The boats from the "Nancy" were launched and manned, and were
pulled away toward floating objects that had been cast upon
the water.
Our hero was in one of the boats, and soon his crew came upon
one of the floating objects and it was hauled into the boat.
One of the methods and mysteries was explained; the floating
objects were large rubber and guttapercha bags, water-tight
and unsinkable, and in these waterproof sacks was packed the
contraband merchandise.
Four boats were at work, and within a couple of hours no less
than thirty-three of these sacks were put on board the
"Nancy," containing thousands and thousands of dollars worth
of goods that were never intended to pay duty to good old
Uncle Sam.
All the bags were put on board, and the "Nancy" was ready to
run into the bay and land her contraband cargo.
The detective expected she would run back on the course over
which she had come out, but such was not the fact; on the
contrary she lay to until all the goods were stowed below.
Spencer Vance had worked like a trooper, and for the time
being, was the most active smuggler of them all, but later on
he was brought face to face with his peril.
Our hero had finished all he had been called upon to do, and
was standing leaning against the mast, when Ike Denman
approached and said:
"Come aft, Ballard, I've a few words to exchange with you."
The detective obeyed with alacrity; coming to a halt near the
cabin-way, Denman said:
"Ballard, you have proved yourself a good hand.
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