"Brack's not here; that's strange. We shall have to get some one else," said Ben.
They hired a younger man. He happened to be the boatmen's bookie.
"Where's Brack?" asked Ben.
"He backed the double with me for half a sov.," said the man. "He's about broke me, sir, but I don't begrudge it him; he's a real good sort. I expect he's celebrating it in town."
Brack was not celebrating it; he was biding his time, and opportunity.
CHAPTER VI
IN BRACK'S COTTAGE
BRACK'S was a humble abode not far from the inner harbor. He lived there with his mother. The old woman idolized him; he was a very good son. She attended to their small wants and kept the house scrupulously clean.
"I've brought a mate, mother," said Brack as he entered with his companion.