“That’s a blasted lie!” Captain Carter exclaimed wrathfully. “Gentlemen, this pest has it in for me, because I’ve refused to help him start on a wild hunt for Burton Monahan! He swore he’d get even, and this is the way he’s trying to do it!”
The Scouts gathered beside their leader, staunchly supporting his story.
“This is a frame up, gentlemen,” Captain Carter said smoothly to the officials. “You know me—I wouldn’t try to pull the wool over your eyes. Search the vessel and see if you can find any contraband!”
“We know you very well, Captain Carter,” was the grim response.
While Mr. Livingston and the Scouts waited, the customs men made a thorough check of the vessel. Coming upon equipment marked for the Scout expedition, they dragged the boxes out into the open.
As the first one was smashed apart, the Explorers squirmed uneasily, wondering what might be brought to light. They need have had no misgiving. The box contained only tents and sleeping bags.
Another box held heavy clothing for high altitudes. A third was filled with dehydrated foods and tinned goods.
“You see!” Captain Carter said triumphantly. “Everything in order, just as I said. These Boy Scouts are a bunch of trouble makers. They got it in for me!”
“That’s not so!” War cried hotly. “You dumped six boxes and you can’t deny it!”
“It’s not so. Even if it was, you got no proof. You can’t tie up my boat on the say-so of these irresponsible kids and their Scoutmaster!”