“How did he hail you when he wanted you to come across to take him fishing?”
“He jest come down to the shore an’ hollered twicet——”
She bent closer, scanning his dilated eyes; speech died on his lips.
“How did he call to you at night?”
“He ain’t never called me at night—so help me——”
“No; but in case he ever wished to fish at night?”
The man began to stammer and protest, but she covered him suddenly, and her dark eyes struck fire.
“What signal?” she asked with a menacing ring in her voice. “Quick!”
“Cock-o’-the-pines!... It didn’t mean nothin’,” gasped the man; ... “It was jest private—between fishin’ friends——”
“Go on!”