Then again by this time they might expect the suspicions of their enemies must have been more or less awakened, making them more watchful, also restless.
Probably those at the camp rendezvous may have before then been informed concerning the mysterious burning of the speedboat carrier of contraband stuff, while on the way down the Yamasaw heading for the sea. That significant fact, coupled with the destruction of the airship within hand-throw of their campfires, would surely begin to awaken certain fears to the extent that some strange series of disasters had overtaken the long run of luck they had been enjoying in landing all their precious cargoes without a single break.
Jack noticed how their cracker guide kept on his way at a slower speed, and he found himself mentally commending this degree of caution. Evidently Jethro too, was bent on making certain nothing in the line of an upset to their game could be laid at his door.
Just after they started the sound of a motor was clearly heard, and somehow every head was immediately lifted toward the heavens; for there could not be any difficulty in realizing the racket came from that quarter, making it clear an airship was passing by.
“There she blows, mates!” Perk breathed, exultantly. “Things air aworkin’ agin in aour favor, seems like. Go it, ole boy; we got yeour number, and kin fix yeou aout right smart.”
“Lower your voice if you must speak, Wally,” cautioned Jack, apprehensively, since there was no knowing what the darkness concealed from their eyes.
“But she’s amakin’ fo’ that same camp, I kinder gu-reckon—aint she, Boss?” continued the irrepressible Perk.
“To be sure,” Jack told him; “and now please dry up, brother.”
The clatter died away, from which they fancied the incoming ship must have made a successful landing. In imagination Perk could vision what was taking place—the eager workers picking up whatever the pilots of the air carrier tossed out of their spacious cabin, and possibly loading the same on some waiting truck, or at least a speedy automobile, functioned by a capable chauffeur, who had interest in the stake.
Onward they continued, and all kept going well, from which fact Jack figured that thus far the smugglers had not deemed it essential to have videttes posted along the river, in order to keep tabs on what might be going on.