Yet, as shore-dwellers, I could not place them.

They were a type I had never encountered.

Possibly I can give a better idea of them by describing what occurred.
As they passed before us they favoured Mr.Pike with the same indifferent, keen glances they gave me.
"What's your name--you ?" Mr.Pike barked at the first of the trio, evidently a hybrid Irish-Jew.

Jewish his nose unmistakably was.

Equally unmistakable was the Irish of his eyes, and jaw, and upper lip.
The three had immediately stopped, and, though they did not look directly at one another, they seemed to be holding a silent conference.