"Kid says he’ll show us. We’re to meet him in an hour. Let’s have another drink and come on."
So the old woman was called in to bring more drinks, after which the ruffians prepared to depart.
Little did the slightly intoxicated sailors know that they were being followed by a shadow that made no sound, yet kept close enough not to let them get away. Back to the main part of the town went the ruffians. After entering another saloon and having drinks, they sallied forth and met Jabez Lynch, who seemed to be waiting for them.
Toward the academy they went. At a point on the road they stopped, and Dick heard Jabez talking to them. It took the shadow but a few moments to slip forward to a point where he could hear what was being said.
"He’ll come along this way," said Jabez. "It’s probable there will be one chap with him, but it’s certain not more than one, for they always go to Chadwick’s pasture by twos or singly, so that they will not attract attention."
"Well, how are we to know when ther[ther] right chap comes along?" questioned one of the sailors.
"I’ll be down the road a short distance, and I’ll whistle after he has passed me—so."
Lynch gave a peculiar whistle.
"That will be the signal to jump the fellow, or the two fellows, who come along. See?"
"That’s plain enough, kid. An’ we’re to knock both of ’em stiff?"