"Well enough," said Martha shortly.
Ben nudged Dare's arm and said sotto voce, "In a temper."
"What's that?" demanded Martha, who was sharp of hearing.
"I was saying I hoped the cap'n was well and hearty," stated Ben mendaciously.
"Well, you can keep on hoping," returned Martha. "Your father is kept to the house, Mr. Derek," she explained. "He hurt his leg the other day, and can't use it very well yet. That's why he's not come to meet you."
Dare was concerned to hear this and said so.
"It's nothing serious," Martha hastened to assure him, and turned on Ben.
"Now then, Ben Saleby, pick up the baggage and don't keep us waiting here all night. This way, Mr. Derek," she directed, and the trio took the turning leading to the Customs House, where Captain Stanley was lodged.
They spoke little on the way. Martha was moody and out of sorts, and at that hour none of them had much relish for gossip. As they halted before a high-roofed building with lights showing below and above, Martha spoke, however.
"I might as well tell you both," she said brusquely, "that the captain got his bad leg from the smugglers."