Page:Doctor Syn - A Smuggler Tale of the Romney Marsh.djvu/285

 on our person, but it is most damnably damaging to the set of one's clothes. Indeed, I declare that the cream of the army would retire if carrying weapons was insisted upon."

"And you mean to say, sir, that you, a captain, walk abroad in your uniform unarmed?"

"And with the place infested with French spies?" added Imogene, shuddering.

"Why, yes, Madam, I assure you it is so. When I walk abroad I rely entirely for my personal safety upon my tasselled cane, and I venture to suggest that I could put up a very pretty fight with it."

"But it would not be of much service against pistols, would it, Captain?" asked Mrs. Whyllie.

"Perhaps not, Madam, but who would want to put a pistol to my head?"

"You must have many enemies surely, Captain," suggested the old lady, "for are you not in command of the press gang?"

"Yes, and a poor job it is for an army officer," said the soldier. "I take no interest in the sea at all, and the authorities are endeavouring to transfer me to the marine service."

"The press gang does most cruel work, too, I hear," went on the old lady.

"Well, you see, that really cannot be helped. Madam. War with France is a certain thing, and if our navy is not able to smash Napoleon on the sea—well, we shall