Meanwhile the customs officials told him that everything that possibly could be done would be done, and as soon as anything happened, he, Captain Lyle, should be communicated with post haste.
So there was nothing for it but to return at once to Glen Lyle.
On the very night of his arrival another strange thing happened. A visitor called, who turned out to be an emissary of Captain Bland’s.
This man, who was pleasant and even gentlemanly in address, begged to assure Captain Lyle, first and foremost, that unless he gave his word of honour that no attempt would be made to detain him, he would not deliver the smuggler chief’s message.
Lyle gave his word of honour.
Secondly, that unless the sum of two thousand pounds was paid as ransom, the children would never more be seen at Grayling House; but if, on the other hand, the money was sent, they would be restored in less than a fortnight.
Captain Lyle consulted with his wife. They were on the horns of a dilemma, for of late years the estate of Glen Lyle had sunk in value, and although they were willing to pay the ransom, it was, sad to think, an utter impossibility.
The matter was put fairly and honestly before the smuggler’s emissary.
Could the half be raised?