"The three-masted schooner Miranda, in the West Indian trade."
"Oh! ah! that's why you think so much of St. Croix rum, eh?"
"Exactly. We know the taste, and we know how much of the stuff we can stand, don't you see?"
"I see; but it seems to me you are confoundedly cautious for sailors."
"May be so; but they say a burnt child dreads the fire, and we've been caught a time or two."
"Been taken in and done for, eh?"
"Yes, but no matter, you're an honest-looking set here, and seeing that the grog's good, we'll throw caution to the wind and enjoy ourselves," and the bottle circulated freely, indeed, so freely that it was soon empty and another ordered.
The landlord being now convinced that the sailors were all right, and better, that they were getting very drunk, returned to Barney and Jake, who had remained all this time quietly at the other table.
At first they conversed in low tones, but soon almost all they said reached the ears of the detectives.
"Yes, old pal," were the first words Old Spicer distinctly heard, "I think I can manage the matter for you. I don't know the chap, but from the description you've given of him, and the directions as to where he may be found, I think I can get at him, and produce him in the place you name."