“No,” said Percy quickly. “I do not forget it. For five years and ten months I kept it; and then it was at an end. I promised him that, until I reached 34the age of twenty-one, I would perform that task whenever called upon to do so. The one-and-twentieth anniversary of my birthday is past and gone; and I am free.”

A fierce oath burst from the smuggler’s lips, and he was evidently upon the point of launching forth into threats, but common sense came to his aid. He was situated peculiarly. The brig must be brought safely into her haven, for she had beneath her hatches one of the most valuable cargoes she had ever carried and he could not do it without making a change in his plans which he would not make if he could possibly avoid it.

“Bah!” he exclaimed, when he saw the other backing. . . Read More