“It seems to me you took in a lot in a thundering short time.”
“Of course I did. It is my business to take in a lot when I look at a chart.”
“Well, this is interesting, Smiley. I 'll think it over. Come on, boys.”
The sailors rowed them back to the steamer; and the special agent was promptly closeted with Captain Sullivan. He laid out the whole situation, suggesting that the Captain keep a close watch on the Burnt Cove region and that he leave a launch at Spencer's. The fugitives had left nearly all they had, even to clothing, behind, and it was conceivable that they might return.
“I wish,” he added, as he rose to go, “that I could call on the county authorities. Wilson and I may have our hands full if we meet them.”
“You think you'd better not?”
“Hardly. It is even chances that they are mixed up in the business some way. Spencer has known them longer than we have.”
He left the Captain's stateroom, and found Smiley waiting for him by the wheel-house. “There's one thing I didn't say when we were talking,” began the prisoner, looking with some hesitation at the agent.
“What's that, Smiley? Speak up. I'm starting now.”
“You're going to try it, then?”