Ships of Strife

Plainly, the second mate bore important news. Long Rube came over the side like a monkey and beckoned Forrester to the rail. The two mates stood in low-voiced conversation for a brief moment, then Bower tumbled down into his boat again and pulled for shore.

To the surprise of Blake, Forrester sent a hail forward for him.

"How much fo'c's'le talk have you heard, Dude?" asked the big mate, when the two stood together at the rail. "You got some idee what we're after?"

"Some," admitted Blake, eyeing the man keenly. "Not much."

"All right. Howard's the skipper o' the John Foster, yonder. He's got a girl aboard. The girl is after the wreck of a ship sunk some'eres between here and Australia. Steelfist is after it too, see? But we don't know where the wreck lays, an' prob'ly the crew o' the Foster does - they'll know where they're bound for, anyhow."

Blake nodded quietly.

"The Ol' Man is goin' to come aboard later. Crew's goin' ashore. You an' me go ashore tonight, see? We got a scheme on what'll work. But you talk turkey right now, Dude. Do you stick with us or not? You're no liar, an' I owe you a good turn anyhow; say yes or no, and either way goes as she lays with me."

"I say yes," returned Blake, his gray eyes steady.

"Good for you, bully! Then don't go ashore with the boys, that's all."