Chapter Fourteen.
Continues to treat of Spirits, and shows the Value of Hospitality.
Having accomplished the feat narrated in the last chapter Maggot proceeded with his friend towards the town. On their way they had to pass the mouth of an old shaft in which both of them chanced to be much interested at that time, inasmuch as it contained the produce of a recent smuggling expedition on a large scale, consisting of nearly a hundred tubs of brandy. The liquor had been successfully brought ashore and concealed in the mine, and that night had been fixed on for its removal. Mules had been provided, and about fifty men were appointed to meet at a certain spot, at a fixed hour, to carry the whole away into the neighbouring towns.
Maggot and his comrade began to converse about the subject that was uppermost in their minds, and the former increased his pace, when John Cock drew his attention to the fact that the sun was getting low.
“The boys will be mustering now,” said John, “an’ them theere daws have kep’ us late enough already.”
“They do say that the boatsmen are informed about the toobs,” observed Maggot.
“More need to look alive,” said John.
“Hallo!” exclaimed Maggot suddenly; “there’s some wan in the shaft!”
He pointed to a neighbouring mound of rubbish, on which, just as he spoke, a man made his appearance.
Without uttering a word the smugglers sauntered towards the mound, assuming a careless air, as though they were passing that way by chance. On drawing near they recognised Ebenezer Trezise, the coastguard-man.