"Be good enough to inspect the cargo that this craft may carry, as speedily as you can. But we will begin here, and see what these piles are that have been covered with canvas at the forward end of the cabin."
"Rifle cases, beyond any doubt," nodded Noll, as he and Hal switched away the canvas covers.
"Cases that appear built to hold rifles and ammunition, up forward, Overton," called Prescott, coming to the cabin door.
"Yes; this boat is a gun-smuggler beyond a doubt," nodded Lieutenant Hal. "Even if we found no guns aboard we could hold the craft for a pirate, for the conduct of her commander in having his fellows fire on us."
"A pirate? Father, is that true?" called the young woman, in a startling voice.
"Hush, child. You don't understand such things," replied the man.
"But, if this be true? Oh, I must get out of here and get air. I am stifling."
"I shall be glad to assist you to the deck, madam, if you will permit me," offered Prescott, gravely, removing his cap.
At an almost imperceptible sign from her father the girl quickly moved forward and vanished with Lieutenant Prescott.
"I take it you're in command here," muttered the father.