I ran through this last swiftly, surprised at its frankness, and convinced that the attorneys employed must be as great rascals as the man who commanded their services.

Evidently they had requested full particulars so as to be prepared for any emergency.
I presume this search, swift as I endeavored to conduct it, occupied fully a half hour, every nerve strained by fear of interruption.
However, I could not desist until I had handled every scrap of paper, and the result well repaid the risk.

Once I heard steps above on the deck, but, so far as I knew, no one entered the outer cabin.
"I think I've got your number," I said finally, wheeling about to look at him.
"You 've got to get away first," he sneered defiantly, "and you 'll not find that so easy.

My turn will come yet, you spy, and then you 'll learn how I bite." I laughed, feeling no mercy.
"All in good time, friend; I think you have had your innings; now it's mine.

So you are Charles Henley ?" He did not answer.
"The illegitimate son of Judge Henley and a negro mother.