In a few moments the seven, with Jack Conroy in the lead, walked out on the wharf, and approached a small, grizzly-faced man who sat near the far end, dangling his feet over the edge.
His eyes ran over them curiously, but he did not change his position.
"Afternoon!" remarked Jack, pleasantly. "How do you do, sir? Takin' it easy, eh?"
"Middlin'; can't say no more," answered the old man, with a drawl. "I ain't got nuthin' to do, an' hev plenty o' time to do it in."
"Better'n bein' rushed about it," grinned Jack. "Say, were you here when the boat came in?"
"I reckon!"
"Did you see a gentleman with a brown beard and wearing spectacles get off?"
The old man appeared to meditate.
"Did I see a gentleman with a brown beard, an' wearin' specs git off?" he repeated, slowly.
"How about it?" asked Tim, eagerly. "Did you?"