The Argosy — page 74: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

The Black Buoy. 63 ‘“A couple of soldiers held my grandfather while the sergeant searched him, and found nothing. Nor did the others prove better worth examination. “T was hiding behind my grandfather’s back, hoping to escape observation. But the sergeant caught me by the wrist. My grand- father interposed. «There is nothing contraband on that boy!’ said he, per- emptorily. “‘¢T’ll soon see that,’ answered the soldier, grasping my wrist until I could have screamed with pain. ** My grandfather did not strike him, but administered a kind of push with his heavy shoulder that sent the sergeant, big as he was, staggering some yards away. With the loosing of his hold, I slipped and almost fell; off went my sou’wester, and down, alas! came my long brown hair all over me. The young officer instantly stepped between the sergeant and me. ***T don’t think we need search this youngster, sergeant,’ he said, in a tone of quiet authority. ‘He is not likely to have anything contraband about him. Where have you been to-night?’ he added, turning to my grandfather, while I got into the background, greatly confused and conscious that the officer had found me out. ** ¢ Lobster-fishing,’ answered my grandfather, composedly. “** Not much sport, I’m afraid,’ said the lieutenant, sarcastically. “Qh yes, we caught a few,’ answered my grandfather, glancing round at the soldiers’ coats. “The lieutenant was good-humoured, and could take a joke. ‘Ah! but they’re black when they’re caught,’ said he, with a smile that showed a very white and even set of teeth. “ « Aye, aye, sir,’ said my grandfather, with a twinkle in his eye again. ‘ But they’re red when they’re done!’ ‘The lieutenant laughed outright. ‘ You’ve got the best of us this time, Mr. Wilson,’ said he, preparing to depart. ‘But,’ he added in a lower tone, ‘you had better be careful for the future. Meanwhile, I am sorry to have troubled you. Good-night.’ “He put himself at the head of his men, gave a sharp, short order, and away they went. “ And away we went. But my grandfather had learnt a lesson. He was a rich man, and gave up the trade from that very night, sold the lugger, and retired into private life.” Here my grandmother paused, and looked at the General with a smile. * And did you never see the lieutenant again?” enquired a young lady of fourteen, who had long brown hair, probably like grand- mamma’s was once. “ My dear,” said grandpapa, ‘‘ 7 was the lieutenant.” Gomilchboo <s) (E()