"I might have forfeited my life in my zeal," replied Mr Vanslyperken, with adroitness; "but that is the duty of a king's officer."
"That is well said," observed the Duke of Portland.
"I have a few questions to put to you, Mr Vanslyperken," observed his Majesty.
"What is the cave they mention so often?"
"It is on the bank of the Isle of Wight, your Majesty. I did not know of its existence, but from the letters--but I once laid a whole night in the cove underneath it, to intercept the smugglers, upon information that I had received, but the alarm was given, and they escaped."
"Who is their agent at Portsmouth?"
"A Jew of the name of Lazarus, residing in little Orange Street, at the back of the Point, your Majesty!"
"Do you know of any of the names of the conspirators?"
"I do not, your Majesty, except a woman, who is very active, one Moggy Salisbury--her husband not a month back, was the boatswain of the cutter, but by some interest or another, he has obtained his discharge."
"My Lord of Portland, take a memorandum to inquire who it was applied for the discharge of that man. Mr Vanslyperken you may retire--we will call you in by-and-bye--you will be secret as to what has passed."