"I winna touch the siller," said Sandys, moodily.
"What?" cried Gavinia.
"I tell you it's a bribe."
"Do you hear him?" screamed Gavinia. "He says we're no to lay hands on't! Corp, where's your tongue?"
But even in that trying moment Corp's trust in Tommy shone out beautiful and strong. "Dinna be feared, Gavinia," he whispered, "he'll find a wy."
"Lights out and follow Stroke!" was the order, and the crew at once scattered in pursuit, Mr. Sandys remaining behind a moment to—to put something in his pocket.
Mr. McLean gave them a long chase, walking demurely when lovers were in sight, but at other times doubling, jumping, even standing on eminences and crowing insultingly, like a cock, and not until he had only breath left to chuckle did the stout man vanish from the Den. Elspeth, now a cabin-boy, was so shaken by the realism of the night's adventures that Gavinia (able seaman) took her home, and when Mr. Sandys and his Boatswain met at the Cuttle Well neither could tell where Grizel was.
"She had no business to munt without my leave," Tommy said sulkily.
"No, she hadna. Is she the Lady Griselda yet?"
"Not her, she's the Commander's wife."