The Speedwell, Champion, and Alert—­the latter a fine little schooner, owned by George and Harry—­were to act the part of smugglers, and Ben.  Lake and Thomas Benton, who had no boats, were chosen by the smugglers to assist them.  The provisions, of which each boy was expected to furnish his share, were all to be left at Mr. Butler’s boat-house by six o’clock on the following evening, where they were to be taken charge of by the smugglers, of whom Frank was chosen leader.  It was also understood that the smugglers were to carry the provisions all in one boat, and were to be allowed to take every possible advantage of the “men-o’-war,” and to make every effort to land the provisions on the island.

The other thirteen boats, which were to act as “coast-guards,” were to be under the command of Charles Sheldon, a shrewd, cunning fellow, who had the reputation of being able to handle a sail-boat as well as any boy in the village.

The coast-guards were also divided into divisions of three boats each, and a captain was appointed for each division.

These arrangements, as we have said, were speedily completed; and, although the coast-guards were almost wild with delight at the prospect of the exciting times that would occur during the race, they were confident that the smugglers could be easily caught, and even some of the smugglers themselves seemed to think that their chances of landing the provisions were small indeed.

As the meeting was about to break up, one of the coast-guards exclaimed,

“We’ll have easy times catching you smugglers.”

“Do you think so?” asked Harry Butler.  “It would be funny if you should slip up on it, wouldn’t it?”

“We’ll risk that,” said another, “for we’ve got thirteen boats to your three.”

“I say, Frank,” said Charles Sheldon, “don’t you think we can catch you?”

“Oh, yes,” answered Frank, “easily enough, if you only try.  Now, boys,” he continued, “remember that we want all the refreshments left at Mr. Butler’s boat-house, by six o’clock to-morrow evening.”

They all promised to be on hand, and the meeting broke up.

But the coast-guards gathered in little knots in front of the house, or walked slowly toward home, talking the matter over, and congratulating themselves on the easy manner in which the capture of the “contrabands” was to be effected.

The smugglers remained together, and, as soon as the others were out of hearing, George inquired,

“Do you think we can give them the slip?”

“Yes,” answered Frank, “I am certain we can.  We must not think of beating them in sailing, because there are too many of them, but we must outwit them.”

“What do you propose to do?” inquired Ben.

“We must get up in the morning before they do.”

“We shall be obliged to get up at twelve o’clock, then,” said Thomas.

“I had rather stay up all night than have them beat us,” said Harry.