split on a pal."

Storri and London Bill put in an hour discussing plans. There were to be
no more men brought into the affair until late in May. London Bill would
come to Washington and commence his tunnel work at once. It would be a
slow employment and require care; it was best to have plenty of time.

"Because," explained London Bill, "if these maps an' drawings ain't
accurate to the splinter of an inch, it may throw me abroad in my
digging. In that case I'd need an extra week or so to find myself."

Storri coincided with the view, but added that the yacht would have to
be manned as early as the middle of May.

"The men needn't know the purpose," said Storri, "till the last moment.
When it comes to selecting them, I shall ask your advice."

"I can give you that to-day," said London Bill, "better than in May.
I'll be busy in my tunnel in May, and won't have time to come out.
Here's what I'll do: I'll call up Dan right now. Dan's an old sailor, as
well as a first-class gun and hold-up man--the gang calls him Steamboat
Dan. I'll call Dan, an' put him into the play. Then when the time comes,
Dan will get you the men, an' of the right proper sort. There won't be
one of 'em who hasn't done a stretch."

"But," remonstrated Storri uneasily, "are you sure of this Steamboat
Dan?"

"I wouldn't be lushin' gin in his crib else," responded London Bill.
"No, Dan's as sure as death. Besides, I'm not goin' to put him wise; I
shall only tell him to do whatever you ask, whenever you show up."

London Bill called Dan, and the trio broadened their confidence in each
other with further gin and beer. Dan gave his word for whatever was
required; Storri had but to appear and issue his orders.

"You'll be in at the finish, Dan," said London Bill; "an' for the
others, pick out a dozen of the flossiest coves you can find. You'll be
bringin' them to where I'm workin', d'ye see; an' the job will be ripe."

"Will it be much of a play?" asked Dan.

"Biggest ever," said London Bill; "an' yet, no harder than prickin' a
blister."

Storri jumped into the cab, which had waited for him at the door, and
rattled swiftly away. Within five minutes thereafter, a ragged gamin
strutted into the Albion bar.

"Be you Steamboat Dan?" chirped the gamin, fixing the eye of a sparrow
upon that tapster.

"Well, s'ppose I be?" said Dan, not too well pleased with the
sparrow-eyed.

"Then this is for you," quoth the gamin, thrusting a note across the
b