Tom Kinlay bit the stem of his clay pipe so hard that it broke in his mouth, so great was his rage. Then, as though words of denial were of no use, he took to the more cowardly argument of violence, and, hissing the words, "Ye auld liar, take that," raised his hand, and struck a blow at Colin Lothian's face.
But Jack Paterson knocked up the lad's arm, and caught Tom round the waist, dragging him forcibly away.
"What! ye young scamp, would ye strike an auld man?" he said.
And he raised Tom Kinlay in his strong arms high in air, and almost threw him out at the open door.
"That was smartly done, my man," said Lieutenant Fox. "I wish we had a few such fellows as you aboard the Clasper."
And thus revealing himself, the officer finished his drink and leisurely left us.
"Who's that chap just gone out?" asked Paterson.
"It's Lieutenant Fox of the Clasper," I said.
"If that be so, then," said Colin, "it seems to me he has gone away wiser than he came."
"Ay," said Paterson; "it's no use wonderin' how the revenue lads get to ken about the smugglers, if that be the way they set about it."