sir, if you please, where was that cargo landed?"

My father was silent, but his face was flushed, and I saw Jonas
Uggleston dart a curious look at him as he screwed up his face, and at
the same moment Bigley grasped my hand.

"I see," said the officer, "I shall have to question the boys. Once
more, sir, I ask you as an officer and a gentleman, do you not know
where that cargo was landed?"

"Sir," said my father, "your manner is dictatorial and offensive to a
man of higher rank than yourself; but you ask me this question as one of
his majesty's servants, and I am bound to reply. I do know where a
cargo was landed, but it was not from this man's boat."

"But he was in the business, captain," said the lieutenant with a laugh.
"Now, sir, if you please, where was it?"

"In the second bay to the westward, sir," said my father coldly; and
Jonas Uggleston gave his foot a stamp, and uttered a fierce oath.

"You see, he is in the business," said the lieutenant laughing. "There,
Uggleston, you have betrayed yourself."

I heard Bigley utter a piteous sigh, and I looked round at him to see
the great drops standing on his forehead.

"I am so sorry, Big," I whispered; but he did not reply. He went and
took hold of his father's arm.

Old Jonas turned round fiercely, but he smiled directly, and whispered
something to Bigley, who fell back with his head drooping, and in a
dejected way.

"Now, Captain Duncan, if you please, you will come with us on board the
lugger, and we'll run along to the second bay," said the lieutenant; "it
will not take long."

"Sir," said my father, "I have replied to your questions as I was bound,
but I am not bound to act as your pilot."

"Sir," said the lieutenant, "I demand this service of you as his
majesty's servant. Kindly step on board the boat. Now, Uggleston."

I shall never forget old Jonas's fierce scowl as he walked down to the
boat, into which he stepped, and remained in the bows, while my father
went into the stern-sheets, and was followed by the lieutenant. The
bare-legged sailors ran the light gig out, and sprang over the side,
seized their oars and backed water, turned her, and began to row with a
light springy stroke for the lugger.

"Big, old mate," I said, "I am so, so sorry."

"Don't talk to me," he groaned. "I never said anything: but I was
always afraid of this."

"Don't be angry with father," I said appealingly. "He was obliged to
speak."

"I can't talk to y