Mrs. Stocker looked at him.
"Why should he? They are mine!" she exclaimed.
"I am perfectly well aware of that fact, madam," replied the man, "and feel sorry to interfere with your arrangements in any way, but I am a custom house officer."
"Indeed?"
"I feel it my duty to examine this boy, because such an extraordinary growth as you hinted at does not seem natural."
Tommy felt as if he would like to sink into his boots.
If the floor had opened and allowed him to drop down into the hold or into the sea, it would have been a welcome relief.
"Take off that pilot coat," continued the revenue man.
"Why should I do that?" asked Tommy.
"If you don't do it, I'll have to help you."