Do they keep the public-house there ?" The lieutenant was now on the scent of duty, and assumed his most knowing air, the sole effect of which was to put every body upon guard against him.

For this was a man of no subtlety, but straightforward, downright, and ready to believe; and his cleverest device was to seem to disbelieve.
"The Cockscrofts keep no public-house," Mrs.Anerley answered, with a little flush of pride.

"Why, she was half-niece to my own grandmother, and never was beer in the family.

Not that it would have been wrong, if it was.

Captain, you are thinking of Widow Precious, licensed to the Cod with the hook in his gills.