"Don't do it so openly," said Captain Hannock. "If you do, those who see it may get you into trouble."
"Leave me to manage the affair."
This last remark was followed by a brief spell of silence. What I had heard interested me greatly. These three men were plotting the destruction of the Spitfire with a view of getting the insurance on the vessel and her cargo. How it was to be done I did not know, but I surmised that they intended to either sink the vessel or burn her up; perhaps they intended to try both.
While I was yet thinking over what I had heard, and wondering what was to follow, there came a loud knock on the cabin door, and Tony Dibble appeared.
"Excuse me, Captain, but the storm is coming up fast from the southeast," he said, touching his cap.
"Confound you and the storm!" howled Captain Hannock.
"It's getting ready for a heavy blow," added Dibble. "We all thought we ought to tell you."
"Get to the deck! I know my business. I'll be up when it's necessary."
"Yes, sir."
Touching his hat again Dibble withdrew. The captain brought his fist down on the table with a bang.