The smugglers worked with a will.  The casks were rolled under the tackle, and whipped up to the open air.  Six in all were sent up, and then the men began to handle the bales.  At length two of the rogues laid hands on the box of silks wherein I lay concealed.  I had a difficulty in restraining myself from springing up; but with a great effort I remained perfectly quiet, though expecting every moment to find a knife passed through my body, or a dozen rough hands seize me in their merciless grip.