"We have 'em right and tight this trip.
See the three luggers, there, to port of ye ?" "Ay, ay, sir!" "Tumble aboard, then, and fetch us out a sample of their cargo." There was a pause.

Save for the jingling of the chargers' bits and now and again the clink of scabbard on boot, silence--dead silence-- held the beach.

Aboard the boats the preventive men could be heard rummaging.
"Found anything ?" called out Mr.Smellie.
"Ay, ay, sir!" "What is it ?" "Casks!" "What did I promise you ?" Mr.Smellie turned to Captain Arbuthnot in triumph.

"Luxmore!" he called aloud.
"Ay, ay, sir!" came the Chief Boatman's voice in answer.
"There's a plank handy.

Roll us a sample or two ashore here, and fetch along chisel and auger." "If you think it necessary, sir--" "Do as you're told, man!.