A lantern was hanging near by, and the detective seized it and
descending the stairs entered a great store-house.
A sight met his gaze which filled him with amazement. His
fortune was made at last; the store-house was filled with
packages of valuable goods; indeed, an immense fortune lay
scattered about.
Later on the detective came to learn more particularly the
methods of the smugglers, but for the present as he stood
there he realized that he was a wondrously lucky man, unless
he should prove unlucky enough to be captured.
While standing in the subterranean store-house an idea entered
his mind and he exclaimed:
"By George, that's just the scheme."
He returned to the upper room and replaced the lantern, and
immediately redescended to the storehouse.
The detective had a masked lantern with him, having secured it
while abiding a few hours at the home of his guide, Taylor.
Spencer Vance had determined to hide himself in the smugglers'
underground warehouse. He had reached the conclusion that he
could find no safer place.
Spencer Vance had struck a big scheme. Even while in such
great peril, and while busy, he was revolving in his mind all
the chances and contingencies; but over all loomed the
possibility of discovery. There was no friendly sea to
receive him should those men find him secreted in their
treasure den.
The detective was like a man walking in a suspected coal mine
with a lighted torch, who at any moment might strike a chamber
filled with the fatal gas, which coming in contact with the
light, would have blown man and mine to smithereens.
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