“Oh, now you’re too hard on me, sir.” “But he was defying the law. And saving a ruffian from it.” “Yes, sir. Of course I suppose I should support the laws, as you say.” “It would be rather nice to be a buccaneer, and to obey only those laws which one is strong enough to make for oneself.” “Yes, sir?” “To defend the weak and to make money by it. Isn’t that our maxim?” The shopman giggled nervously. “Yes, sir.” “I’m a buccaneer,” said Margaret. “Come with me. Won’t you? You shall be what you really long to be.” “Oh, but I couldn’t leave the shop, sir. Mr. Treloar would never----” “Well, think it over,” said Margaret, rising. “I hope you’ll send all these things down to the landing-stage within an hour. And send this woman’s box down with them.” “Oh, I will, sir. You shall find them there, sir.” Captain Margaret paid the cost, nodded to the shopman, walked out with Olivia. Mrs. Inigo resigned her box and followed them. They went to several other shops, made more purchases, trifled away half an hour at a pastrycook’s, and then set slowly shorewards, talking little; but looking at the shops with interest. They would see no more shops for many days. At the mercer’s shop they paused a moment, for Captain Margaret had just decided to take several rolls of holland linen, in order that his hands might make summer shirts for themselves. He left Olivia at the door for a moment, with Mrs. Inigo, while he hurried within. His friend the shopman hurried up to him. “Well, what is it?” said Margaret. “The goods are gone on board, sir,” said the shopman. “Yes? Well? What is it?” “I beg pardon, sir. Don’t wish to offend, sir. But are you the gentleman, the gentleman, the, er, sea-captain. From Salcombe, sir?” “Yes. Why?” “Please, sir, I took the liberty. There was Mr. Russell, the magistrate, and a gentleman from the fort, sir. They came in about you just after you’d gone. They were going to inquire about, about the Salcombe matter, sir.” “Yes. What did you tell them?” “I said you’d gone to Penryn, sir, about some beer, sir, for your sailors.” “That wasn’t strictly truthful, was it?” “No, sir. I suppose not, sir. So they went off to Penryn, sir. And I told your boatmen to take the things aboard, and then wait for you at the docks.” “Where are the docks?” “Nearly a mile down the harbour, sir. Further on along the road here. I beg your pardon, sir, but the landing-stage has soldiers on it.” “Thank you. Have they sent to seize the ship?” “No, sir. Oh no indeed, sir. I think----” “Why haven’t they? Did you hear?” “I think I heard them say, sir, that they had only a warrant for--if I may say so, as they call it, for you, sir.” “How far is it to Penryn? I suppose they’ll be back soon?” “Yes, sir. They might be back at any moment.” “Thanks. Well. Show me where the docks are. Away to the left here?” “Yes, sir. You can’t miss them. If I might come with you, sir.” “To the Spanish Main?” “No, sir. I’m afraid I can’t. But to the docks, sir.”