“A lot of sailors, uncle, and their officer.”
The lad’s words were followed by the appearance of Jane, whose eyes were wide open and staring, her mouth following suit to some extent, so that she had to close her lips before saying:
“Plee, sir, orficer, sir. To see you, sir.”
The captain nodded shortly and rose to go, followed by Aleck, out into the little ball, at whose door a naval officer and a boat’s crew of men were waiting.
“Good morning,” said the officer, shortly; and then turning upon Aleck, “Hallo, young man, I’ve seen you before!”
“Yes, in Rockabie harbour,” said the lad, looking at him wonderingly, while his heart began to beat fast as he glanced at the party of sturdy sailors.
“Ah, to be sure,” said the officer; then to the captain again, “You are aware, I suppose, that we made a descent last night upon your nest of smugglers here.”
“I have just learned, sir, what took place,” said the captain, coldly.
“Of course. Well, sir, in the struggle and after trouble with the women, who resented the taking away of the men, the young officer of the second boat was missed.”
“Not the midshipman who was with your boat the other day?” said Aleck, eagerly.