_ CHAPTER XLI
Rigby did not make an immediate reply, but glanced around to see who was gathered in the place.
"Come, old man, give us the news."
"I am waiting to see if there are any strangers in our midst."
"There are no strangers present."
"That's all right; I expect some strangers."
"Who do you expect?"
"Well, boys, I'll tell you; I saw Denman, and he let me, into some secrets, and if luck favors, all will come out right; the Government has only one witness."
"Vance?"
"Yes; and if that man can be got rid of all will come out right."
"Did you expect to see Vance here when you looked us over?"
"No; but I expected to see one of the men who was after Vance, and you fellows must go slow if you come across any strangers on the coast."
"There were two strangers on the coast this night."
"There were?"
"Yes."
"Where were they?"
"Up at the Pearce cabin."
"Aha! that means something; but, I'll you, I expect two or three men who are to trail Vance and if they ever catch him on this coast, or anywhere else, they'll down him!"
"Who are the men?"
"Ah! that's just what no one is going to find out, except the few who are inside of the game; but go slow when you meet a stranger during the next few days. Meantime, who was the man up at the Pearce cabin?"
"We counted him as Vance."
"It is possible it may have been Vance."
"There were two of them."
"Two of them?
"Yes."
"Then you can make up your mind that one of these men was was in our interest."
One of the gang related all that had occurred.
"Aha! I see it all. The man in the rubber coat was one of our fellows. He is on the detective's track, you bet and it will all be right for Ike and the rest of the boys in the morning."
The conversation was continued for some time, and the death of old Tom Pearce was discussed in a sort of left hand manner; nothing definite was disclosed, but the detective was led to believe that a little open play on his part might give him a chance to pick up a few facts.
Spencer Vance was afraid of discovery, and was about moving from his hiding place when he became aware of the fact that he had been seen.
A great excitement immediately followed. He stepped out from his hiding-place, and was at once surrounded by a dozen armed men.
The detective as usual, was cool and easy, and, when an opportunity offered, demanded:
"Is there a man in your company named Rigby?"
Silence followed the detective's question. He received no immediate answer, and he once more called out:
"Is there a man in your midst named Rigby?"
The detective spoke in broken English. Rigby answered himself by asking:
"What do you want of Rigby?"
"Is there such a man here?"
"If there is, what difference does it make to you?"
"I have a message for him."
"A message?"
"Yes."
"Who from?"
"I'll tell Rigby."
"See here, my man, don't you go independent, or you will get into trouble."
"I can't get into any trouble if Rigby is around."
"My name is Rigby."
"Can I see you alone?"
"Anything you have to say can be spoken right out; we are all one company here."
"That would not be according to instructions."
Rigby really wanted to talk alone with the man, but did not wish to make it so appear.
"What do you say, boys, shall I let him see me alone?"
"Certainly," came the answer.
"Come along, my friend," commanded Rigby.
The detective followed the proprietor of the tavern inside the house, and was led to a rear room.
"Now what have you got to say?"
"You are Rigby!"
"Yes, I am Rigby."
"I must not make a mistake."
"You are not making a mistake."
"All right, then you are to give me your aid?"
"Give you my aid?"
"Yes."
"I don't understand."
"I am on the lay for Vance."
"Aha! that's the racket!"
"Yes."
"Who sent you here?"
The detective mentioned the name of a man Rigby, had not spoken of during his talk with the smugglers.
"Do you know Denman?"
"The captain of the Nancy?"
"Yes."
"I never saw him. I took no orders from him."
"Do you expect Vance down here?"
"I know he is coming."
"When?"
"He may come tonight."
"What is his game?"
"He is going to investigate the death of Tom Pearce."
"Aha! does he know Pearce is dead?"
"Yes."
"How did he get that information?"
"It was carried to him."
"By whom?"
"That I cannot tell."
"He really knows the old boatman is dead?"
"Yes."
"Will he come alone?"
"No."
"Who comes with him?"
"Half a dozen other detectives."
"Then how will you have a chance to catch him?"
The detective was silent a moment. He looked Rigby all over in a supercilious manner, but at length answered:
"Don't you know how detectives work?"
"I'd like to have you tell me."
"He will hold his men in the background, and he will go alone to investigate, and call in his aids at the right moment."
"Ah! I see! and you will play against him?"
"If I am not interfered with I will."
"How do you know he has not been here?"
"I know he has not been here."
"Two men were here."
"Yes, I was on their track. I know who they were." _