They were now on South Street, and approaching the pier where Willie had first seen his companion. He knew perfectly well where he was. Few people were on the streets, though along the wharves little knots of men had gathered here and there. Mostly they were smoking and sprawled at ease on string-pieces or in doorways. Nobody seemed to pay any attention to Willie and his companion. “They are going to hold this auction on the pier where I met you,” said Sheridan in a low voice. “We are near it now, and you can see a number of men gathered there. I suppose old Larsen—he’s the fellow with the wool to sell—will hold his little show out near the end of the pier. There’s less likelihood of discovery there. Also, it’s easier to throw overboard anybody who interferes.” “What do you want me to do?” asked Willie. “We’ll have to keep out of sight until the gang begins to collect on the end of the pier. It will be pretty dark by that time, and we can probably join the group without attracting attention. But it won’t do for us to go together.” It had never occurred to Willie that he might have to act alone, and he did not relish the idea of being left wholly to his own resources, on that dark pier, among these rough men. But he said quietly, “I’ll do just what you tell me to.” “I don’t know exactly what to tell you,” replied the Secret Service man. “Boys aren’t supposed to be in on this game. If they notice you they may throw you out. You’ll just have to act like a street urchin and take what comes. But if they do order you off the pier, you’d better go quick. Otherwise you might get hurt. I can’t interfere for you. To do that might spoil my whole game.” “I’ll do my best,” said Willie, looking very sober. “If they do run you out, just hang around and try to see all you can. I might need you before we are done with this. There’s no telling. This isn’t a Sunday-school class we are going to, remember.” “You can depend upon me,” said Willie. “All right then. You go on down the street. I’ll hang around here for a while. Remember, we don’t know each other, and we have never seen each other before.” “All right. Good-bye.” And Willie went on down the street, while Sheridan turned into a cigar store to buy some tobacco.