Johnston McCulley

“ The hold was full of arms and ammunition; the Amingo would start on her voyage to the aid of revolutionists in less than twenty-four hours—that was the meaning.
Captain Adams stood up, and so did Guerrero.
The captain's rage was not of the sort that makes a man "fly off the handle" and "have it out." Guerrero shuddered as he looked at the face of the old sea-dog. Captain Adams was the sort of man who would proceed with deliberation and refined cruelty in such a case.
Not for any amount of money would Guerrero have stood in the shoes of Mate Riney. ”

“ Their eyes clashed again.
"I want you," said Captain Adams. "You're the sort of man I need on the Amingo. I'm going to sail within twenty-four hours, and when I sail, you'll be aboard."
"I guess not!"
"I'm a man of my word, you've admitted. And I give you my word right now that you'll sail with me. You'll sail with me, as my mate, whether you want to or not!"
"I don't care to sail with any one just now," said Connor, remembering the girl he had met, and her half promise that he was to see her again. ”

“ At a short distance away they waited, ready to plunge to the rescue if Captain Bill Adams opened hostilities.
They had heard of Captain Bill. Even Jack Connor would have difficulty standing up to Captain Bill.
Captain Bill sat down at the table and motioned Connor to the other chair. Guerrero remained standing against the wall a short distance away, wishing the captain would hurry, fearful for the success of their enterprise.
The mate had been unmasked; Garza, the secret-service agent, knew facts and details. They might not wait many hours before making a move. ”