o likely youngsters. The second is more heavily built
than the other, but there is no doubt as to which is the more intelligent.
I will test them at once, and then take them off with me in the cutter and
hand them over to the tender at Whitby. Now send four men and catch those
two fellows and bring them in here. I will give them a sharp lesson
against ill-treating a lad who refuses to join them in their rascally
work."

A minute later four of the men strolled off by the cliffs, two in each
direction. When they had got out of sight of the watchers, they struck
inland, and, making a detour, came down behind them. The fishermen did not
take the alarm until it was too late. They started to run, but the sailors
were more active and quick-footed, and, presently capturing them, brought
them back to the coast-guard station.

"So my men," the lieutenant said sternly, "you have been threatening to
ill-treat one of His Majesty's subjects for refusing to join you in your
attempts to cheat the revenue? I might send you off to a magistrate for
trial, in which case you would certainly get three months' imprisonment. I
prefer, however, settling such matters myself. Strip them to the waist,
lads."

The orders were executed in spite of the men's struggles and execrations.

"Now tie them up to the flag-post and give them a dozen heartily."

As the men were all indignant at the treatment that had been given to Will
they laid the lash on heavily, and the execrations that followed the first
few blows speedily subsided into shrieks for mercy, followed at last by
low moaning.

When both had received their punishment, the lieutenant said: "Now you can
put on your clothes again and carry the news of what you have had to your
village, and tell your friends that I wish I had had every man concerned
in the matter before me. If I had I would have dealt out the same
punishment to all. Now, lads, I shall be leaving in an hour's time; if you
like to send back to the village for your clothes, one of the men will
take the message."

Tom already had all his scanty belongings, but Will was glad to send a
note to John Hammond, briefly stating his reasons for leaving, and
thanking him for his kindness in the past, and asking him to send his
clothes to him by the bearer. An hour and a half later they embarked in
the lieutenant's gig and were rowed off to the revenue cutter lying a
quarter of a mile away. Here they were put under the charge of the
boat