ing, and, although we have suspicions, we as
yet have not been able to bring any positive evidence against them, and
we believe that he is associated with them."

"But we cannot condemn Jasper Pennington without evidence," said Admiral
Trefry.

"At the same time I submit," said the magistrate's clerk, after Richard
Tresidder had spoken to him, "that the fact of his carrying a false
light goes to prove that he is associated with some gang of wreckers."

"But there is no proof," remarked the Admiral.

On this there was a stir in the room, and I heard a voice with which I
was familiar claiming to give evidence.

A minute later Israel Barnicoat was sworn.

"Do you know this man?" asked the Admiral of the Preventive men.

"Very well," was the reply, "a most respectable, well-behaved
fisherman."

Then Israel gave his evidence. He said that he had seen me in company
with two men at Kynance who were well-known free-traders. These two men
went by the name of "Brandy Bill" and "Fire the Poker." They had on
several occasions been punished, but were still a terror to honest
fishermen who wanted to get a living in a lawful way.

After this a great many questions were asked and answered, and I saw
that my case looked blacker than ever. I could see that Cap'n Jack had
used this means of getting rid of me, and that Israel Barnicoat had
volunteered, for reasons that were apparent, to try and get me hanged.

Then I asked another question.

"What time do you say it was that you saw me showing the false light?" I
asked.

"Half-past eleven," was the reply.

"I should say that it was nearer twelve," replied another. "It was a
most desperate affair, your worship. He throwed the lantern over the
cliff and took to his heels. We followed a goodish bit afore we could
catch un, and when we ded lay hould ov un he ded fight like a mazed
dragon. It was as much as three ov us could do to maaster un."

Now this put another thought in my mind. I was in Pennington kitchen at
the very time they said they were struggling with me, and I was about to
say so, when I remembered what it would mean. If I told them where I was
I should have most likely to mention Naomi Penryn's name, and that I
did not like to do. Still I did not want to be sent to Bodmin Gaol
without a struggle.

"You say you followed me some distance?" I said.

"Yes; we ded."

"How far before you caught me?"

"Nigh pon an hour."

"It was very dark that night."

"Iss,