“I know!” cried Dick excitedly. “Smugglers and a king’s ship!”
Just then a window was heard being opened, and the squire’s voice speaking to Mrs Winthorpe.
“I don’t know,” he said; “sounded like a gun. That you, Marston?” he cried aloud as another window was thrown open.
“Yes. Did you hear a report?”
“Yes. Like a gun out at sea.”
“I heard a slight noise a little while ago, and I was listening when I saw a flash and heard the report. Mr Winthorpe, I’m afraid there’s something wrong again.”
“No, no, man!”
“I’m afraid I must say, Yes, sir. That sound was not off the sea, but much nearer the house. Who’s that?”
“Hallo! who’s on that ladder?” cried the squire, turning sharply round at the engineer’s query. “Tom Tallington?”
“Yes, sir,” faltered Tom.