"Shut up!" interrupted the cross-eyed man, holding up a grimy finger
which he pointed at Hugh. "Did you say cigar, Branks?" he added
craftily in a louder tone, so that Hugh might hear.

"No, I said cel-----"

"I won't sell one, but I'll give you one," again interposed the other.
"Here, take it!" And he added under his breath with an ugly oath,
"You double-dyed fool!"

Hugh lay still, breathing deeply and heartily wishing the men would
go away. He began to fear they would spend the day there in hiding.
Presently, however, they rose from the table and went out, closing
and locking the door behind them. He was a prisoner! He sprang up
and rushed over to the door.

"Let me out!" he cried, beating on it with clenched fists. "You
crooks'll have to pay for this when you're caught!"

A loud laugh was the only answer.




CHAPTER VI

THE PLIGHT OF THE "_ARROW_"


Hours later, when the _Arrow_ was finally clear of the bar, she