The detective was proceeding along when he was suddenly
summoned to a halt.
The detective at once suspected trouble, and his ready hand
went to his pocket as a man covered with a rubber coat and
slouch hat approached.
"Good-evening, stranger," said the man in the rubber coat.
"Good-evening," was the response.
"Are you acquainted around here"
"Well, I should say I was a little."
"Do you know a fisherman around here by the name of Pearce?"
"What do you want of Mr. Pearce?"
"Ah, you know him!"
"I haven't said so."
"But you do."
"Mebbe I do."
"Will you guide me to his house?"
"I don't know whether I will or not."
"I will pay you for your time."
"You will?"
"Yes."
"Where did you come from, stranger?"
"That's my business."
"Is it? Well, it's my business not to guide you to Tom
Pearce's cottage."
"Hang it, you are a surly lot around here."
"You are a surly lot yourself."
"I only wish to be guided to a man's cabin."
"Well, if you would give a little information you might
receive in return a great deal more."
"You cannot expect a stranger to tell his business to every
man he meets."
"No; but will you tell me how long you have been on the
coast?"
"Why do you ask?"
"As a good Samaritan."
"I do not understand you, neighbor."
"I wish to discover whether or not you are stranger around
here."
"What difference does that make?"
"It might make considerable."
"How?"
"This is a dangerous place for strangers just now.
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