"Shure, you fellows have spoilt the game entoirely," he answered. "The risk is too great and, be the same token, I'm getting too old for that business."
"But you know something about it," suggested the Lieutenant.
The skipper winked.
"Now look here," went on Lawless, "I don't ask you to betray your friends, but just give me a hint—you understand?—and if it leads to anything I'll see that you lose nothing by it."
"Is it afther timpting me ye'd be, sorr?" asked the skipper with seeming indignation.
"I'm merely suggesting you should give me a hint."
"An' phwat 'ud become of me if the bhoys got wind of it, will ye tell me?"
"There's no reason why they should. You may be sure I shall never breathe a word."
After a few moments' reflection the skipper looked cautiously round the cabin and then leant over the table to Lawless.
"Have ye iver heard tell av Mike Mahoney, sorr?" he asked in a whisper.