"What on earth did the boy mean by getting himself mixed up with such an affair as that ?" "It is a foolish business, squire," the old soldier agreed.

"But we can't expect wise heads on young shoulders, I suppose.

He, somehow or other, learnt the surprise which the revenue men intended, and as most of his friends, the fishermen, would probably be concerned in it, he went to give them notice, intending, no doubt, to go quietly back again before the revenue men arrived.

I don't know that he's altogether to be blamed in the matter.

Most young fellows would do the same." "Well, I suppose they would," the squire agreed reluctantly; "but it is a most awkward business.