She smiled again at this outburst; said, “We can visit afterward, anyhow,” and moved away. On the other side of the deck she found the Manila Kid leaning in a doorway, moodily chewing a match. His listless eyes at once sought her wrist. “You're not wearing it,” he muttered. “You know why, Jim.” “Sure! Young Kane.” “Oh, Jim, where are your brains? Don't try to tell me that Tex hasn't seen that watch.... Well, do you want him to know there's something between us--just now--” “I don't know's I--” Her pale cool eyes swept the deck. Then she leaned beside him; opened her book, then looked out over it at the shipping and the dimpling river beyond; smiled in her easy way. “Jim, why didn't you tell me that Tex has started this thing without me?” “I've been watching for a chance to.” She considered this. He went on: “Look here, Dixie, this is big stuff!” “Of course.” “I've been trying to figure out how we stand. I didn't quite get you last night. Tex and his boy Tom have got a bunch of the soldiers now. But they're moving careful because there's another show been started. One of the regular revolutionary crowd is below there stirring 'em up. Some of 'em are full of this republic idea, want to die for it and all that stuff, and Tex has to move cautious to buy 'em off. Say, what does he want so many for?” “The more the better.” “But how're you going to pay 'em?” “Let them loot.” “But Tex--and Tom--are promising them part of the real stuff, jewels.” “Oh, you'd probably have to promise. But when they get into it, with plenty of loot and liquor and women, it'll be easy enough to get away from them.” “But how're you going to keep 'em in hand before that? Do you know what some of 'em are whispering around now? They want to carve up the boat. Come right up here and go through the viceroy's outfit.” “But he hasn't much stuff here, Jim. We've got bigger game than that.” “I know--and anyway it'd bring a gunboat down on us. That's what Tex is trying to make Tom see. Tom's in Tex's room now. But my God, Dixie, when I think of what you've started in that offhand way o' yours....” “Tex'll hold them down, Jim. That's one good thing about him, he's not weak. You're nervous. Better go in and help the teachers hang flags. That'll soothe you. You and I mustn't talk any more either. If there's any news for me, better send me a chit by a boy.”