"Someone they picked off the streets. He 's told to do it in this
letter. They thought it best to prove their man married, and so had to
procure a woman. We won't have any trouble with her."

"Vat you do to be sure?"

"Turn her loose in New Orleans with a few dollars," carelessly. "All
she knows about the affair can't hurt us if she does squeal. There are
plenty of ways to shut her mouth. I 'll know better how to handle her
case right when I see her. Broussard is a long time at his job."

"Perhaps she fight heem--hey?"

"The worse for her--that Creole is a wild-cat. But I wish he would
hurry, so we can get through the Gut on the flood tide; that boat draws
more water than is comfortable in this lagoon."

"You need not worry," said the German, placidly looking at his watch.
"I take eet through safe. She dam good sea boat, an' where I come in I
can go out. Ach! 'tis the fellow come now."

The newcomer passed so close beside me I could feel his foot touch
mine. As he hurried forward I realized the eyes of the two men would
be upon him, and that any movement of mine would be unobserved. The
door remained ajar, and, if escape was possible, now was the time.
With head reeling dizzily, I crept through the opening, yet held the
latch, fascinated by the first spoken words within.

"Well, Broussard, what is it?"