Gilpin observer., 1903-08-06

hiring sloop Of ten to twenty tons. "
Pope said; "but that's the least part. F"
William" exclaimed Crystal, "the
long and short of it's this-we want
you to give us the names and the
homes of three men who may not be
wholly unused to Jobs of this sort. and
Who, for a handsome consideration,
will be willing to ship as our crew."
ooh, that's your want" said Cross
man thoughtfully. He put his finger
to his nostrils, and striding to tho
door opened 1t, and stood looking
forth upon the bar with its crowd
of drinkers.
On sudden the ex-prizefghter whis-
tied and beckoned, and after draining
a pewter pot, there approached him,
with some marks of establishment on
his wicked face, middle-sized man
wearing an old beaver hat and a
worn-out monkey-jacket.
"Bobbin," exclaimed Crossman,
"step in here a minute. There's two
gents who want word with you.
Here's one man for your purpose,
Captain Pope" he said; but he re-
manned in the doorway.
Whats your name?" said Captain
Pope to the man the prizefghter had
summoned.
Robert Bobbin," answered the fell
low, in a rough, raw voice, with his
head stopped, twirling his hat, his
greasy black hair tumbling about his
face, on which the devil had written
the word rogue in eye, nose, and
mouth.
Captain Pope began to talk to him
in very low voice. and Captain Crys-
tai drew close, pipe in hand, and lis
tened. Crossman, in the doorway,
seeing this, directed his one eye at
Captain Pope. to whom he said:
There must be no arrangements
made in this ere house, master. I'm
willing to oblige my friend Crystal.
but can't allow myself to be in
volved."
Then looking at the fellows in the
bar. all Of whom were eagerly staring
in the direction Of the parlor, thirstily
wondering why Bobbin had been called
in, he called out the names of two
men, who instantly came tumbling to-
ward him and lurched into the parlor.
Pope looked them up and down;
one was haggard man, Of broken
and dangerous appearance; he was
very dark, with a savage squint, and
rolled on his legs as he stood, as though
the floor of the parlor had been a
heaving deck. The other was little
man, very thickset. pale. with brown
hair that sat upon his head like
wig, and moist blue protruding eyes.
He looked as harmless as the other
seemed terrifying.
But they were three men, and very
fit for the errand Pope and Crystal
designed to carry them on. Beyond
few questions, however, and the
taking down of a note or two, Cross
man would not permit any converse
ton.
mo, you must settle your business
out of my house." said he; whereupon
the three men agreed to present them
selves at Captain Pope's lodging next
morning. Pope gave each man a
guinea. shut the door upon them ane
the silence was charming.
Can you put me in the way Of
hiring a little vessel, something fit to
cross the Channel in?" said Captain
Pope.
Crossman pondered: there was moth
ing sinister in this request. After q
considerable pause he said:
There's Jem Marling; you'll find
him in Rock street, Greenwich. l
know he has little vessel in which
he goes a-coasting, and believe she'd
suit your purpose. Tell yer what I'll
do;- I'll find out IL she's in the river.
and IL you'll send here tomorrow
afternoon may be able to give you
some particulars"
Nothing could be more satisfactory.
Pope thanked the prizefighter heartily.
and he and Crystal departed.
Here you'll find your crew for the
Gypsy" said Crystal to Pope. as they
stepped into the street.
And Pope assented in loud laugh OF
satisfaction.
Ito be continued.)