There's
six of 'em goin' ternight, and we've got ter be quick. Ain't as easy as
it looks, mate, but--that's not your business neither. Get ter work!"
They got to work forthwith, and turned to the pile of electrical tubings
which was built up against the side of the dock wall, twice as high as a
man's head. A pale lantern swung from the edge of the same wall, above
them, hanging suspended from a nail; another hung on the opposite side
from a post. By the light of these two lamps they could see a knot of
men assembled in the centre of the dockyard, talking together in low
whispers, while down below, at the water's edge, rocked a fleet of
fishing boats awaiting their mysterious cargo. One could hear the men
stirring restlessly and shifting sail as they waited for the task to
begin.
Then the word was given in a low, vibrant voice, and they went to work.
"Easy job this, matey," whispered Dollops as he and Cleek advanced upon
the stack of tubings and each started to lift one down. "I ... Gawd's
truf! _ain't_ it 'eavy! Lorlumme! Now, what in blazes--?"
Cleek put up a warning finger, and shouldered the thing.
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