I would not lightly depreciate any man, but Smellie has one serious fault--he is ambitious." "Such men are to be found in every walk of life." "I fear so.

Ambition is like to be Smellie's bane.

He is jealous of sharing any credit with the Preventive crews, and is keeping them without information.

On the other hand he delights in ordering about a military force; which, in a civilian, is preposterous." "Quite preposterous." "The Dragoons, of course, hate working under his orders: but I shall be surprised if he resist the temptation to call them in and dress himself in a little brief authority.

Further, I have word from Polperro that he is getting together a company of the Sea Fencibles.
In short, he is playing into our hands." "But the boats ?" "They are here." "Here ?" The Doctor's eyes grew round with wonder.
The Major swept a hand towards the horizon.
"For two days we have been enjoying a steady southerly breeze.
They are yonder, you may be sure--the three of them: and that is where Smellie makes a mistake in not employing the cutter." "And the long-boats ?" "The long-boats are lying, as they have lain for three weeks past, in Runnells' yard, awaiting repairs.