“Oh, it was too dark to do any more, and she went right in among the rocks about Stinchcombe, where we were obliged to lie to and wait for daylight. He’s a fine sailor, I will say that of him.”
“What, your lieutenant?” I said.
“Oh, he’s right enough. I meant smuggler Uggleston. He’s got away, and it don’t matter; we’re bound to have a lot o’ prize-money out of the cargo we’re going to seize.”
“Are you going to seize it this morning?” I asked.
“Yes, my lad; and here comes the skipper back along o’ the old cappen.”
They were close upon us already, and we boys looked eagerly at the lieutenant, longing to go with them, but not being invited of course.
It was too much for Bob Chowne though, who spoke out.
“I say, officer,” he cried, “we three saw the cargo landed night before last.”
“You three boys?”
“Yes,” said Bob, “we were all there.”