Martin dropped his voice to a whisper.
"I would like to speak with you alone," he commenced.
He shot a glance out of the corners of his eyes toward the five patrons. Smatt had said to take care not to be overheard. He caught his breath with surprise. The glance revealed five stolid, yellow-brown faces turned toward him, five pairs of black, oblique-set eyes regarding him intently. Five Japanese! They were interested in him, there was the thrill. Martin sensed some connection between himself and the five. That envelope in his inner pocket!
"You weesh to speak weeth me, yais?"
The drawling voice compelled his attention.
"Yes—alone," said Martin.
Spulvedo nodded. He turned and waddled fatly around the farther end of the bar, and Martin rejoined him at the other end of the room.
"You are the messenger we expect, yais?" purred Spulvedo.
"I wish to see Captain Carew," stated Martin. "I was told to see you and ask for him; told you would conduct me to him. Is he here?"
"Yais, you see heem," answered Spulvedo.