midday before
As we were short of hands , our captain offered the crew of the lugger the choice of shipping with us , or being sent on shore for trial . Most of them chose the former alternative , among them James Walsham , of which I was glad , as his mother will be spared the disgrace of his being placed in the dock with his associates . I need not say that if I could have obtained his release , I should have done so , knowing that you had a high opinion of him ; but it was , of course , out of my power to interfere . '' The squire was alone in his study when he received the letter , for it was midday before the post arrived at Sidmouth , when a man from the Hall went down each day , with a bag , to fetch the letters . He rang the bell , and ordered the servant to tell Mr. Wilks he should be glad if he would step in to him . When his friend came , he handed him the letter without a word . `` That settles the matter , '' he said , as he threw the letter angrily down upon the table .