d, telling him to keep out of the
moonlight, or he would get some lead in him, and at the same time a
bullet whistled close by his arm. Soon after, the lugger doubled the
point and disappeared. Mr. Dance stood there, as he said, "like a fish
out of water," and all he could do was to dispatch a man to B---- to
warn the cutter. "And that," said he, "is just about as good as nothing.
They've got off clean, and there's an end. Only," he added, "I'm glad I
trod on Master Pew's corns"; for by this time he had heard my story.

I went back with him to the "Admiral Benbow," and you cannot imagine a
house in such a state of smash; the very clock had been thrown down by
these fellows in their furious hunt after my mother and myself; and
though nothing had actually been taken away except the captain's
money-bag and a little silver from the till, I could see at once that we
were ruined. Mr. Dance could make nothing of the scene.

"They got the money, you say? Well, then, Hawkins, what in fortune were
they after? More money, I suppose?"

"No, sir; not money, I think," replied I. "In fact, sir, I believe I
have the thing in my breast-pocket; and, to tell you the truth, I should
like to get it put in safety."

"To be sure, boy; quite right," said he. "I'll take it, if you like."

"I thought, perhaps, Doctor Livesey--" I began.

"Perfectly right," he interrupted, very cheerily, "perfectly right--a
gentleman and a magistrate. And, now I come to think of it, I might as
well ride round there myself and report to him or squire. Master Pew's
dead, when all's done; not that I regret it, but he's dead, you see, and
people will make it out against an officer of his Majesty's revenue, if
make it out they can. Now, I'll tell you, Hawkins, if you like, I'll
take you along."

I thanked him heartily for the offer, and we walked back to the hamlet
where the horses were. By the time I had told mother of my purpose they
were all in the saddle.

"Dogger," said Mr. Dance, "you have a good horse; take up this lad
behind you."

As soon as I was mounted, holding on to Dogger's belt, the supervisor
gave the word, and the party struck out at a bouncing trot on the road
to Doctor Livesey's house.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER VI

THE CAPTAIN'S PAPERS

We rode hard all the way, till we drew up before Doctor Livesey's door.
The house was all dark to the front.

Mr. Dance told me to jump down and knock, and Dogger gave me a stirrup
to descen