Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1930-03-21
CHAPTER TX
Bettington States His Terms

Bettlngton States His Terms
Neither Metzger nor Sam were on
deck. They had retired to the &C.
commodation aft, which had so lately
heen taken by the captain. They
knew that the joint authority they
were to exercise would not be dis
turbed by rivalries. They were not
yet assured of the course to be taken.
On the table before them they put
their revOlvers. Not in anticipation
of disagreement, but rather lest Hal
lett might come in armed and ready.
81 don't like this Andy Orme," said
Metzger. 81 don't like him any more
than you do that young Sparks who
trots around with the girl"
1t was curious that in the moment
when grave danger seemed to involve
them, Metzger thought only of Mrs.
Railway. Sam lacked the volatile
spirit of his companion.
You'll have time enough for that"
Sam said heavily. "That amt wor-
rying me. What are we going to do
now?"
1--WE can sell this boat" Metzger
asserted. 81 told the doctor that, but
he made excuses. He shall forge her
papers. know where l can find a
Portuguese trader who will buy her.
He will not give much, but what he
gives will only be cut two ways"
70
agreeable to Sam. 1t was the only
way out. They continued to discuss
the situation. There was Hallett to
reckon with and his two adherents.
They would be warned directly he
left the room where he was hidden;
there was no danger to apprehend.
Bettington found Clements had been
placed on wicker lounge. His faded
blue eyes peered up into the bright
sky; there was still the unfading
smile on his face. Even death kept
his secret. Perhaps none would ever
know by what name in the world of
crime he had been called.
A deckhand called Mike was at the
wheel.
where's Sam?" Bettington asked.
Went below with Metzger," Mike
answered.
Bettington followed them. Metzger
and Sam ceased their talk when he
came in. They wondered if he had
heard any of it, 1t was a discussion
which should have interested any man
concerned with the length of his days.
WELL" said Bettington, seating him.
self, whats to be done now?"
Metzger elaborated on the simplicity
of his scheme.
''The money would have to be split
three ways and there'd be a nice little
sum. / know men who will buy and
ask no questions"
you'll never sell the Albatross,"
Bettington asserted.
"Then l know where we can run
her and live aboard. It's the Gulf
of Nicoya in Costa RIGA. There no.
body would ever find u.s." Metzgers
face beamed at the thought.
That's silly Bettington answered
do you suppose we all want to pass
our days in the Gulf of Nicoya?
You've got the wrong idea. You are
afraid to go back to New York, l
suppose?"
"Not for met" said Sam. "The
Boss never lied to us, When he said
he knew all about US he was speaking
the truth. I'm not goin' to run my
neck into moose"
doesn't the same fate hang over
me? You know it does. / look on 1t
in a different light Nobody could
know of Clements death for month,
at least. He said the paper wasn't to
be opened for year. I'm willing to
take a chance. We all want money,
and lot of it. Mrs. Railway will pay
us just the same as she would have
paid Clements and we don't have to
share with him. Why throw it away?