hose, gloves, all the same; only one's for downstairs,
the other up. Stupid name for a place."

"You think, then, I haven't done my duty, sir."

"Yes, Mr Raystoke, as an officer I do; but as a gentleman I'm afraid I
think I should have done just the same."

"I'm very sorry, sir. I wanted to do what is right."

"And you let your amiability step in the way, sir. That cargo must be
run to earth."

"But is it quite certain, sir, that there was a cargo run?"

"My good fellow," cried the little lieutenant impatiently, "if you found
a skin lying on the beach, wouldn't you feel sure that it had once had a
sheep in it?"

"Yes, sir, if it was a sheepskin."

"Bah! Don't try to chop logic here; go below and get something to eat,
while I make up my mind what I shall do."

Archy went into the cabin, not at all satisfied with the result of his
run ashore, and he did not feel much better after his meal, when he went
on deck just in time to find the lieutenant laying down the law to Ram
and Jemmy Dadd.

"There," he was saying, "take your cow and go ashore. I'm not going to
keep you prisoners, but the eye of the law is upon you, and this
smuggling will be brought home to you both. Be off!"

"Shan't Jemmy milk the cow again before we go?" said Ram, with a grin,
that might have been friendly or mocking.

"No!" thundered the lieutenant. "Here, Mr Gurr, see these smuggling
scoundrels off the deck."

This was soon done, the cow being easily got into the boat, and just as
it was growing dark Ram stood up to push from the side.

"I say," he cried again, addressing Archy, "is that thing sharp?"

The midshipman did not condescend to answer, but stood gazing
thoughtfully over the side, till the boat gradually seemed to die away
in the faint mist of the coming night.

"Well, Raystoke, what are you thinking?" said a voice behind him, and he
started round.

"I was just thinking of coming to you, sir."

"Eh, what for?"

"It seems to me, sir, that if that cargo was run, and is hidden anywhere
near, they'll be moving it to-night."

"Of course. Raystoke, you'll be a great man some day. I shouldn't have
thought of that. Well, what do you propose?"

"To go ashore, and watch."

"Of course. My dear boy, if you can help me to capture a few of these
wretched people, I shall get promoted to a better ship, and you shall
come with me. I won't rest till I am post-captain, and as soon as you
can pass, you shall be my lieute