“And you let your amiability step in the way, sir. That cargo must be run to earth.”
“But is it quite certain, sir, that there was a cargo run?”
“My good fellow,” cried the little lieutenant impatiently, “if you found a skin lying on the beach, wouldn’t you feel sure that it had once had a sheep in it?”
“Yes, sir, if it was a sheepskin.”
“Bah! Don’t try to chop logic here; go below and get something to eat, while I make up my mind what I shall do.”
Archy went into the cabin, not at all satisfied with the result of his run ashore, and he did not feel much better after his meal, when he went on deck just in time to find the lieutenant laying down the law to Ram and Jemmy Dadd.
“There,” he was saying, “take your cow and go ashore. I’m not going to keep you prisoners, but the eye of the law is upon you, and this smuggling will be brought home to you both. Be off!”
“Shan’t Jemmy milk the cow again before we go?” said Ram, with a grin, that might have been friendly or mocking.
“No!” thundered the lieutenant. “Here, Mr Gurr, see these smuggling scoundrels off the deck.”
This was soon done, the cow being easily got into the boat, and just as it was growing dark Ram stood up to push from the side.