But at last came voices, and then two rough looking men approached. I was about to make my presence known, but their appearance was such that I remained silent; and they took seats close to the spot where I was.
"And the captain is sure that she is fully insured? " asked the taller of the two.
"Trust Captain Hannock to cover himself well!" laughed the other. "You can bet he has her screwed up to the top notch."
"And what is this cargo insured for?"
"McNeil didn't say. Not much less than a hundred thousand, I guess. Of course you'll go, Crocker?"
"Ya-as," replied the man addressed as Crocker, somewhat slowly. "I can't pick up a thousand dollars any easier than that."
"I thought I had struck you right. Are you ready to sail?"
"Anytime you say, Lowell. I owe two weeks' board now, and Mammy Brown hinted last night I'd better pay up or seek other quarters."
And Crocker gave a short, hard laugh.
"Then meet me at the Grapevine in an hour," said the man called Lowell. "I've got to make a few other arrangements before we start."
"Right you are."
