“I never detected Mr Uggleston in any act of smuggling,” replied my father more coldly, for the officer’s hectoring manner offended him, and I felt that if he told what he knew, it would be to someone more in authority.
I glanced at old Jonas, and his eyes twinkled with satisfaction.
“This is prevarication, sir,” cried the lieutenant; “but I am not to be put off like this. Come, sir, I received information about a very valuable contraband cargo that has been run from Dunquerque. It has been landed here successfully during the past night or the night before. Now, sir, if you please, where was that cargo landed?”
My father was silent, but his face was flushed, and I saw Jonas Uggleston dart a curious look at him as he screwed up his face, and at the same moment Bigley grasped my hand.
“I see,” said the officer, “I shall have to question the boys. Once more, sir, I ask you as an officer and a gentleman, do you not know where that cargo was landed?”
“Sir,” said my father, “your manner is dictatorial and offensive to a man of higher rank than yourself; but you ask me this question as one of his majesty’s servants, and I am bound to reply. I do know where a cargo was landed, but it was not from this man’s boat.”
“But he was in the business, captain,” said the lieutenant with a laugh. “Now, sir, if you please, where was it?”
“In the second bay to the westward, sir,” said my father coldly; and Jonas Uggleston gave his foot a stamp, and uttered a fierce oath.
“You see, he is in the business,” said the lieutenant laughing. “There, Uggleston, you have betrayed yourself.”
I heard Bigley utter a piteous sigh, and I looked round at him to see the great drops standing on his forehead.