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It was ten o'clock by the time they had reached the wharf, and

half-past ten before their haht-watchman--as also the day-watchh-house, which he had converted into a

weatherproof lodging

"Hullo!" he said huskily "I was asleep"

He recognized Mr Sole, and led the way to his little bunk-house

"Look here, Tester," said Sole, who had appointed the

swell come down here to-day?"

"He did," said Mr Tester, "and a young lady They gave Mr Staines's

name, and asked to be showed round, and," he added, "I showed 'em

round"

"Well, what happened?" asked Staines

"Well," said the ,

and then this young fellow asked to see the place where the metal was

kept"

"What metal?" asked three voices at one and the same time