Jason and Clancey strolled leisurely down San Francisco's Main Street one cool mid-May evening. The annual buying trip had gone so smoothly that the two men found themselves with a week of absolutely nothing to do but take in the sights before returning to Seattle.

     The Irish captain clapped his hands together in anticipation of the revels to come.

      "Where to tonight, bucko? The town is ours for the taking."

     Before Jason could answer, a young newsboy came careening around the corner of the large brownstone building, slamming full force into the logger.

     "Watch it there, son." Jason warned. He steadied himself against the wall as newspapers scattered everywhere.

     Clancey bent over to pluck the dazed boy from off the ground and give him a good shake.

      "Get up, you rascal!" The lad rose quickly, shaking off Clancey's hold.

     "Sorry. I'm sorry." He was about to race off in the opposite direction leaving his papers to an uncertain fate when Jason noticed the panicked look in his eyes. He reached out and grabbed hold of him as he passed by.

      "Wait one minute, boy! Why are you in such a hurry? What's wrong?" At the sound of his voice, the boy stopped struggling, forgot his fear for a moment and stared quizzically at the logger.

      "Jason?" Before Jason had a chance to get over his surprise, the boy begged. "Please, hide me. They're right down the street. They'll kill me if they find me."

      At that moment the three heard footsteps racing down the street. The boy's eyes pleaded in silent desperation.

     "Here." Jason lifted a nearby crate. The boy slid under it and was out of sight just in time. Clancey dropped to the ground amidst the strewn newspapers. Jason pretended to help him up as three policemen rounded the corner. The officers took one look at the scene and were fooled completely.

     "Where did he go?" the largest of the three huffed.

      Jason pointed down toward the business section of town as Clancey began his tirade.

     "Fine city this is! Hooligans running wild down public streets. Decent people can't walk in safety these day."

     The policemen shrugged an apology before continuing their pursuit.

     "Murphy, you go east. Johnson, take the alley and I'll meet you at the bottom of the street."

     As soon as they were out of sight, Jason lifted the corner of the crate.

      "They're gone." He assured the urchin as he crawled out and stood before them.

     "Not for long," was the nervous reply. "Is there some place you could take me where I could keep out of sight for a while?"

     "Only if you answer some questions first," Jason bargained. "Who are you and how do you know who I am?"

     The lad's eyes were glued to the darkening street, watching for any sign of the police.

     "I'll tell you everything if you'll protect me. Please! They'll be back this way soon." Jason and Clancey were uncertain. "I've done nothing wrong but they have. Please!"

     Clancey nodded in answer to Jason's look.

     "All right," Jason agreed gruffly, "safety in exchange for answers. We're staying on a boat tied up at pier five."

     "Ship, Jason, ship!! For the love of..." Clancey groaned.

     The three walked quickly and silently all the way to the Seamus O'Flynn. It was only when they were safely down in the hold that the young fugitive seemed to relax.