"Calm yourself, Finland. You can't go to him with my story, for he will deny it altogether, and then we can prove nothing. We must trap him into a confession. I do not like resorting to cunning, but while Brand is free, and hidden by the mask of religion, Tera is not safe. Now, how can we get his story out of him?"
"That is not difficult," said Finland, who was as fertile in resources as most sailors are. "Let Tolai go to him and say that he comes from Niga to know when Tera is to be killed. Brand will believe this, and will talk freely. Now if you and I, Mr. Johnson, can overhear that conversation, we shall learn the truth."
"That is a good idea; but how are we to overhear it?"
"Where does Brand live?" was Jack's next question.
"Not far from here. He lodges with Sister Hoppus."
"Of your congregation?"
"Certainly," said Johnson, stiffly. "Did you not hear me call her sister?"
"Then, as you are her pastor, she will do a lot for you. Let Tolai ask Brand to see him privately in his lodgings, so that he may give him Niga's message. In the mean time, you see Mrs. Hoppus, and get her to hide us in the next room to that in which they are. Then we shall hear the whole business, and know how to act."
Johnson looked doubtful. "I am afraid that Sister Hoppus will not lend herself to such a deception," he said.
"You must try and talk her over," replied Jack. "I dare say it will be difficult, but I guess the business is worth it. I want to know the truth, for Rachel's sake."