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That exclamation changed the conversation from what was a terribly touchy point with Bigley, who always felt it acutely if anyone hinted that his father indulged in smuggling. "I know," said Bob Chowne, changing his attack so that it was directed upon me. "Well, if my father was so precious selfish as to get a boat and go out fishing without me, I should kick up a row."

As for Bob Chowne, he came over and drilled sometimes, and he was considered to be our surgeon that is, by Bigley and me but he was not with us very often, for his father kept him at work studying medicine, meaning him to be a doctor later on; but, as Bob expressed it, he was always washing bottles or making pills, though as a fact neither of these tasks ever came to his share.

"I suppose so," I said. "That's what the people say. Binnacle Bill says he has got heaps of silver locked up in the strong place below the office under iron doors. Have you seen it?" "No," I said; "and I shouldn't think it's true. Hallo! Look yonder. Why, there's Bob Chowne!"

Then we started homeward in the lowest of spirits, we two boys expecting the most severe of lectures; but to our intense surprise and delight we were allowed to drop behind, for our elders were deep in conversation about the mine. Then it was that, after hanging more and more behind, Bob Chowne relieved his feelings. "It was a shame it was too bad!" he kept on grumbling.

"Will the cutter come back, father?" I said. "I daresay it will, to see if Uggleston's lugger returns; but I don't think the lugger will, and certainly Uggleston will not dare to return here to live for some time to come." "Then what's to become of Bigley?" cried Bob Chowne. "His father must settle that, my lad." "But till he does, father?" I said. "Will he stay here?" "Certainly, my boy. Why not?

"No," said Doctor Chowne, "put some wood and charcoal ready, and fetch a dozen bricks out of the yard." "Is Master Sep ill?" cried Kicksey. "Oh, no: there he is. I was quite " "There, be quick," said my father; "and if anybody comes, go to the gate and say I'm busy."

Who've you got here? Oh! It's you, young Chowne, is it? Ah! I was coming over to see your father 'bout my foot as I got twisted 'tween two bits o' rock jumping; but it's got better now. Home from school?" "Yes, sir; we came home yesterday," said Bob, staring hard at old Uggleston's mahogany hands. "And who's this, eh?

It was cold and I was shivering, and the rushing of the water and the beat of the pump was going on still. No, it was not; for I was up there on the shelf of rock miles away from our mine, and I had been set to keep watch with Bob Chowne; and here was he, close by me, breathing heavily, fast asleep.

It was as if I felt the impression of trouble that was coming; but I kept the feeling to myself. "Well," said Bigley, "I did mean to ask for leave." "Of course you did," cried Bob Chowne; "but as your father is off you can't. Come along, boys, and let's get a good haul this time."

"Here's the specimen, father," I said; but he did not turn his head, for the doctor was speaking to him. "Did you get the deeds?" he said. "Chowne, you're as good as a witch," cried my father. "Why?" "As I came out of the lawyer's office, who should I see but old Jonas Uggleston coming along the street, and as I went into the hotel I saw him turn in where I had been."