"This has been sent out for some Botany Bay milliner," said Mr.
Seagrave. "I presume, however, we must confiscate it for the benefit of
Mrs. Seagrave and Miss Caroline. We will take them to them as soon as
we have time."
The next was a box without a lock; the lid was forced up, and they found a dozen half-gallon square bottles of gin stored in divisions.
"That's Hollands, sir, I know," said Ready; "what shall we do with it?"
"We will not destroy it, Ready, but at the same time we will not use it but as a medicine," replied Mr. Seagrave; "we have been so long used to spring-water, that it would be a pity to renew a taste for spirituous liquors."
"I trust we shall never want to drink a drop of it, sir, either as a medicine or otherwise. Now for this cask with wooden hoops."
The head was soon out, and discovered a dinner set of painted china with gold edges.
"This, Mr. Seagrave, may be useful, for we are rather short of plates and dishes. Common white would have served as well."
"And be more suitable with our present outfit," replied Mr. Seagrave.
"Here's a box with your name on it, sir," said Ready; "do you know what is in it?"
"I have no idea, Ready; but your axe will decide the point."