"My name is Dan Baxter, and this is my friend, Lew Flapp."
"Glad to know you. This is my pard in business, Hamp Gouch. We had to quit in a hurry, but I reckon we fell in the right hands," and Pick Loring closed one eye suggestively and questioningly.
"You're safe with us, Loring,—if you'll give us a lift."
"I always stick to them as sticks to me."
"If you want to stay on this houseboat for a while you can do it."
"We'll have to stay on this craft. It's about the only place we'll be safe—for a day or two at least."
"You can stay a couple of weeks, if you want to—all providing you'll lend us your assistance."
"It's a go. Now what's your game? You must have one, or you wouldn't act in this style," said Pick Loring.