in
triumph. "Luxmore!" he called aloud.
"Ay, ay, sir!" came the Chief Boatman's voice in answer.
"There's a plank handy. Roll us a sample or two ashore here, and
fetch along chisel and auger."
"If you think it necessary, sir--"
"Do as you're told, man! .
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