Page:Doctor Syn - A Smuggler Tale of the Romney Marsh.djvu/41

 and there's Waggetts, and she's the landlord," and the sexton, chuckling with delight at his ready wit, pointed to the still weeping landlady.

"Well, ma'am," said the captain, coming to the point at once, "you must really blame yourself if your scores are not settled. A little potboy who has to stand on tiptoe to look over the bar is not the sort of person to prevent people helping themselves; and that's what my seadogs are doing now—helping themselves."

Mrs. Waggetts, with a scream, rushed from the kitchen, followed by Imogene, the sexton and the schoolmaster being glad enough to follow their example and so escape from the bullying captain, who was now left alone with Denis.

"Now, then, Mr. Squire's son, listen to me," he said.

"My name is Denis Cobtree," returned the young man. "The name Cobtree is well enough known upon the Marsh to be remembered by a sea captain."

"Look here, young fellow," said the officer warningly, "I am here representing the law, commissioned by King George."

"I have heard that the King's taste may be called in question," Denis replied.

"I can prove to you otherwise," returned the captain, "for it so happens that Captain Collyer holds the majority for stringing up smugglers. I have sent more from the coast to the sessions than any of his Majesty's agents. And stap my vitals, I believe I have landed on a