Barlow read the clipping and then ejaculated, "By George!" and crossed his uninjured leg over the stump and read it again.
"Where did you get this?" he asked.
"It came around my shoes last night," answered Joe. "Do you think I can get anybody to help me?"
"Why, in course you can't, although such people have no right to have diamonds and rubies. You'll have to get away out of this country, and never come in it again. If such a thing could be thought of, and men got together to help, what's the reason that them fellers up about New York haven't tried it before?"
"We'll go masked," said Joe.
"Whose boat are you going to get?"
"I think Bob Nellis's boat would be about right."
"It will come out on you, as sure as the world. Suppos'n somebody pulls your mask off! Joe, you had better let that thing out."
This decision was a great disappointment to Joe. The very first man he had applied to for assistance had thrown cold water upon it.
"But I have something better for you than that, and you won't have to go away, either," continued Barlow. "You know the Captain of the J. W. Smart is finding it hard work to raise a crew. I've got two men on my mind, and will give you fifty dollars if you will get them for me."