Next day the smugglers boarded the cars for Niagara, and the Bradys felt that their work would soon be at an end.
As the Custom House officers of Niagara had been specially warned against these people, they made a very careful search of their baggage and persons.
Every one underwent a most rigid examination.
Not a thing or place was overlooked in which there was the faintest chance of concealing precious stones.
But despite the keenness of the scrutiny—despite the extraordinary watchfulness—despite every care—not a diamond was found.
The Bradys looked on eagerly.
Each one expected a remarkable disclosure.
But when they saw the officers baffled, it worried them.
They could not understand this want of success, except by thinking that the La Croix party were playing some deep, shrewd game.
The Frenchman laughed sardonically at the officers and said: