Blow the Man Down - A Romance of the Coast

"I'll be entirely frank, Mayo. In spite of our personal differences, I

want your services--I need them. I have found out that you're a young

man of determination and plenty of ability. I'll put you ahead fast if

you'll come over with me. But you must come clean. No strings on you

with that other crowd."

"I can't sell 'em out. I won't do it," protested Mayo. He did not

exactly understand all the reasons for his obstinacy. But his instinct

told him that Julius Marston was not descending in this manner except

for powerful reasons, and that he was attempting to buy a traitor for

his uses.

"How do you dare to turn against my father?"

"I--I don't know! Something seems to be the matter with me." He wrenched

at his throat with his hand.

"And after what I did--my wicked foolishness--those papers--"

"Go on! I propose to get to the bottom of this thing," declared Marston.

The young man drove his hand into his pocket, pulled out the sealed

packet, and forced it into the girl's hands. Marston promptly seized it.

"You have not opened it?"

"No, sir."

"I did not open it, either," cried the girl. "I sealed it, just as it

was tied up."

Marston ripped off the strings and the wax.

Outside a loud voice was hailing the yacht. "Compliments of Captain Wass

to Captain Mayo, and will he please say when he is coming back aboard

his schooner?"

The financier paid no attention; he was busy with the papers. His face

was white with rage. He threw them about him on the floor.

"Every sheet is blank--it is waste-paper!" he shouted. "What confounded

trick is this?"

"You'd better ask the man who gave that packet to your daughter,"

suggested Mayo. He seemed to be less astonished than Marston and the

girl. "I might have known that your man, Bradish, would be that kind of

a sneak."

"What do you know about Bradish being concerned in this?"

"I'm guessing it. Probably your daughter can say."

"I'll have no more of your evasions, Alma. I'm going to the bottom of

this matter now. Did Bradish give you this packet?"

"Yes, father."

"How did it get to this man here?"

"I gave it to a man named Captain Wass."

Again they heard the voice outside. "I don't care if he is busy! I tell

you to take word to Captain Mayo that he is wanted right away on his

schooner. Tell him it's Captain Wass."