Page:Doctor Syn - A Smuggler Tale of the Romney Marsh.djvu/25

Rh "I say, Mister, it remains to be seen."

"'Course it does!" went on the sexton. "Let's have another blink at her. "Well," he said at length, closing the telescope with a snap, and returning it, "King's ship or no, they looks to me more like a set of mahogany pirates, and I'm a-goin' to lock up the church. King's men's one thing, but havin' the plate took's another, and one that I don't fancy, being held responsible; so good afternoon, sir"—touching his hat to the vicar—"and good afternoon to you, Christopher Columbus." And with this little pleasantry, which struck him as being the height of humour, the grotesque little man hopped off at high speed in the direction of the inn.

"Odd little man that, sir," said the preventer.

"Very odd little man," said the vicar.