The boats were prepared for launching, and the ship’s course was changed, and our hero knew that the, long-expected smuggler had arrived.

Soon the two vessels approached each other; additional signals were exchanged, and the real purpose of the voyage was unfolded.

The smuggler kept upon her course, under close reefed sails, but her crew was busy casting certain curious looking packages into the sea.

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.  I like you, but I’ve a statement to make; you can’t share in the profits of tonight’s work unless you become one of us.”

“How’s that, sir?”

“We are a regular organization; the crew of this boat is bound to secrecy by oaths and obligations, and I am about to give you the privilege of becoming one of us.”

“The detective realized his peril.  He saw that the game had opened, that Renie’s warnings were about to be fulfilled but he was cool and easy and determined.  It was a terrible moment, but he was as resolute as ever and replied: 

“That wasn’t in the programme, captain.”

“What wasn’t in the programme?”

“It wasn’t stated that I was to take any oaths or obligations.”

“I’ll admit that, but it’s necessary.”

“You ought to have told me before I came with you on this trip.”

“That is so, but I didn’t; but you have come with us; you are here in our midst, you are posted as to our game, and now what are you going to do about it, Ballard?”