canyon until entering the valley where the stockade was located.
This they had inspected. Finding it untenanted, they had proceeded on down the canyon. When still some distance from the landing, they had encountered “Black George” and his men in superior numbers, and had fallen back in the stockade.
“That was when we first heard your shots. Then they grew more distant as you retreated,” said Bob.
The Secret Service man nodded.
Ensign Warwick and his party, he continued, had been ambushed as they pushed up the canyon, but had cut their way through and taken refuge in the stockade.
“Knowing the Sub Chaser was guarded and would wait for us, we determined to wait for daylight before attacking the smugglers,” continued Inspector Burton. “We were at a disadvantage through unfamiliarity with our surroundings. Fortunate for all concerned, you boys were on the job. Otherwise we in the stockade would not have known that the major portion of the attacking party had gone to the landing, and it might have gone hard with Robbins and his handful of sailors.”
“I suppose, Inspector, that the breaking up of this gang of coolie smugglers is a matter of some importance,” suggested Mr. Temple.
“Some importance, indeed,” Inspector Burton said.
He was silent a little while, gazing out of the window at the palm trees on the lawn and the bright sunshine flooding all.
“A great feather in my cap, and sure to bring me advancement,” he said, smiling. “The credit really belongs to you, boys, but matters of that sort are not recognized in official circles. I, as the man on the ground, will be the one rewarded.”