Meantime the search continued on the island, and the detective
was rejoiced as he saw that, after all, the discovery of his
presence was a most excellent thing, as it would lead to the
eventual discovery of the real smugglers, through means which
will be described later on.
Vance had measured every step as he progressed, and knew just
where he would fetch out, provided he once got away from the
island; but there, as stated, loomed the chance against him.
His opportunity would depend largely upon the decision of Ike
Denman after the return of his searching parties.
One of the searching parties was moving along looking for a
trail, when a cry from one of their number brought the squad
together. The man had stumbled upon the strapped and gagged
smuggler.
There was a circus for a few moments after the discovery, and
there followed some loud swearing, not low; but deep, fast and
furious.
The man had been gagged so long it was some minutes before he
could relate his sad tale.
One of the men said to him:
"Who served you out, Jim?"
When the man found voice he answered:
"The devil or one of his imps."
"Hello! did you see the ghost"
"What ghost?"
"The ghost of Ballard."
"I don't know anything about the ghost of Ballard, but I had a
rough scrimmage with the gamest man I ever tackled."
"Didn't you recognize him?"
"No."
"I wonder if there are two of 'em on the island?"
"What's happened, boys?"
"Well, it's looking as though the devil himself were loose
tonight.
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