Besides, I need a reliable man ashore to look
after shipments. We have to land our goods in a hurry, you understand,
at night, without checking up. I can afford to hand you something
pretty nice on the side to assure myself a square deal. I had a fellow
picked out for the berth--a retired German officer---but he failed to
show up when we sailed. Now I have run across you I am damned glad he
did. You are more the style of man I want. Come, now, I don't believe
you can afford to turn this offer down."
"It looks good," I confessed, but still hesitating. "Only I shall have
to have it in writing, and more in detail."
"We'll talk that over in the morning; it's late now. Take the third
stateroom starboard: it's all ready for you."
"Then I am no longer to consider myself a prisoner onboard?"
"Certainly not. Practically you are one of us."
"And I have the freedom of the deck?"
He smiled grimly, gazing intently at me.
"That is safe enough, I reckon, even if I questioned your interest in
this adventure. There must be ten miles of water already between us
and the coast. There are no limits on your liberty, but I would n't
advise your going forward at present--not until the men understand the
situation--they 're a hard lot.
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