Page 20 (1/1)

"You don't like Ward," he continued, "and you hts over love of you If you stick to that bunch Ward will do you out of your share as sure as you are a foot high, an' the chances are that he'll do you out of a whole lot hty poor life insurance risk right noith a life expectancy that's pretty nearas Bender Ward is on the same ship with you Do you understand what I mean?"

"Aw," said Billy Byrne, "I ain't afraid o' that stiff Let him make any funny crack at me an' I'll cave in a handful of slats for hiht too, Byrne," said Theriere "Of course you can do it if anybody can, provided you get the chance; but Ward isn't thenecessary within the next day or so, and there's nothing to prevent Ward letting you have it in the back, purely by accident; and if he don't do it then there'll be all kinds of opportunities for it before any of us ever see a white et you, Byrne, he's that kind

"Noith my proposition you'll be shut of Ward, Skipper Simms, and Divine There'll be o around expecting a bullet in the sao back to Skipper Si?"

"Oh, I'ame," said Billy Byrne, "if you'll promise me a square deal on the divvy"

The Frenchman extended his hand

"Let's shake on it," he said

Billy took the proffered palm in his

"That's a go," he said; "but hadn't you better wise ht overhear just as you did Wait a bit until I have a better opportunity, and I'll tell you all there is to know In the meantime think over who'd be the best men to let into this with us--we'll need three or four o on deck about your duties as though nothing had happened, and if I'her than usual with you you'll understand that it's to avert any possible suspicion later"