“We want no deal with you, Captain Carter.”
“Figure you’re above me, eh? You and your high ideals!”
“Yeah!” the captain sneered. “Well, let me tell you this—you got a lot to learn!”
“We’ll be no shield for a revolutionist.”
“You got me all wrong, I tell you!” Captain Carter shouted. “I’m not denying I used your boxes to haul in a little ammunition. I need it for a special purpose. What’s the harm? Your stuff is all here. I’ll set it ashore and no questions asked.”
“You can’t get by with it, Captain Carter.”
“I can if you’ll keep your mouth shut. You and your nice little boys!”
“Oh, so you aim to turn me in, eh?” the captain sneered. “Don’t forget, Scoutmaster, you’re tarred with the same stick!”
“We’ll have no part in this ugly mess. From the start, your name and reputation have been a drag to the expedition.”
“The guns are in your name,” Captain Carter reminded him. “If they’re found aboard the _Shark_, your expedition is finished. You’ll never set foot inland—not one step. You’ll find yourself under suspicion, bound head and foot with government red tape!”
Ken had been peering intently over the railing. Not only had his keen ears picked up the sound of a fast-approaching motor launch, but he could see its outline some distance to starboard.
Jack too, heard the sound, and joined Ken at the railing.
“That boat’s heading straight for the _Shark_,” he observed uneasily.
“A government launch too,” added Ken. “It looks very much as if the red tape is on its way!”
Captain Carter moved swiftly to the rail to ascertain that Ken spoke the truth.
“It’s the customs boat all right!” he exclaimed. “They’ll search the _Shark_ from stem to stern. If any of these boxes are found, I’m a dead duck!”
“You admit you’ve been helping the Revolutionists?” Mr. Livingston demanded.
“I admit nothing! What’s more, if you have any thought of trying to find Burton Monahan, you’ll keep clear of this. Help me get these boxes overboard!”
“You don’t want the government men to find ’em, do you?” Captain Carter snarled. “They’re your boxes, remember! Come on, there’s not a second to lose.”
“Then you’re cooking your own goose! Either you lay hold and help heave the guns overboard, or I’ll deny all knowledge of the cargo.”