key that unlocked it. And what was a man doing
out there at night, with a revolver? What business was he up to? And he
had said there were two others on the look-out, as well.

Cleek pulled out a little blackened clay pipe, which was part of his
make-up as Bill Jones, and, plugging it with tobacco, began to smoke
steadily. Dollops, casting a sideways glance at his master, knew what
this sign meant, and spoke never a word, until they had left the Fens
far behind them and were well on their way toward the docks, and the
"appointment" with Black Whiskers at twelve o'clock. Then:

"Notice anything, Dollops?" Cleek asked, slewing round and looking at the
boy quizzically.

"How do you mean, sir?"

"Why, when you got to the top of those little steps and came out into the
Fens."

"Only the Frozen Flames, sir. Why?"

"Oh, nothing. It'll keep. Just a little thing I saw that led me a long
way upon the road I'm trying to travel. You'll hear about it later.
Time's getting on, Dollops, my lad. You're due with your friend Black
Whiskers in another ten minutes--and we're about that from the dockyard.
Wonder if there'd be any chance of me lending a hand?"

Dollops thought a moment.

"You might try, sir--'twould do no 'arm, anyway," he said after a pause.
"Pertickler as you're my mate, so ter speak. Ought ter be able to work
it, I should think.... Look. Who's a-comin' now? If it ain't ole Black
Whiskers 'imself!"

And Black Whiskers it was, to be sure. He lounged up to them, hands in
pockets, hat pulled well down over his eyes, a sinister, ugly figure. He
had an "air"--and it was by no means a pleasant one.

"Hullo, youngster!" he called out in a harsh voice. "Been seein' the
country--eh? Better fer you and yer mate if yer keeps yer eyes well on
the ground in this part uv the world. Never meddle in someone else's
business. It don't pay." His voice lowered suddenly, and he jerked a
thumb back over his shoulder. "Mate on the square with you, I s'pose?
Comin' along now?"

"Bet yer life I am!" responded Dollops heartily, giving him a significant
wink. "'Course I ain't said nuffin' ter ole Bill abaht what you tole me,
but I know 'e's a cute un. No flies on ole Bill, guv'nor, give yer me
oath on that. What abaht it, now? Shall us bring him along too? Just as
you ses, guv'nor, seein' as you're the boss, but 'e's a strong fellow is
my mate--and 'is mouth's like a trap."

Black Whiskers switched round in his slouchy walk, where he