Gurr saluted, and stated his business, while the baronet, who had turned sallower and more careworn than his lot drew a breath full of relief.
“One of your ship boys?” he said.
“A lad, looking like a common sailor, and wearing a red cap.”
“No,” said Sir Risdon. “I have seen no one answering to the description here.”
“Beg pardon, sir, but can you, as a gentleman, assure me that he is not here?”
“Certainly,” said Sir Risdon. “You have seen no one?” he continued, turning to Lady Graeme.
The lady shook her head.
“That’s enough, sir; but may I ask you, if you do see or hear anything of such a lad, you will send a messenger off to the cutter?”
“It is hardly right to enlist me in the search for one of your deserters,” said Sir Risdon coldly.
“Yes, sir, but he is not a deserter; and the fact is, we are afraid the lad has run alongside o’ the smugglers, and come to grief.”