On the way I caught sight of Barkins and Smith watching us, and I gave them a nod.
"Now, my lad, sit down," cried Mr Reardon excitedly.

"Let's hear." I sat down, and he walked to and fro--two steps and turn.
"There's very little more to tell you, sir," I said; "but there are two very large junks assuming to be merchantmen.

They are anchored close by here somewhere." "You don't know which two ?" "No, sir; but we shall know them by their sailing at once, and I should say by boats coming off to them with extra men directly after." "Yes, that's good, Herrick--very good.

But you have no other information about them ?" "Only, sir, that they are just off on a cruise, and if we could catch them--" "We will catch them, my lad.

But is that all ?" "Yes, sir, that's all; I thought it rather big news." "So it is, Herrick--very big news.