_ CHAPTER XXX
As our readers have discerned, the detective had no desire to see the member of the firm whom he had asked for; it had been merely a game to gain an opportunity to listen to what occurred between the capitalists and the master of the "Nancy."
When Vance saw that the conference was about terminating, he walked to the front of the store, and said:
"I will not wait; I will call in again."
"If your business is important you had better wait. He can not be engaged a much longer time."
"I will call again."
"Very well."
The detective walked out. He had "coppered" all he required for the time being. He took up his position a short distance from the store, and awaited the reappearance of Denman upon the street. He was not compelled to wait very long, as the master of the "Nancy" soon appeared, and the detective fell upon his trail.
Denman walked up town a short distance, and stopped in a well-known bar-room, and the detective again got in on a little wait. The master of the "Nancy" did not remain long in the bar-room, and soon again appeared upon the street, when the detective approached him.
"Hello, King," called Vance, "haven't you gone back yet?"
The master of the "Nancy" turned and recognized the countryman whom he had called a "crank" on the train.
"Where did you come from?"
"I saw you come out of that place, and I thought I'd like to have a few words with you."
"I have no time."
"Oh, yes; you call spare a few moments."
"Probably you know my business better than I do."
"I know you're in no hurry; you're not going out on the island to-night."
"I am not going out on the island to-night?"
"Well, you're a 'no-such-thing'!"
"Come and have a beer?"
"I have no time, I tell you."
"It will not take you a minute; and I've something to tell you."
"You've something to tell me?"
"Yes."
"What have you to say to me?"
"Something very important."
"What are you giving me now?"
"Facts. Cone along; I've a surprise for you."
The master of the "Nancy" was amused and at the same time mystified. He could not dream what the countryman could have to say to him.
"Come along," said Vance.
"You have something to tell me?"
"Yes."
"Tell me here."
"No; I want to sit down. It's a long story."
A curious look came over the smuggler's face, and, for the first time, a faint suspicion crossed his mind. "Where will we go?" he asked.
"Oh, here's a place."
The two men entered a beer saloon, the rear yard of which had been converted into a garden, over which an awning was stretched. They took a seat and Denman demanded in an impatient tone:
"Well, what have you to say to me?"
There was no one in the garden but the two men; the waiter had brought the beer and had gone away.
"You asked me what my name was on the train?"
"Yes, I did."
"I wouldn't tell you!"
"No."
"Well, do you know why?"
"No."
"You ought to know my name; you and I have met before; can't you tell where?"
The detective all the time had preserved his rustic tones and demeanor.
"You and I have met before?"
"Yes."
"When and where?"
"Several times."
"Where?"
"Ah, you must guess."
"The master of the "Nancy" studied the detective's face.
"I do not remember ever having seen you before."
"Nonsense."
"You are having some fun at my expense."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes."
"Well, I am in dead earnest."
"Where did we meet before?"
"The last time we met I promised you we would meet again."
A fierce look shot into Denman's eyes as he permitted his glance to roam around the garden.
He was studying what the chances would be under certain contingencies.
"As I don't know you, do you know me?"
"You told me your name was King."
"Is that my name?"
"No."
"What is my name?"
"Denman," came the answer in a low, firm tone. The master of the "Nancy" turned deadly pale. Ho realized that something was up, and it came to him that the seeming countryman after all, was a man as keen and resolute as himself.
"You say my name is Denman?"
"Yes."
"You are sure?"
"I am."
"What's my business?"
"You're the master of the 'Nancy'."
Denman made a certain significant motion with his hand, when the detective whispered:
"Don't!"
There was a world of significance in that little word "Don't!"
"Who are you?"
"Can't you guess?"
"I'm not guessing to-day."
"Sorry."
"What is your business with me?"
"I wanted to tell you that I knew who you were."
"Is that all?"
"No."
"What else?"
"I wanted you to know that I am a man who keeps his word."
"Is your word passed to me?"
"Yes."
"What is your promise?"
"I promised to meet you again."
"I don't recall."
"Don't you perceive?"
"Perceive what?"
"That you are in a bad hole."
Again the master of the "Nancy" made a certain movement, when the detective repeated in a peculiar warning tone:
"Don't."
"You are a revenue officer?" said Denman.
"Aha! now you begin to open up!"
"What is your business with me?"
"You are my prisoner!"
"No, no, my friend!"
"Yes, yes, Denman."
Matters were approaching a critical climax. Denman attempted to rise from his seat.
"Sit down!" commanded the detective.
"My friend," Said Denman, "don't fly your kite too high, your string may be cut."
The smuggler spoke in a warning tone.
"Sit down," repeated the detective.
Denman realized that he was facing a man who was well prepared at every turn.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"I am your old friend Ballard!" came the reply. _