| OCR Text |
Show - 6l - "Well," said Dirk. "I've brought you an excellent haul this time. There are over 300 bottles of the finest liquors in this cargo, but I want to assure you they do not come cheaply. The risk becomes greater everytime I go out. The ships coming up the coast from Mexico are having more difficulty each time in getting here without mishap. Half Moon Bay is now being patrolled closely and it's not so easy to get the fishing boats to shore as it once was. We used to be able to meet the big ship and easily transport the merchandise by the back road to this place, but it becomes more risky every time. The old road through the hills and wooded areas,from the ocean,isn't so isolated anymore. The revenue men are boarding my fishing boats and checking more often. If I'm caught it will mean prison for me. If you want a supply of liquor for your speakeasies, you'll have to pay my price, otherwise I'll find other sources for it. I have many obligations that have to be met before I can make any profit for myself." His voice was harsh and his features menacing as he spoke. "A bargain's a bargain," said the other man hastily. He could see that any argument with Dirk would be useless. "Just make sure that it's at the specified location as soon as possible and you'll get your money. My business partners are anxious to get this stuff." Dirk looked at him long and searchingly and in his mind he knew that this was the ultimate degradation for him, but he would do anything for the woman he loved. Claudine motioned to Penny. "We must leave now." The girl rose to her feet and scrambled after her. It did not take long to reach the garden. Tne ghost glided silently into the gazebo floating gently before Penny's eyes. Again, she marveled at her lack of fear. She had heard and read about ghosts almost all of her life, and her impression had been one of terror, but Claudine seemed just like any other normal young woman. etched Only, at this time, her face was in sorrow and there was agony in her voice as she spoke. |
