The sun glow from the skylight struck him full as he stood there, a huge, red-bearded, blue-eyed sailor man, neatly dressed in dark serge and wearing a red necktie. His eyes were most taking and astonishing liquid sparkling blue—the eyes of a child. Contrasted with the hatchet-faced Hank and the sophisticated Bud, he seemed youthful, yet he was older than either of them. 62 62 CHAPTER X THE RED BEARDED ONE THE RED BEARDED ONE “HULLO!” said Hank. “What the devil do you want?” “Am I speaking to Mr. Fisher?” asked the newcomer, addressing himself to the town lot speculator. “You are.” “You’re the man that’s going after the Dutchman?” “Yep.” “D’you want to catch him?” “Oh, Lord, no,” said Hank. “I’m only going to inquire after his health. Go on, what are you getting at?” “Well, if you want to catch him, get on deck this instant minute and see I’ve not been followed. Go up casual and have a look round. Keep your eyes skinned for a man with a patch over his left eye. I’m not funning. I mean business. Get a-deck. I tell you I’ve no time to explain.” Hank stared at the other for a second, then he uncoiled himself, crossed the cabin and vanished up the companion way. 63 63 Neither George nor the bearded one spoke a word. They were listening. Then they heard voices. “Say, you,” came a voice from the wharf, “did y’ see a guy goin’ along here—red-whiskered fella?”
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