The old man-of-war's-man, who had been attending the wounded smuggler, exclaimed:
"Die, is it? Not he! Tom Pearce is good for a three-years' cruise yet; and he'd a mind to take it!"
"Well, tell us who the man was, Tom?"
"No, boys, not now; it was a private quarrel. I'm coming around all right, and I'm much obliged for the good feeling you men have shown toward me; but I'll settle with the man who downed me—settle with him good, and no mistake!"
"All right, you have your own way, but when you're around again, we want to have a talk with you; and, meantime, Renie, I've a few words to say to you in private."
"You want to talk to me, Ike Denman!"
"Yes."
"Well, speak out."
"Clear out, boys; you know what business you have on hand; get down to work, and if you fail, I'll meet you at Rigby's later on."
The men moved away, the detective going with them; and a few moments later Renie, Denman, and the old smuggler were alone.