“Well,” said Rio, laughing, “I told you once you were the ‘part of.’”
They were back at Pier V7. Other men were concentrating from the Hall to relieve the day pickets.
“They brought in two cars full,” said a tall fellow who had been heading the day men. He turned to Rio. “You take care of the night gang. We’ll bring down coffee. The Company is usin’ black sedans—some of the blinds was down when they pulled in. A couple of cops is standin’ by the gate so you can’t do much there. But if you divide your gang and send half of ’em up the alley a ways, you can get a sign. Hop on the runnin’ board, an’ you know what to do. Another thing. All the deck officers walked out when we was paid off except the third mate. That’s one Company man I’d like to see you get. The finks may not get no leave to-night, but the Leana don’t sail for four days. If we keep a good lookout, maybe we can get a couple of the bastards. That’s all, except don’t do no drinkin’.”
“What’s that on your breath?” asked someone. “Orange juice?”
“I can hold it,” said the tall fellow.
The pickets laughed and the day men left. The night gang joined around Rio.
“I’ll take a few of you up there.” Rio pointed to a pile of dunnage. “The rest of you watch the gate. If a Company car comes, give me a light three times and get out. We’ll take care of the rest of it. Don’t talk to the cops unless they talk to you first. Keep your distance from the gate. Have you got a torch you can signal me with, Billy?”
“No, I ain’t.”
“I got mine here,” said one of the men, pulling out a flashlight.
“Give it to Billy,” said Rio. “He’s worked with me before. Remember, Billy—burn it at me three times.”