“Three,” interrupted Inspector Burton, who had followed Jack’s explanation with keen interest. “They are at San Francisco, at Ventura, down the coast, and in the Santa Ynez mountains behind Santa Barbara.”
“Then,” said Jack, “the probability is that, while able to state the secret radio is somewhere in those islands, he cannot say definitely which one. Which one do you consider the most likely?” he queried, turning to Inspector Burton.
“I have not formed an opinion,” he said. “All three are admirably adapted for the purposes of this Chinese-smuggling outfit. They are thirty to fifty miles from shore, unvisited as I said. I believe there is a launch takes occasional sightseers to Santa Cruz, the nearest, from Santa Barbara. But they cannot stray far from the landing place and the island, which is some twenty-seven miles long and five to fifteen miles wide, with a range of mountains all along its length, can keep its secrets without fear of discovery by tourists.”
“Isn’t it strange we have not caught sight of the trawler, if it was heading for a refuge in those islands?” asked Bob.
“No, the obvious thing for it to do would be to take an opposite course in the fog, stand out to sea, and run in under cover of darkness tonight.”
“Moreover,” added Inspector Burton, “the smugglers’ cove probably is on the seaward side, while we are running down the channel.”
“Yes,” interrupted Mr. Temple, who had been leaning over the port rail, watching the shore, and conversing with Doctor Marley whom he found a surprisingly good companion when drawn out, “and we’ll soon be in. Boys, go forward and watch the shore and town. I’m delighted now that you have an opportunity to see Santa Barbara, especially from this viewpoint. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.”
The Sub Chaser had rounded a point of land, and the curving beach of Santa Barbara now came into view. Nearest them was a two-story structure of light-colored stone which Inspector Burton pointed out as the Natatorium.
A little park surrounded the structure and south of it, along the waterfront, extended a boulevard flanked by palm trees of noble proportions. Farther down the boulevard, amid a variety of tropical foliage, rose a splendid hotel of huge proportions.