The detective approached the group of men standing outside and
inquired:
"Hello, what's going on here?"
The men crowded around the new-comer, and glared in his face,
and one of the men called out,
"Ahoy there, bring a glim here, quick! Here's stranger, and
by all that's fatal, I believe Tom's enemy!"
The detective was perfectly cool as he answered;
"Will you tell me what's going on here"
"Who are you, anyhow?" came the query in a rough tone.
Meantime one of the men had brought out a ship's lantern, and
it was held up in front of the detective's face, and the men
glared at him.
"Do any of you know this fellow?" came the question.
One man after another declared his utter ignorance of the
identity of the stranger.
"Who are you, my man?" again came the question;
"My name is Ballard, but I reckon no one around here knows
me."
"I reckon you're right, you villain! and now what brings you
here?"
"I came here to see a woman named Betsy Pearce."
"You came here to see a woman named Betsy Pearce?"
"Yes."
"What brought you here to see Betsy Pearce?"
"That's my business."
"You've been here before, to-night, old man!"
"Who says so?"
"We all do."
"Then you are all mistaken!"
"We are, eh? Well, my friend, it stands you in hand to give
an account of yourself, and explain your presence here, or
tomorrow's sun will never rise before your eyes!"
"Will you men explain why I am assailed this way?"
"My friend, Tom Pearce, has been found in his cabin
unconscious!"
The detective gave a start, and a shudder passed over his
stalwart frame.
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