He had come to the entrance of the alley, and with a parting kick sent the man headlong towards the street.
“Now don’t you tell me nothing,” he said to Martin when he returned to the house. “I’m much mistook if I didn’t see this blackamoor aboard that there Portugal ship, and if I don’t hear no stories I won’t tell no lies, for there may be questions asked.”
“Very well, Boulter,” said Martin. “Thank you very much for your help. Will it be safe for us to go home now?”
“I’ll see to that,” said the waterman.
He accompanied the boys to the street. Lurking at the corner stood the pursuer. On seeing Boulter he shambled away in the direction of the river.
“Drawed out of action,” said Boulter with a chuckle. “You’ve a clear course on t’other tack, and I reckon you’ll come safe to port.”
CHAPTER THE NINETEENTH
GUNDRA DISAPPEARS
Gundra, the Indian boy, had been a silent, nervous spectator of these scenes. His lean body seemed to be quivering from top to toe when Martin once more struck away for home, and the curious glances of the persons they met brought a scared look into his eyes.