as resolved upon, as a noble finish to
the season, Thomas Rideout would intrust it to no one but Robin Lyth
himself; and the bold young mariner stipulated that after succeeding
he should be free, and started in some more lawful business. For Dr.
Upround, possessing as he did great influence with Robin, and shocked
as he was by what Carroway had said, refused to have anything more to
do with his most distinguished parishioner until he should forsake his
ways. And for this he must not be thought narrow-minded, strait-laced,
or unduly dignified. His wife quite agreed with him, and indeed had
urged it as the only proper course; for her motherly mind was uneasy
about the impulsive nature of Janetta; and chess-men to her were dolls,
without even the merit of encouraging the needle. Therefore, with a deep
sigh, the worthy magistrate put away his board--which came out again
next day--and did his best to endure for a night the arithmetical
torture of cribbage; while he found himself supported by a sense of
duty, and capable of preaching hard at Carroway if he would only come
for it on Sunday.

From that perhaps an officer of revenue may abstain, through the
pressure of his duty and his purity of conscience; but a man of less
correctness must behave more strictly. Therefore, when a gentleman of
vigorous aspect, resolute step, and successful-looking forehead marched
into church the next Sunday morning, showed himself into a prominent
position, and hung his hat against a leading pillar, after putting his
mouth into it, as if for prayer, but scarcely long enough to say "Amen,"
behind other hats low whispers passed that here was the great financier
of free trade, the Chancellor of the Exchequer of smuggling, the
celebrated Master Rideout.

That conclusion was shared by the rector, whose heart immediately burned
within him to have at this man, whom he had met before and suspiciously
glanced at in Weighing Lane, as an interloper in his parish. Probably
this was the very man whom Robin Lyth served too faithfully; and the
chances were that the great operations now known to be pending had
brought him hither, spying out all Flamborough. The corruption of
fish-folk, the beguiling of women with foreign silks and laces, and of
men with brandy, the seduction of Robin from lawful commerce, and even
the loss of his own pet pastime, were to be laid at this man's door.
While donning his surplice, Dr. Upround revolved these things with
gentle ind