"And I'd like to put you in gaol, you blackmailing scoundrel!" cried Chard, hotly; then he became aware it was beneath him to bandy words with this abusive sailor, and resumed his former dignified tone. "Come, come, this will not do," he cried; "you must come to Poldew to-morrow morning and give evidence about your mate and those pearls." "I can't; and what's more, I shan't." "Oh yes, I think you can! Since you tried to blackmail Mr. Johnson, you know quite well that Finland sold the pearls; I dare say you know how he got them. For all I know, you may even be an accessory after the fact in this murder. I'll have you watched, mind; so you'd better turn up at Poldew to-morrow." "Oh, I'll turn up, never you fear!" growled Jacob, in a surly manner. "My log-book's all right, I guess. I don't want no land-shark to square me. And let me tell you," cried Jacob, furiously, "if you send any more blamed Sheeny cusses to board my ship, I'll chuck 'em over--as I did the last 'un." "Oh," said Chard, laughing, "so Mr. Moss has been on board your boat, has he?" "For two minutes he was, then I slung him overside to wash. Wanted to put an execution on my barky, the Jerusalem hound." "He'll have the law of you for that," said the inspector, turning to his papers. "Clear out now, my man, and report yourself at Poldew to-morrow, or it will be the worse for you." Captain Shackel backed towards the door with an evil grin. "I'll be there, you bet," he snapped, "and you'll have a holy time with me, I can tell you. I've seen a better man than you made out of mud, I have." By this time Chard's patience was quite exhausted. He caught Jacob in his arms and dropped him outside the door. Then, instructing a constable to keep an eye on him, he re-entered his office. This was the second time the little sea captain's dignity had suffered reversal. He anathematized Chard with horrible fluency. But the inspector was well used to such flowers of speech, and they affected him but little. Carwell returned to tell of failure. His nephew had been all that was civil and grateful to him, but he refused altogether to make him his confidant. The farmer had begged and commanded, and threatened, but without success. Jack gave him clearly to understand that he had his own way of conducting his own affairs, and that way he intended to pursue. He was not to be drawn at all. So it was that, heavy-hearted and disappointed, Carwell was obliged to leave the lad. After reporting his failure to Chard, he went home in a state of depression. Half an hour later the inspector left Grimleigh with his prisoner, and drove over to Poldew. In truth it had been an exciting day.