We looked upon it as very much akin to the running of cargoes into blockaded ports--a large profit for a large risk and no ill-feeling, though, indeed, at times, human nature would out, and attempts at the enforcement of laws in the making of which we had no hand, would result in collisions, and occasionally in the shedding of blood.
Incidents of that kind were, of course, to be regretted, and were certainly not sought for by our Island men, though doubtless at times the wilder spirits would seek reprisal for the thwarting of their plans.

But when even one of the great men in England, who made these laws against free-trading, could tell his fellow-lawmakers that the mind of man never could conceive of it as at all equalling in turpitude those acts which are breaches of clear moral virtue--how should it be expected that the parties chiefly interested should take a stricter view of the matter?
In course of time my longing for the wider life found expression, first in looks, and at last in words, which, indeed, were not needed, for my mother had seen and understood long before I spoke.
And when my words found vent she was ready for them, and I learned how firmly set upon her way may be a woman whom one had always looked upon as gentlest of the gentle and retiring beyond most.
"Not that, Phil, not that.

Anything but that.

I would sooner see you in your grave than a free-trader,"-- which seemed to me an extreme view to take of the matter, but I know now that she had her reasons, and that they were all-sufficient for her.
My grandfather set his face against it also, though, indeed, my mother's strong feeling would have been enough for me.

He, however, being a man, understood better, perhaps, what was in me, for he had been that way himself, and he set himself to further my craving.
The only other openings were in the legitimate trading to foreign parts, or service on a King's ship, or on a privateer, which latter business had come to be of very great importance in the Islands.