“Wait a moment for me,” begged Billy.
“No, stay here,” said Jack. “If anything goes wrong, I’ll fire three shots.”
A minute later, followed by the native woman, the three left the place. As they reached the door she took the lead and conducted them through a bamboo grove to a thick growth of trees under which her husband and a big man with black beard were conversing.
“You wish to see me?” asked Mr. Jukes, addressing the bearded one.
“Yes; zees gentleman say zat 'e ave good news for you,” said the landlord, spreading his hands.
“Begorrah, oi don’t see no gintilmin here excipt oursilves,” muttered Muldoon.
“Muldoon, be quiet,” ordered Mr. Jukes, then turning to the black-bearded man he went on with, “Well, sir, what is it you wish?”
“You are Mr. Jukes?” asked the other, in a deep, gruff voice.
“I am, what of it?”
“I want to see you. I have news for you.”