Roaring Rory's eyes opened wide.
"Convince 'em—what?" he gasped.
"That I am their friend."
The old sea captain stared at his ex-mate.
"You're jokin'," he declared.
"I was never more serious in my life," Peter Gross assured gravely.
"Then you're a damn' fool," Roaring Rory asserted. "Yes, sir, a damn' fool. I didn't think it of ye, Peter."
"It will take time, but I believe I see my way," Peter Gross replied quietly. He explained his plan briefly, and as he described how he expected to win the confidence and support of the hillmen, Roaring Rory became calmer.
"Mebbe you can do it, Peter, mebbe you can do it," he conceded dubiously. "But that devil of an Ah Sing has a long arm, and by the bye, I'd keep indoors after sundown if I were you."
"But this isn't getting me the man I need," Peter Gross pointed out. "Can you recommend any one, captain?"