have accepted them without scruple or cavil. For they are not
honest sailors; but ex-convicts, criminals still unreformed, and capable
of any misdeed--piracy, or murder--if only money can be made thereby.

Since coming aboard the _Condor_, and mixing with her crew, they have
had additional insight into the character of their contract, and the
services required of them. They find that several other men have been
engaged in a somewhat similar way; and at a like bounteous wage--for a
while wondering at it--till after a mutual comparison of notes, and
putting together their respective scraps of intelligence, with surmises
added, they have arrived at a pretty accurate understanding of how the
land lies, and why their _entrepreneur_--who is no other than the second
mate, Padilla--has been so liberal.

Striker, who has seen more of the world, and is the elder of the two
"ducks," has been the first to obtain this added information; and it is
for the purpose of communicating it to his old chum of the chain-gang,
he has asked the latter to step aside with him. For chancing to be cast
together in the middle watch, an opportunity offers, which the older
convict has all that day been looking out for.

Davis, of more talkative habit, is the first to break silence; which he
does on the instant of their ducking under the sailcloth.

"Well, old pal! what d'ye think of our present employ? Better than
breakin' stone for them Swan River roads, with twenty pound of iron
chain clinkin' at a fellow's ankles. An't it?"

"Better'n that, yes; but not's good as it might be."

"Tut, man, you're always grumblin'. Five thousand dollars for a trip
that isn't like to run up to a month--not more than a fortnight or three
weeks, I should say! If that don't content you, I'd like to know what
would."

"Well, mate; I'll tell'ee what wud. _Thirty_ thousand for the trip.
An' Jack Striker an't like to be satisfied wi' anythin' much short o'
that sum."

"You're joking, Jack?"

"No, I an't, Bill. As you knows, I'm not o' the jokin' sort; an' now
mean what I say, sartin as I ever meant anythin' in my life. Both me
an' you oughter get thirty thousand apiece o' this yellow stuff--that at
the werry least."

"Why, there wouldn't be enough to go round the lot that's in."

"Yes, thar wud, an' will. Old as I am, I hain't yit quite lost hearin'.
My yeers are as sharp as they iver wor, an' jist as reliable. Larst
night I heerd a whisper pass atwe