"It's a jolly good idea. Real coastguards—but of course there aren't any now. Real preventive officers riding down the hill just in time to—— Or coming in a revenue cutter and firing on the lugger. I wonder if we could get them. Oh, do stop polishing those spoons, Hinton. It fidgets me to see you. Come into the vicar's study and talk over this idea of yours."
"Perhaps," said Hinton as they left the room, "there are some other household duties of which I could relieve you. I think you may safely trust me. I have had considerable experience in some of the best houses in England."
"If you like to help me to make the vicar's bed," said Mrs. Eames, "I don't mind."
"I shall be most happy," said Hinton, "but I beg of you, madam, to leave it entirely to me. If you will await me in the study——"
He held the door open for her and when he had shown her into the room went upstairs. But Mrs. Eames was not a lady who could sit still for very long, especially with an exciting idea in her mind. The thought of securing real customs officers thrilled her. After wandering about the room for some minutes she followed Hinton upstairs. She found him brushing an old and dilapidated pair of the vicar's trousers.
"Do you happen to know any customs officers?" she asked.
Hinton folded the trousers with careful exactness and put them in a drawer.
"Not personally, madam. But no doubt I can find out who the local head of that service is."
"Then do," said Mrs. Eames. "I'll leave that in your hands."
"And the bishop?" said Hinton. "Perhaps it would be better if you or the vicar were to approach the bishop."