“I am sure you did wonders, Mr Brough,” said Archy.
“Well, never mind what I did, sir. You and Gurr acted so that I’m proud of you both, and of the lads. Completely burned out the wasps’ nest, eh? It—will be a glorious despatch, Raystoke. By the way, we must go straight down there and see if the place is cool enough to search. There may be a little of the wasps’ comb left, eh?”
“I’m afraid the whole of the stores would be destroyed.”
“Ah, well, we shall see, and—Who are these?”
“Sir Risdon and Lady Graeme and their daughter,” whispered Archy, who coloured as he saw Celia looking at him defiantly.
They were outside the house, and Lieutenant Brough halted his men, marched forward with the midshipman, and raised his hat, his salute being formally returned.
“I regret to have to come in this unceremonious way, sir,” said the lieutenant.
“Excuse me,” interrupted the baronet. “I expected you, sir, and, while congratulating you and your men upon their success, I wish to humbly own that my place has unwillingly on my part, been made one of the stores for their nefarious transactions.”
The lieutenant moved away with Sir Risdon, leaving Archy alone with Celia and her mother.
“Oh,” cried the girl, taking a step nearer to the midshipman, “how I hate you!”