“Yes, sir?”
“To defend the weak and to make money by it. Isn’t that our maxim?”
The shopman giggled nervously. “Yes, sir.”
“I’m a buccaneer,” said Margaret. “Come with me. Won’t you? You shall be what you really long to be.”
“Oh, but I couldn’t leave the shop, sir. Mr. Treloar would never——”
“Well, think it over,” said Margaret, rising. “I hope you’ll send all these things down to the landing-stage within an hour. And send this woman’s box down with them.”
“Oh, I will, sir. You shall find them there, sir.”
Captain Margaret paid the cost, nodded to the shopman, walked out with Olivia. Mrs. Inigo resigned her box and followed them. They went to several other shops, made more purchases, trifled away half an hour at a pastrycook’s, and then set slowly shorewards, talking little; but looking at the shops with interest. They would see no more shops for many days. At the mercer’s shop they paused a moment, for Captain Margaret had just decided to take several rolls of holland linen, in order that his hands might make summer shirts for themselves. He left Olivia at the door for a moment, with Mrs. Inigo, while he hurried within. His friend the shopman hurried up to him.
“Well, what is it?” said Margaret.
“The goods are gone on board, sir,” said the shopman.