On the homeward way Dick related his adventure. The old man said nothing until he heard of the discovery of lace and silks.
"Ah!" said he, "and these boxes that young Sam be carr'in' on his head are filled with silks and laces, I s'pose."
"Iss, fay," cried Sam exultantly, "and noble gowns and pinnies they will make, to be sure."
"Well," said Penwarden, "then I seize 'em in the King's name."
"Rake it all!" exclaimed Sam. "Did the King buy 'em? Did he bury 'em? Did he find 'em? No, the King be a good man, but 'a never did no free-tradin' in his life, I reckon, and we won't part with 'em, will we, Maister Dick?"
"I know my duty," said Penwarden, "and seized they be. Resist at yer peril."
"Daze me if I don't wish ye'd been carr'd to France," cried Sam. "Arter what we've been through for 'ee, too!"
A wordy war ensued that lasted until they reached the door of the Towers, where the boxes were deposited for the night. It required a peremptory command from Mr. Polwhele next day to induce Penwarden to relinquish his claim on them, the old man then being more than ever convinced that the world was a strange mix-up.
CHAPTER THE SEVENTEENTH
Petherick makes a Discovery