H. Bedford-Jones

“ All men do.”
“I told ye I had interests down below. I know a number of men there—not good or godly men, mark you! If you and I go together and seek this man Winslow or Dias, if we combine against him, it's fight fire with fire. Are ye willing to join with these other friends o' mine, let me give you letters to them? There's little law down in Mexico, you understand. In a year you can make your fortune, gain your revenge, and all's clear.”
Hampton, astonished as he was, did not miss the dark hint. ”

“ In a few minutes Day returned, calling Warlock, and motioned Hampton to remain. Job Warlock, who had left his duffle ashore, went to see his quarters and go after his things. Hampton sat over his pipe until Day returned to the cabin and carefully shut the door. He quite understood that the man wanted a private word with him, and looked up to meet the piercing gaze of those glassy eyes, and spoke first.
“One thing, Mr. Day! Arrange, if you can, that I take over the cargo stowage tomorrow. I'd like to keep out of sight until we're at sea; one of your company has no love for me.” ”

“ Here in Beverly as elsewhere, the ebb tide of ships and men was now well under way, shipyards ringing, vessels building in the bare woods, on the naked rocky shores, wherever men could swing adze and plane to cut softwood timbers. ”

“ Dick Hampton had timed his coming well and carefully, since he had particular reason for not wanting to be recognized at the present moment. He did not want Jed Barnes to know of his presence until Baker's Island was left behind and the pilot dropped; otherwise, he could scent trouble brewing. If he could find where Day's brig lay and get aboard her, he would be safe enough. The lading would be a thick job at the last and the other mates would be glad men to let him stick below and handle stowage. ”

“ Further, Job Warlock's swift judgment of the man lingered in his mind.
“You're quite sure?” asked Day slowly, and Hampton realized that in some sense the question was an ultimatum.
“Quite,” he responded cheerfully.
Day again waved his hand, and showed his teeth in a quick smile.
“Right! Every man must choose his own road. For your own sake, I'm sorry. Now, if you'll come with me I'll show you our quarters. Have you a chest?”
“No, I brought nothing,” and Hampton rose, with a feeling of relief. “I'll draw on the slop-chest for oilskins, or buy them.” ”

“ He doesn't care for California, but we're old friends and would like to ship south together if possible.”
Day laughed at that. “D'ye know we could ship ten men for every berth for'ard? But come aboard with me—I was only off for a stroll. Come aboard and have a drink and a smoke in warm comfort. So you both speak the Spanish, eh? That's good. We'll talk things over.”
“Right,” said Hampton. “Come along, Job.”
The three walked up the wharf and came to the ship, going aboard by a gangway of planks laid to aid the freight stowage. ”

“ It is said that he is established somewhere in Baja California, on the gulf called the Vermilion Sea or Sea of Cortez; still, nothing is very certain down there. I have old scores against him, but lack the strength to cope with him openly. If this expedition goes through successfully, I shall have money enough to work against him. Then I shall hire men and go after the rascal.”
“Good,” said Hampton. “I got home yesterday to find a letter from my brother Eli, who went to California and got no farther than Panama. This man Winslow, or Dias, bound him into slavery. ”

“ Aye, it has a queer look, and so has the man himself! He was mighty anxious to know why you wanted to find Dias. So the two are enemies, huh? Well, we'll see what we'll see. It's in my mind that our friend here will be a hard man in action, aye, a stiff 'un and no mistake! ”