Cutlass and Cudgel Part 69

"No," said Ram frankly.

"How long has that Sir Risdon Graeme been a smuggler?"

"Him? Never was one, poor old chap, only father good as made him lend us his cellar, because it was nice and handy, and n.o.body would think of going and searching there. Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Ram, showing his white teeth; "you people went up there one day and touched your hats to Sir Risdon, and were afraid to go close up to the house, when all the time the cellar was choke full."

"I remember," said the midshipman; "and I found it out. But look here, Ram, how could your father make Sir Risdon, who is a gentleman, lend him the cellar?"

"'Cause father and mother used to pretty well keep 'em. I had to be always going without father knowing, and taking 'em bread and b.u.t.ter and bacon and eggs. They just are poor. Mother used to send me, and she often used to tell me that they was 'most starved to death."

"Then Sir Risdon didn't get anything by the smuggling?"

"Him!" cried Ram. "Why, father sent me up one day with a keg of brandy for him, and a piece of silk for her ladyship; I did get hot that day carrying of 'em up the hill. It was last summer."

"Yes; and what did Sir Risdon say?"

"Say? He 'most shied 'em at me, and I had to carry 'em back. My! That was a hot day and no mistake."

Somehow Archy felt relieved about the Graemes, and, after a little consideration, he went and reported all he had heard to the lieutenant, who nodded his head, looked severe, and ordered the two boats to be manned.

The midshipman took the order on deck, and Ram stared.

"I say," he said, "what's the good of going now? You'll have to row all the way to the cove and walk all the way along by the cliffs. If you wait till the tide's right out, you can get in through Grabley's hole."

Archy reported this, and in due time Gurr was left in charge of the cutter, the lieutenant went off in one boat, and the other was in Archy's charge.

It all seemed very matter of fact now, as they rowed in through the opening, left the boats in the little pool, climbed the zigzag; and a halt was called, during which the little lieutenant wiped his streaming face, and recovered his breath.

Then the party marched for the farm, where, red-eyed, and her florid face mottled and troubled-looking, Mrs Shackle met them.

"Well, woman," said the lieutenant severely; "I have to search this place."

"If you please, sir," said the woman humbly.

"One moment. Answer me honestly. Is there any contraband article stored about the farm?"

"No, sir, and never was."

"Humph! That's what your son said."

"My son? Oh, pray, pray tell me, gentlemen, is he safe? I heard that he was burned to death."

"Your son is quite well, aboard my ship."

"Thank G.o.d! Oh, thank G.o.d!" cried the poor woman, sinking upon her knees to cover her face with her hands, sobbing violently, and rocking herself to and fro.

"There!" she cried, jumping up quickly, and wiping her eyes; "I've no cause to fret now."

"He has volunteered for the navy," continued the lieutenant; "and if he is a good lad, we shall make a man of him."

"Then you will, sir; for a better boy never stepped."

"For a smuggler, eh?" said the lieutenant drily.

"Well, sir, he was my husband's boy, and he did what his father told him."

"And your husband?"

"The men came and told me, sir, that he escaped in the lugger."

"And the men--where are they?"

"They got away yesterday, sir, those who were left. They felt that they must leave these parts for good."

"Yes, for _good_!" said the lieutenant emphatically. "Now, Mr Raystoke, have you anything to say?"

"Only to deliver my message. Mrs Shackle, Ram told me to tell you he was all right."

"Thank Heaven!" said the woman, wiping away a tear; "and you won't punish him, sir, and you'll keep him away from the smuggling?"

"Never fear," cried the lieutenant, laughing.

"You were to give me my dirk, Mrs Shackle."

"Oh, _yes_, sir!" cried the woman, crossing to an old bureau, and taking out the little weapon. "And I suppose, sir, all the old home will be taken and destroyed?"

"Oh, I don't know. We shall see. But, look here, my good woman; do you want to sail right or wrong now?"

"Oh, right, sir, please."

"Then tell me honestly where there are any more goods stored?"

"Everything left, sir, was put in the old quarry."

"Nothing up at that house on the hill?"

"No, sir, I think not. It's all over now, and my husband has gone, so I may as well speak out."

"Of course. It will be best for you--and for your son."

"They only stored cargoes up at Sir Risdon's because it was handy, sir, and then took them on afterwards to the big store in the old quarry that was burned last night. But pray tell me, sir, was any one hurt?"

"No, but we have no thanks to give your people. Now, Mr Raystoke."

He marched out, and Archy was following, but Mrs Shackle arrested him.

"G.o.d bless you, my dear!" she whispered. "I knew about you being there, but we couldn't help it, and Ram used to tell me all about it, and how he liked you; and we sent you everything we could to make you comfortable. Be kind now to my son."

"If Ram turns out a good lad, Mrs Shackle, he shall never want a--"