Jack placed a restraining hand on the younger boy’s arm. It was evident that Captain Carter deliberately had made the personal remarks, hoping to distract them from asking further questions.
“Suppose you tell us why those boxes were marked in the name of the Scout organization?” he persisted.
“Because Mr. Livingston ordered it.”
Jack eyed the captain steadily. “That’s not so,” he replied quietly. “Ken and I helped check every box that went aboard the Shark. There were no guns or ammunition.”
“Those particular boxes were picked up in the Canal Zone—at Mr. Livingston’s orders.”
One and all the Explorers showed by their expressions that they did not believe the captain.
“I’m getting your stuff off this vessel right now,” the seaman announced. “Then I don’t want to hear any more squawks!”
Shoving Willie aside, he went down into the forecastle hold.
Soon, with the aid of the watch, all cargo stamped with the Scout name, had been brought on deck. Jack counted twelve boxes which he was certain had not been in the original shipment.
“What are you doing with our stuff?” he demanded.