"What the devil do you mean ?" "Ho, ho, ho--haven't you guessed the truth yet, Nat?
While you and I were getting acquainted last night a couple of fishermen from the mainland dropped alongside your sloop.

They had been robbed by the Mormon pirates! They cursed Strang.

They swore vengeance.

And your cautious Casey cursed with 'em, and fed 'em, and drank with 'em--and he would have had them stay until morning only they were anxious to hurry with their report to Strang.

Understand, Nat?
Eh?
Do you understand ?" "What did Casey tell them ?" gasped Nathaniel.
Obadiah hunched his shoulders.
"Enough to warrant a bullet through your head, Nat.