The facts were as follows: "In my teens (as I think you know) I was at sea.

I took my second mate's certificate at twenty, and from that to twenty-four my voyages were far between and on my own account.

I had given way to our hereditary passion for smuggling.

I kept a 'yacht' in Morecambe Bay, and more French brandy than I knew what to do with in my cellars.

It was exciting for a time, but the excitement did not last.