The steamer for New York was at the dock, and would not sail until after dark. There was plenty of time to make the consignment and get the bill of sale through. The unruly crew were kept at work hoisting out cases of ammunition until all was aboard the steamer. Then the ship was washed down and gear put in place, and the Sea-Horse looked almost like a pleasure craft.
"I will give you a thousand dollars for her," said a shipper who had been attracted by the strange uniforms and crew.
"Make it fifteen hundred," said Bahama Bill.
"She will never be in better condition to sell," cautioned Smart, who felt as though losing an old friend.
They finally compromised on twelve hundred, and, as Captain Sanders showed up before dark, dead broke and very thirsty, he was more than willing to get cash for his share. The deal was made, the money paid, and the Celestial crew were at last allowed to go ashore.
Wah Lee made for the depot with his followers. He had no thought for seeking redress by the aid of the authorities, for, with the Tong men, the foreign pigs are always dealt with personally. There were plenty of Chinese who ran laundries in Jacksonville who could be levied upon to produce the railroad fare to get him and his gang back to their place of business.
With new clothes and rigged out splendidly, all hands left the dock long before darkness set in. Smart had a receipt for his share of the salvaged ammunition, and the feeling that he had several thousand dollars was not distasteful to him. His cruise on the wrecking-sloop had been successful, and it was with a somewhat mixed feeling he said good-bye to the big black mate.
"Good-bye, cap," said Bahama Bill. "I shuah like yo', an' yo' shuah done well wif me—good-bye. Mebbe we kin make a new deal some day. Dere's plenty ob money wracking, ef yo' know how toe wrack right. Mebbe Sanders an' us kin go inter de business right, and git a bigger ship. Let me heah from yo'."
"I certainly will," said Smart. "Good-bye." And the giant fingers of the mate of the Sea-Horse closed upon his own with their firm, solid grip.
Late that night a sheriff came rapidly down the dock to where the steamer was just pulling out.