"I hope we shall not be rude to any one." He moved towards the door, after saluting Mrs Shackle, the farmer leading the way, and pointing out the nearest path up the steep slope.
"'Bout my cow," he said.
"I have no doubt that as soon as the lieutenant in command is satisfied that you had nothing to do with the smuggling, your people will be set at liberty." "And the cow ?" "And the cow of course." "Thank ye, sir; that's good news.

I'll go and tell the missus.
Straight on, sir; you can't miss it." "Ah, my fine fellow," he continued, as he walked back, "if it hadn't been for your gang with you, how easily I could have turned the key and kept you down in that cellar, where I wish I had your skipper too." "Oh, Blenheim!" said his wife, in an excited whisper, "how could you help them to go up to the Hoze?
They'll find out everything now." "P'r'aps not, missus.

I sent 'em, because if I hadn't they'd have found the way.

We may get off yet, and if we do--well, it won't be the first time; so, here's to luck." As he spoke he opened a corner cupboard, took out a bottle of spirits which had never paid duty, poured out and drank a glass.
"Thank you," said a gruff voice.

"I think, if you don't mind, farmer, I'll have a little taste of that.