Wilks.
"That's all there is to tell," he concluded, artlessly; "the cap'n was
that ashamed of hisself, he's laying low for a bit. We all make mistakes
sometimes; I do myself."
"I am much obliged to you," said Mr. Swann, gratefully.
"You're quite welcome, sir," said the boarding-master.
"And now," said the visitor, musingly--"now for the police."
"Police!" repeated Mr. Smith, almost hastily. "What for?"
"Why, to find the captain," said Mr. Swann, in a surprised voice.
Mr. Smith shook his head. "You'll offend the cap'n bitter if you go to
the police about 'im, sir," he declared. "His last words to me was,
'Smith, 'ave this kept quiet.'"
"It'll be a little job for the police," urged the shipbroker. "They
don't have much to do down here; they'll be as pleased as possible."
"They'll worry your life out of you, sir," said the other. "You don't
know what they are."
"I like a little excitement," returned Mr. Swann. "I don't suppose
they'll trouble me much, but they'll turn your place topsy-turvy, I
expect. Still, that can't be helped. You know what fools the police
are; they'll think you've murdered the captain and hidden his body under
the boards. They'll have all the floors up. Ha, ha, ha!"
"'Aving floors up don't seem to me to be so amusing as wot it does to
you," remarked Mr.
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