"
"That wouldn't do, Jake"
"Then let's go mackerel-fishing, for the other trade is
knocked dead in the head."
The men were all drinking, and became more or less excited
under the influence of the liquor.
Jake was a bad fellow at heart, but he was one of the most
daring men in the crew of jolly smugglers and the men had
great confidence in his judgment.
"I tell you, boys, the gal must be disposed of, or she'll give
information right; just see how we stand now; there's a boat
due, there's a big haul for us, and this man has been in our
midst for two weeks or more, and he's got all the points and--"
The man's further speech was interrupted by the entrance of
a stranger.
CHAPTER XV.
The man who suddenly entered in the midst of the speech of
one-eyed Jake was Ballard, the man whom an hour or two
previously that very gang of men had set to hang.
The crew of the "Nancy" gazed at the newcomer in astonishment,
and a wicked gleam shone in the single eye of Jake.
"You're cheeky, stranger, to walk in here after what's just
happened!"
The disguised detective laughed in a pleasant manner, and
answered:
"That's just why I'm here; you fellows ought to be glad to see
me knocking around alive, when you think how bad you would
have felt had you swung me over the spar."
"We've no fancy for strangers around here!"
"We'll a man who's been following the sea all his life should
not be a stranger among you fellows."
"Where have you sailed, stranger?"
"Better ask where I haven't sailed, and it won't take so long
to pay out the information.
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