"Show me your papers," an officer said as he leaped on board followed by half a dozen sailors. The captain went down into his cabin and brought up the papers.
"That is all right," the officer said glancing at them; "now, where is the list of your crew?"
"This is it," the captain said taking it from his pocket; "a commissary at Nantes went through them on starting and placed his seal to it, as you see."
"Form the men up, and let them answer to their names," the officer said. The men formed in line and the officer read out the names; Harry answering for Andre Leboeuf. "That is all right, so far," the officer said. "Now, sir, I must, according to my orders, search your vessel to see that no one is concealed there."
"By all means," the captain said, "you will find the Trois Freres carries nothing contraband except her cargo. I have already taken off the hatch, as you see, in order to save time."
The forecastles and cabin were first searched closely. Several of the sailors then descended into the hold. Two lanterns were handed down to them.
"It looks all clear, sir," one of the sailors said to their officer. The latter leaped down on to the kegs and looked round.
"Yes, it looks all right, but you had better shift some of the kegs and see that all is solid."
Some of the kegs were moved from their position, and in a few places some of the second tier were also lifted. The officer himself superintended the search.
"I think I can let you go on now, Captain Grignaud," he said. "Your men can stow the cargo again. A good voyage to you, and may you meet with no English cruisers by the way."