They are on the scent of the smuggled goods, and I am to be called to account for their possession.

Better that we had starved!" Lady Graeme caught his hand, and pressed it hard.
"Be firm," she whispered; "you will betray yourself." "Well," he replied bitterly, "why not?
Better so than being the slave of that wretched man.

I feel that I am worse than he.

I do know better, he does not." Recalling that he was in the presence of a gentleman, Archy raised his hat, advanced and said, apologetically, who and what they were.

That his was a very unpleasant duty, but that as a gentleman, Sir Risdon would see that the king's officers had no alternative but to carry out their duty.
"Of course not, sir," said Sir Risdon.