“He has volunteered for the navy,” continued the lieutenant; “and if he is a good lad, we shall make a man of him.”
“Then you will, sir; for a better boy never stepped.”
“For a smuggler, eh?” said the lieutenant drily.
“Well, sir, he was my husband’s boy, and he did what his father told him.”
“And your husband?”
“The men came and told me, sir, that he escaped in the lugger.”
“And the men—where are they?”
“They got away yesterday, sir, those who were left. They felt that they must leave these parts for good.”
“Yes, for good!” said the lieutenant emphatically. “Now, Mr Raystoke, have you anything to say?”
“Only to deliver my message. Mrs Shackle, Ram told me to tell you he was all right.”