But he's a close-mouthed devil. Either doesn't know anything,
or won't tell. I'm not quite sure which. But he wasted a good deal of
valuable breath endeavouring to teach me to keep my mouth shut. Gad! I'd
give something to have a few moments alone with your friend Black
Whiskers! There's a ripped pillow-case in my portmanteau which ought
to interest him. And what else did you learn, Dollops?"
"Only that what they ships is electric tubin's ter perfect flexible
electric wirin's wot is used for installations, sir," returned Dollops.
"That's what most of the things were wot I set eyes on after
workin'-hours, stacked up all ready ter be loaded on ter the boats. Long,
thin things they were, an' ought ter be easy work, judgin' from their
contents. But why they make all this mystery about it fair beats _me_!"
"And me into the bargain, Dollops," interposed Cleek, with a little sigh.
"But there's an old saying, that there's no smoke without fire, and
ordinary people don't make such a devilish fuss about others knowing
their business if they're on the straight.
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