“No, but I am informed that you are citizens of the United States, that you have in your possession gold taken from the Dominion of Canada, and that you propose to take it into the United States, across the Border, in violation not only of the customs laws, but of the international law regarding treasure as well. Is that correct?”
“Well, I suppose it is—in a measure,” admitted Jerry. “But I should like to tell you the whole story. Will you come in, you and the other officers?”
“We will be glad to,” said the mounted man, in more genial tones. “We are sorry for what we had to do, but we must enforce the laws.”
“That’s all right,” said the tall lad. “Maybe you’ll feel differently after you hear all the facts.”
The men tied their horses to some trees, and approached the airship through the mist that was falling. Noddy and some of his cronies started to follow, evidently not liking it in the storm.
“No, you don’t!” cried Jim Nestor, barring the way of all save the police. “You fellows can stay out. Harvey, get busy here. There’s some undesirable citizens trying to get in,” and the two Westerners proved an effectual barrier against the plotters.
Jerry lost little time in telling the story of the search for the gold, adding his suspicions of how Noddy Nixon had followed them, and joined forces with the unscrupulous men who had first tried to take Mr. Brill’s wealth from him.
“It is true that we found the gold in Canada,” explained Jerry; “but it was washed there, after being dug in the United States, and only by accident did it get over the Border. We surely had a right to recover our own property, and bring it back.”
“Hum! That puts a different face on it,” said the chief officer, obviously much puzzled. “I did not know that. I will have to report to my superiors,” he went on. “It will take some little time, and I am sorry for the delay caused you. If what you say is true, and I have no reason to doubt it, we have no jurisdiction over you. I shall at once ride to the nearest telegraph station and make a full report of the matter to my superiors. Then if everything turns out as I expect it will, you may go.”
He and his companions left, after Jerry had insisted on their taking some hot coffee which Bob made. As they got outside, the mounted police were surrounded by Noddy and his cronies, eager to learn what had taken place in the airship. That they were disappointed by the outcome was evident.