Page:Raymond Spears--Diamond Tolls.djvu/156

 have something to do with the diamonds, which they now had convinced themselves were on the river. Some instinct, developed by years in the shantyboat world, dealing with and watching fugitives, now assured Frest that he was at last venturing forth upon a great stroke of business.

Macrado's suggestions were opportune. Macrado sold his shantyboat in the morning; Frest went uptown, and Macrado shadowed him till he saw the junker go into the bank.

That night the two started up stream in the weather-beaten but well-found gasolene semi-cruiser. They carried two rifles, a shot gun, two heavy revolvers, and two heavy automatic pistols.

Frest the junker thought that he had turned pirate, but Jose Macrado knew better—or worse. His keen eyes had seen a ridge around Frest's body outlined against the shirt. Macrado knew that this was a money-belt, and the height of the ridge indicated the thickness of the contents of the belt.

"A man neveh knows when his chanct is comin'!" Macrado thought to himself.