“That time is gone, cap. The Seamen’s Union is hostile to shanghaiin’. The crews of all ships going out must sign before the proper authorities.”
Captain Gully knew Abie’s former price.
“There’s a hundred dollars advance for every man you bring aboard who won’t care what he signs.”
“Blood money?”
“Yes. I’ll pay it to you out of hand.” Captain Gully touched his right breast, where a bulging pocket showed.
Abie the Crimp needed money. Six hundred dollars was a fair figure to pay for six men.
“There’s only one way to get them,” he said.
“What is that way, Abie?”
“Th’ same way I fixed up old Cappin Pike of th’ Norwhale, season before last. He went north with twenty-two good men. I furnished them all except three.”
There was pride in Abie’s voice. Captain Gully worked on this. He suggested: