"Well, I'll tell you, you're so anxious; 'tis just come over my mind that you don't mean just what's right. Now, see here; it wouldn't do for you to mean any harm to Renie. I'd follow, any man who would harm her to the very death!"
As the old smuggler spoke he drew his knife front his belt and laid it on the table in a suggestive manner.
"You can trust the girl with me; but where is she, to-night?"
"Can't tell, sir; nights like these she likes to roam the beach; she's a strange girl, sir, but I'd never have any harm come to her!"
"Will you consent to bring her to New York on a Visit?"
"I'll think the matter over, and—"
The further remarks of the old smuggler were cut short by a shrill scream of agony which broke the stillness of the night.
CHAPTER VII.
The two men stopped and listened a moment, when Tom Pearce started to go toward the door, exclaiming:
"Something has scared Renie!"