The Riding Officer here, Mr.Smellie--" But here Mr.Smellie himself interposed brusquely.
"You can stow this bluster, Hymen.

I've cornered you, and you know it.

The flares in the offing yonder came from two preventive boats.
Back-door and front I have you, as neat as a rat in a drain; so you may just turn that lantern of yours on the cargo, own up, and sing small." "To resume our conversation, Captain Arbuthnot," the Major went on.
"Upon what information are you and your men taking a part, uninvited, in this evening's--er--proceedings?
You must understand, sir, that I put this question as a magistrate." "To be frank, sir, I am warned that under cover of a feigned attack between your two corps an illicit cargo was to be run here to-night.
The Riding Officer's information is precise, and he tells me he is acquainted with the three boats in which the goods have been brought over." "And more by token, there they are!" exclaimed Mr.Smellie, pointing to three small lugger-rigged craft that lay moored some six or eight fathoms outside the long-boats, with mainmasts unstepped, sails left to lie loose about deck with an artful show of carelessness, and hulls suspiciously deep in the water.

He dismounted, caught up a lantern, and scanned them, chuckling in his glee.

"See here, Captain, the rogues had their gang-planks out and ready.