"They wanted to go, for they were choking nearly, but I wouldn't let them." "What?
Don't seek refuge in a lie, boy.

That's making your fault ten times worse.

Didn't I see you returning to the wharf ?" "Yes, sir," I cried indignantly; "but the men had not been to drink." "Then how dared you disobey my orders, and go away ?" he roared, furious at being proved wrong.
"I went, sir, because it was my duty." "What!" "We stayed till the stone-throwing grew dangerous for us, and then I had the boat rowed out and anchored." "Oh!" "But I kept watch till you came in sight, sir; and we were as quick as we could be." "The mob pelted you too, Mr Herrick ?" "Yes, sir," I said; "and we couldn't fire over their heads, nor yet row right away." He looked at me angrily, and then his countenance changed.
"Pert, Mr Herrick," he said, "but very apt.

You have me there on the hop.

Dear me! I've made a great mistake, eh ?" "Yes, sir," I said hoarsely.
"And you sat out there in the broiling sun, and the miserable savages pelted you as they did me ?" "Yes, sir." "Tut, tut, tut! and the heat was maddening.