“I think it was a grand thing,” Aggie said indignantly, “for him to risk being shot, and imprisoned, and all sorts of dreadful things, just to save other people.”

“And I think you are a goose, Aggie,” the squire said.  “If everyone were to go and mix themselves up in other people’s business, there would be no end of trouble.  I suppose next you will say that, if you heard me arranging with the constable to make a capture of some burglars, you would think it a grand thing to put on your hat to run off to warn them.”

“Oh, grandpapa, how can you say such a thing!” the girl said.  “Burglars and smugglers are quite different.  Burglars are wicked men, and thieves and robbers.  Smugglers are not, they are only trying to get goods in without paying duty.”

“They try to rob the king, my dear, and in the eyes of the law are just as criminal as burglars.  Both of them are leagued to break the law, and both will resist and take life if they are interfered with.  I allow that, in general estimation, the smugglers are looked upon in a more favourable light, and that a great many people, who ought to know better, are in league with them, but that does not alter the facts of the case.”

The girl did not argue the question, but the squire was perfectly aware that he had in no way convinced her, and that her feeling, that James Walsham’s action was a highly meritorious one, was in no way shaken.  It was agreed that nothing was to be said about James’s absence, and, after taking some refreshment, Mr. Wilks went down into Sidmouth again, to tell the girl at Mrs. Walsham’s that she was not to gossip about James being away.

Three days later, a letter was received by the squire from Richard Horton.

“I am taking the opportunity of writing a few lines to you, my dear uncle, as I have a chance of sending it ashore by the revenue cutter Thistle, which is lying alongside of us.  Between us, we have just captured a rascally smuggling lugger, with a cargo of lace, silk, and spirits.  You will, I am sure, be surprised and grieved to hear that among the crew of the lugger was James Walsham.  I could hardly believe my eyes, when I saw him in such disreputable company.  It will be a sad blow for his poor mother.  As we were short of hands, our captain offered the crew of the lugger the choice of shipping with us, or being sent on shore for trial.  Most of them chose the former alternative, among them James Walsham, of which I was glad, as his mother will be spared the disgrace of his being placed in the dock with his associates.  I need not say that if I could have obtained his release, I should have done so, knowing that you had a high opinion of him; but it was, of course, out of my power to interfere.”

The squire was alone in his study when he received the letter, for it was midday before the post arrived at Sidmouth, when a man from the Hall went down each day, with a bag, to fetch the letters.  He rang the bell, and ordered the servant to tell Mr. Wilks he should be glad if he would step in to him.  When his friend came, he handed him the letter without a word.