e by, and you have
no right to accuse me!" said the sailor, with a look of subdued
indignation.

"I know I haven't, and I meant no harm, but did these goods pass through
the custom house?"

"Oh, ma'am, now, that's not a fair question!"

"It is as I suspected! I cannot buy from you, my good friend. I do not
judge you--I don't know whether smuggling is right or wrong, but I know
that it is unlawful, and I cannot feel free to encourage any man in a
traffic in which he risks his life and liberty, poor fellow!"

"Oh, ma'am," said the sailor, evidently on the brink of bursting into
laughter, "if we risk our lives, sure, it's our own business, and if
you've no scruples on your own account, you needn't have any on ours!"

While he was speaking the sound of many shuffling feet was heard along
the passage, and the room was soon half filled with colored people come
in to deal with the sailor.

"You may look at these goods, but you must not buy anything."

"Lor' missus, why?" asked little Pitapat.

"Because I want you to lay out all your money with my friend Mr. Crash
at Tip-Top."

"But after de good gemman has had de trouble?" said Pitapat.

"He shall have his supper and a mug of ale and go on his journey," said
Mrs. Condiment.

The sailor arose and scraped his foot behind him in acknowledgment of
this kindness and began to unpack his wares and display them all over
the floor.

And while the servants in wonder and delight examined these treasures
and inquired their prices, a fresh young voice was heard carolling along
the hall, and the next moment Capitola, in her green riding habit and
hat entered the room.

She turned her mischievous gray eyes about, pursed up her lips and asked
Mrs. Condiment if she were about to open a fancy bazaar.

"No, my dear Miss Capitola! It is a sailor with foreign goods for sale,"
answered the old lady.

"A sailor with foreign goods for sale! Umph! yes, I know. Isn't he a
smuggler?" whispered Capitola.

"Indeed. I'm afraid so, my dear--in fact, he don't deny it!" whispered
back the matron.

"Well, I think it's strange a man that smuggles can't lie!"

"Well, I don't know, my dear--may be he thinks it's no harm to smuggle,
and he knows it would be a sin to lie. But where is your uncle, Miss
Capitola?"

"Gone around to the stable to blow Jem up for mounting on a lame horse.
He swears Jem shall find another master before to-morrow's sun sets. But
now I want to talk to that bold bu