"About three fingers of red-eye," the sailor explained, pointing to a saloon. "That will make my disguise just perfect."
In the saloon Hicks and Owen made a little map, wrinkled it and soiled it on the floor, then gave it to the pirate.
"Tell her," said Owen as he called for a taxi, "that it is only a copy of your original, which is all worn out."
The nearer they approached to the house the more talkative became the "pirate." He demanded to know more details of what was to be done, and finally assumed an air of authority.
"You say that rich girl is crazy to see something worth writin' about? Now, I know something better than pirates and buried treasure," shouted the pirate confidently.
"Yes, no doubt," Owen replied soothingly and with some alarm at the man's bravado. "But it's pirates she is interested in just now."
"Never mind, I say I know something better," insisted the pirate. "If she will go and do what I'm goin' ter tell yer she'll sure see something like she never dreamed of. Now listen to me sharp!"
It was an extraordinary proposition the "pirate" made.
Owen laughed a gentle discouragement and shook his head, but Hicks fixed his eyes keenly on the man and was evidently turning the suggestion over in his mind.
Owen's key admitted the three to the front hall without ringing, but a maid happened to cross the hall and caught sight of Boyd. With a scream and a flutter she retreated. Owen seated his two confederates in the hall and went in search of Pauline.