Cassowan, the protagonist, was simply "Our Mug." "Now," Condy would say, notebook in hand, "now, Cap., we've got down to Mazatlan.

Now I want to sort of organize the expedition in this next chapter." "I see, I see," Captain Jack would exclaim, interested at once.

"Wait a bit till I take off my shoes.

I can think better with my shoes off"; and having removed his shoes, he would begin to pace the room in his stocking feet, puffing fiercely on his cigar as he warmed to the tale, blowing the smoke out through either ear, gesturing savagely, his face flushed and his eyes kindling.
"Well, now, lessee.

First thing Our Mug does when he gets to Mazatlan is to communicate his arrival to Senora Estrada--telegraphs, you know; and, by the way, have him use a cipher." "What kind of cipher ?" "Count three letters on from the right letter, see.