Even the Collector was astonished.
When he recovered his composure, a smile crossed his face, and he rose and warmly shook hands with the pair, saying:
"Well, this is an agreeable surprise."
Old King Brady smiled, took a chew of tobacco and replied:
"You got our chief to assign us on this case and requested us to be here at two o'clock, and here we are."
"Ready for work?"
"Yes, sir. Instruct us."
"Well, all I can tell you is that this country is being flooded with precious stones upon which no duty is being paid, and I want you to find the party who is doing the crooked work."
"Have you any clews upon which we can work?"
"None, whatever. You'll have to get them yourselves from the importers in John street, Broadway and Maiden Lane. They may give you some points."