The youth was alert enough now; he examined the little man with inquiring eyes.
“Quite so,” he replied.
The hand rubbing now indicated vast relief; but in a moment it ceased, and an expression of disquiet came into the wrinkled, high-featured face.
“Of course,” spoke the little man, eagerly, “this vessel is the ‘Nancy Breen’?”
“It is,” answered the other.
The disquiet instantly departed; the squeak in the voice was full and content as the newcomer said:
“I had really forgotten to inquire; and it was a rather important question, too. But no matter.” Here the voice lowered itself into a pitch of confidence. “I was sent to give you a few instructions.”
“From headquarters?”
“Yes. You are not to make yourself known. I was to impress that upon you fully. Neither are you to call at any one’s lodgings.”
The young man seemed puzzled.