"Very good; but keep a sharp look-out. I shall be at the Ship Inn at Sennen. If by any means they launch a boat let me know."
"I've put six men to watch, sur."
"That's all right."
They passed within six feet of me, but they did not see me. A few seconds later they were out of sight. So far I was safe, then, but what did this conversation mean? Who was this man who had been watching my actions, and what could be his purpose? He spoke like an educated man, and I could not imagine why he should place six men to watch the coast. Was he a creature of Richard Tresidder, or did he belong to Cap'n Jack Truscott's gang?
"I must go and find Eli," I thought, so I made my way toward the Irish Lady as fast as I was able. I had just reached a part of the cliff where it was safe to descend to the beach when I saw a dark object creeping toward me. I was about to rush toward it and grapple with it when I heard Eli's voice.
"Summin in the wind, Maaster Jasper. Somebody 'ave hired all the booats."
I was not surprised at his words; what I had heard previously prepared me for them.
"I tried to stall one, but 'twas no use. All the cove is watched."
"What have you done, then?"
"Nothin'. I did'n want nobody to take notice of me."