“Look here,” replied the boy, “you behaved very treacherously to us, dressing up, and spying on us; but I’ve got you, and won’t let you go.”
“I was doing my duty, sir.”
“And I’m doing my dooty—what father telled me.”
“How much will you take to let me go?”
“How much will you give?” said Ram, grinning, and the midshipman’s heart made a bound.
“You shall have five pounds, if you’ll let me go now, at once.”
“There’s as much as you’ll eat till I come agen,” said Ram abruptly; “and if I don’t forget you as I did my rabbits once, and they were starved to death, I’ll bring you some more.—I say!”
Archy looked at him fiercely.
“Don’t try to drink what’s in them tubs. It’s awful strong, and might kill you.”
“Stop a moment; leave me a light.”