“A blow I received on it,” answered Lord Reginald, not being willing to explain matters.
“He got it while attempting in a very gallant way to seize a fellow who was suspected of being a smuggler,” observed Voules, coming to his friend’s rescue. “You may depend upon it that Oswald would have caught him if it had not been for that.”
“Faith! What business had he to be trying to seize a smuggler?” asked Paddy Logan, who was no admirer of Lord Reginald, and still less of Voules.
The latter was somewhat puzzled how to reply. “In support of the law which you Irish fellows delight in breaking,” he at length answered.
“Do you dare to cast reflections on the honour of Irishmen?” exclaimed Logan, firing up. “Naval officers are not expected to be excisemen. Of course the fellow had every right to defend himself.”
“I cast no reflections on the honour of Irishmen, but you yourself show your readiness to take the part of a lawless character,” answered Voules. “Besides, the young scoundrel had previously grossly insulted Oswald and me.”
“Then he was influenced by private motives rather than public spirit,” observed Ludlam, who was fond of speaking the truth, even though it might be unpalatable to his hearers. “Still, Oswald, I am sorry you are hurt, and hope that you will be wiser in future.”
“I shall always be found ready to defend my own rights whether against my equals or plebeians,” answered Lord Reginald, haughtily. “I consider that I acted properly, and do not require to be pitied by you or any other person, merely because I happen to get an inconvenient blow on the arm.”
“Mayn’t any one else pity you?” asked Tommy Shackel, the smallest midshipman on board, who was apt to take a malicious pleasure in seeing his seniors have a scrimmage among each other.
“Hold your tongue, Master Jackanapes!” exclaimed Voules; “Oswald knows best what he likes and dislikes.”