"
"Never! Never! those men will kill you!"
"I shall go to sea with those men before to-morrow's sunset."
"You will never return."
"Oh, yes I will; and now listen."
The detective proceeded and arranged a number of secret signs
and signals with the girl. He instructed her in a private
finger code, and found her a ready and apt scholar. He gave
her also a written chart for future study, telling her that if
she mastered it, they could converse in the presence of
others, and none would be the wiser.
Having concluded his instructions, he said:
"Go now to your father. I may not see you for two or three
days, but always be on your guard."
"Against whom?"
"Garcia."
"Do you think he will dare return?"
"That man may have secret agents among the smugglers."
"None of the men would betray me to him."
"We cannot tell what money may accomplish; but I do not
anticipate danger for a few days, or I would not leave, you;
still you must be on your guard."
"Where go you now?"
"To Rigby's,"
"To Rigby's?" ejaculated the girl.
"Yes; why not?"
"You go at your peril!"
The detective laughed and said:
"Never fear for me; good-night!"
Without waiting to listen to further words of warning the
detective walked rapidly away.
Renie returned to the cabin; the girl was disturbed and
thoughtful. The dream of her lonely life was opening up to
her, but alas! the picture was fringed with dark surroundings.
Upon entering the cabin the girl was addressed by her father,
who asked:
"Renie, what do you think of that fellow?"
"He is a mysterious man, father, but he appears to be friendly
to us.
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