.

I am sorry, sir, that you and your gallant fellows should have been misled by an officious civilian; but if I might suggest your marching on to Looe, where a good supper awaits us, to take this taste out of our mouths--and good liquor too, not contraband, to drown resentment--" The Captain may surely be pardoned if for the moment even this gentle speech failed to placate him.

He turned in dudgeon amid the grinning crowd and was in the act of remounting, but missed the stirrup as his charger reared and backed before the noise of yet another diversion.
No one knows who dipped into the cask and flung the first handful over unhappy Mr.Smellie.

No one knows who led the charge down upon the boats, or gave the cry to stave in the barrels on board.

But in a trice the preventive men were driven overboard and, as they leapt into the shallow water, were caught and held and drenched in the noisome mess; while the Riding Officer, plastered ere he could gain his saddle, ducked his head and galloped up the beach under a torrential shower of deliquescent pilchards.
The Dragoons did not interfere.
"Shall it be for Looe, Captain ?" challenged Major Hymen, waving his blade and calling on the Gallants to re-form.