"It seems to me that the wise men at Washington ought to be able to secure information on the subject," Ned ventured.
"I half believe that the state department does know a lot about the matter," the Captain replied, "but does not see fit to act in the absence of conclusive proof."
"But how can a mess of Boy Scouts get the truth?" demanded Ned.
"By being Boy Scouts," was the smiling reply. "The launch was brought here for your convenience, and you are to go floating about among the islands north of Luzon, hunting, fishing, gathering specimens, and all that until you find out what sort of people it is that is doing this trading with the natives."
"That was the idea in the Canal Zone," laughed Ned, "but we had little hunting to do! It was quick action down there."
"And I hope it will be here," said the Captain. "Military detectives have been sent down here, but have gone back as ignorant as when they came, for the seasoned secret service man shows what his occupation is and betrays himself at the start. Now it is up to you. And you must go ahead without further instructions, for Lieutenant Rowe, who was to have posted you as to recent developments, is either dead or a prisoner in the hands of the plotters!"
CHAPTER III.
THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR.
There was silence on the unsteady porch of the nipa hut for some moments, and then Frank Shaw asked: