Standing in the light that came from a cabin, Darley looked questioningly at his companions. They had timed this visit late, for the express purpose of finding if men had been smuggled aboard.
“There’s no one here, Mr. Darley,” said one of the revenue men. “We searched this ship from stem to stern, the moment she hit the harbor. A crazy ship — with lots of crannies.”
“And that framework in the hold,” reminded another official.
“Yeah,” said the first. “You saw it, Mr. Darley. Can’t figure what it’s for. The men won’t spill a word about it. Let them keep their secret if they want to. We’ve got plenty to do besides trying to solve Chinese puzzles.”
“Well,” said Darley, “there’s no use watching the boat all night. You know its arrangement, now. Take another look before she sails tomorrow.”
“Righto,” agreed the agent.
As the others moved across the deck, this man drew Darley aside assuringly.
“If any Chinese try to make the slip on this junk, we’ll nab ‘em,” he said. “We’ve labeled the crew, and we can tag any stowaways.”
“You saw below. All loaded up with secret cupboards and what not. I’m giving you a straight line, Mr. Darley. This old scow’s an opium ship!”
“An opium ship!” exclaimed Darley.