It started--light, but it's working--up--right along. Almost
any time somebody is liable to--to propose throwing off the--the limit,
and then somebody is going to get--hurt. If you are--not in it, why you
won't be in any--danger."
There was a silence. The four youths looked at the visitor and then at
each other.
What did it mean?
If he was playing them for "suckers," surely he was doing it in a queer
manner.
"Thank you," said Frank, stiffly. "You are kind!"
"More than kind!" muttered Diamond.
"Don't mention it," said the little man, trying to look pleasant, but
making a dismal failure. "I--I dont' like to see respectable young men
caught in a--trap. That's all. Thought I'd tell you. Didn't know that
you would--thank me. Took my chances on that. Well, I think I'll--be
going."
He turned, falteringly, seemed about to say something more, opened the
door part way, hesitated, then said "good-day," and went out.
CHAPTER VI.
THE CARGO OF THE "EAGLE."
"Well?"
"Well!"
"Well!"
The same word, but from three different persons, and spoken in three
different inflections.
"Will somebody please hit me with something hard!" murmured Jack.
"What does it mean, Merry?" asked Rattleton.
"You may search me!" exclaimed Frank, in rather expressive slang,
something in which he seldom indulged, unless under great provocation.
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