But things were not to go too well with him. He found that he was obliged to pass the Red Lion, and he had almost succeeded in doing so unmolested, when one of the sailors who was loitering outside, cried out after him,
“Ho, friend! I would speak with you!”
“Josh” had to stop although sorely tempted to run for it.
“I’ve got some idee of shippin’ in th’ Navy,” said the fellow, as he approached. “Now, friend, you can tell me somethin’ of th’ pay an’ service, as you’re an officer of th’ army.”
Barney’s eyes shone with pleasure, as he saw that his disguise had deceived the fellow.
“Walk along with me towards Plymouth,” said he, “and I’ll explain everything to you. I have business there which will not wait and I must get on to it.”
So they jogged along together, talking vigorously about the Navy, but, in the course of half an hour the jack-tar seemed to think better of his plan for entering “a service noted for its cruelty to seamen,” and turned back, saying,
“Thank’ee my fine friend. Thank’ee. I’ll stick to privateerin’. It’s easier an’ there’s less cat-o’-nine-tails to it.”
As soon as his burly form disappeared down the winding road, Barney began to grow anxious about his safety. Perhaps a guard would be sent after him? Perhaps—even now—men had discovered his absence and were hurrying to intercept him? So—with these thoughts upon his mind—he jumped over a stiff hedge into the grounds of Lord Mount-Edgecumbe.
“Egad! it’s touch and go with me,” said he, as he walked down one of the gravelled paths. “I’m in for it now for here comes the gardener.”