Part 9 (1/2)
”I'll show you where I live,” Ben offered. ”Wait until we reach the next corner.”
They walked on along the river docks, pa.s.sing warehouses and vessels tied up at the wharves. Twice they pa.s.sed guards who gazed at them with intent scrutiny. However, Ben was recognized, and with a friendly salute, the men allowed him to pa.s.s unchallenged.
”The waterfront is strictly guarded now,” the reporter told Penny. ”Even so, plenty goes on here that shouldn't.”
”Meaning?”
Ben did not answer for they had reached the corner. Beyond, on a vacant lot which Penny suspected might also be a dumping ground, stood three or four dilapidated shacks.
”See the third one,” Ben indicated. ”Well, that's my little mansion.”
”Oh, Ben!”
”It's not bad inside. A little cold when the wind blows through the c.h.i.n.ks, but otherwise, fairly comfortable.”
”Ben, haven't you any friends or relatives?”
”Not here. I thought I had a few friends, but they dropped me like a hot potato when I ran into trouble.”
”This is no life for you, Ben. I'll certainly talk to my father tomorrow.”
Ben smiled and said nothing. From his silence, Penny gathered that he had no faith she would be able to do anything for him.
They walked on, and as they approached a small freighter tied up at the wharf, Ben pointed it out.
”That's the _Snark_,” he informed her.
The name meant nothing to Penny. ”Who owns her?” she inquired carelessly.
”I wish I knew, Penny. There's plenty goes on aboard that vessel, but it's strictly hush-hush. I have my suspicions that--”
Ben suddenly broke off, for several men had appeared on the deck of the _Snark_. The vessel was some distance away, and in the darkness only shadowy forms were visible.
Seizing Penny's arm, Ben pulled her flat against a warehouse.
Amazed by his action, she started to protest. Then she understood. Aboard the _Snark_ there was some sort of disturbance or disagreement. The men, although speaking in low, almost inaudible tones, were arguing. Penny caught only one phrase: ”Heave him overboard!”
”Ben, what's happening there?” she whispered anxiously.
”Don't know!” he answered. ”But nothing good.”
”Where are the guards?”
”Probably at the far end of their beats.”
Aboard the _Snark_, there was a brief scuffle, as someone was dragged across the deck to the rail.
”That'll teach you!” they heard one of the men mutter.