“It’s about the biggest job we ever tackled,” said Donald aside to Adrian.
“Oh, I don’t know,” replied Adrian. “That bunch of smugglers was no small proposition.”
“You are not afraid to undertake it, are you?” asked the Lieutenant.
“Afraid!” exclaimed Billie. “Why, Lieutenant, we’re scared half to death most of the time; but that doesn’t keep us from going ahead and doing whatever needs to be done. The only real fear in this matter is that we may not be smart enough to work the thing out.”
“Then I know of no one who is,” laughed the Lieutenant.
“We’ll do our best,” said Donald.
“I am sure of that,” declared Lieut. Grant, “so now off with you! Do not delay your report a minute longer than necessary. Everything depends upon having information in advance.”
The Lieutenant turned again to his desk and filled out a blank.
“Here is a pass through the patrol,” he said as he handed Donald the paper. “Also an order to
allow you to use the barge you captured. A couple of my men will row you over and bring the barge back. You can swim your horses behind. Once on the other side, you will have to look out for yourselves.”