"
"Why?" asked Jack. "Aren't you talking?"
"Yes, after a fashion, but those chaps can't understand this. I'd like
to tell the watchman what a liar he is and to ask Wyckoff where my chum
Charley Burnett is. If he didn't answer, I'd make him."
"I see," Jack replied. "But have patience. We'll get him."
"Here they come," announced Tom. "Both of 'em, hungry hounds."
"Listen," signaled Frank. "Get this if you can."
The watchman and Wyckoff, for it was he, were talking in low tones. Only
an occasional word was audible to the three watchers on the motor boat.
It was evident that Wyckoff had been drinking and was inclined to be a
trifle quarrelsome. The watchman was doing his best to restrain Wyckoff
from some act upon which he seemed determined. They were using harsh
words but still talked in a low tone.
Finally Wyckoff turned and left the yard, followed by the protesting
watchman who slammed the gate after the retreating figure.
"There, that's over," sighed Tom. "What did you get out of it?"
"Just this," stated Jack. "The watchman is a liar and Wyckoff was not
here for any good. He intends mischief of some sort."
"My idea exactly," cried Tom. "He's probably gone up town to hoist
aboard a cargo of 'Dutch Courage.' Then he'll come back here with some
of his cronies and let the Fortuna go into the water with a splash!
That'll be the end of the Fortuna."
"Let's hope not," Frank answered. "If he does that, we'll have the law
on him and he'll be railroaded to the pentitentiary so quick he won't
even stop to say good-by.
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