“Nonsense, sir; it was a sheep, and if it was not, it was a dog.”
“I tell you, sir, it was the smuggler’s boy, Ram,—the one who came aboard after the cow.”
“Hang the cow, sir! I want my men. Do you think I can go back on board without them. Why, it’s high treason for a naval officer to let one man slip away, and here you have let two boats’ crews go. I say once more, how am I to face Mr Brough?”
“I don’t know, Mr Gurr,” said Archy, who was growing vexed now at the blame being thrown on his shoulders. “You were in command of the expedition, and the bosun was in charge of the second boat’s crew. I don’t see how I am to blame.”
“But you led the men away, sir.”
“Not I, Mr Gurr. I joined in the chase, and I tried to get the boys together, but they scattered everywhere.”
“But it really is awkward, Mr Raystoke, isn’t it?”
“Horribly, sir. Got anything to eat?”
“To eat? No, my lad. But—tut—tut—tut! I can’t hear them anywhere.”
“Nor I, sir.”