What did Mr. Stillwell and Captain Hannock have in common?
For a moment I hesitated about opening the letters. Then I reflected that both of the men were plotting against my welfare, and I opened one of the epistles without any further compunction.
It was dated at New York City ten days before, and read as follows:
"Dear Hannock:—I will be unable to call upon you to-day as agreed, and perhaps it is just as well that we are not seen together too much. The cargo is now all ready at Kinley's in Brooklyn, well packed. Lowell can take charge of it for us mutually. The insurance is O.K.
"I trust you have no trouble with the insurance on the vessel. Powers will fix it up for you. The New Bedford business will be all ready for you when you arrive, and you need not wait but half a day at the most. Will see you to-morrow.
"F. S."
I read the letter through with great care. When I had finished I felt sick at heart.
Beyond a doubt my uncle was in league with Captain Hannock, and the two were engaged in as big a piece of villainy as had ever come to my notice.
