“Hark!”
There was a popping sound as of a distant detonation, an angry exclamation, a scrambling sound at the mouth of the cave and something was quickly tossed out far over the rocks into the lake water. An active figure leaped down from the shelf and ran to the water’s edge. It was a slight, soldierly figure of a man, and as he turned toward the shelf again Betty gave a start. Both girls were staring with all their eyes. Isabel started to whisper something, but Betty put her hand upon Isabel’s lips, and without vocal utterance formed with her lips the words “don’t move!”
The man seemed to be moving the box which Isabel had seen at the front of the cave, and in a few minutes ran down to the water again and waved an arm as if signaling. Immediately the girls heard the sound of a motor. Still as mice they waited. It was not long before a small motor boat came into sight. Two men joined the one on shore and together they lifted the box, a small one, into the boat, observing great care. The girls could not hear the conversation distinctly, but Betty nodded once as she caught a word or two. In a few minutes the boat moved off and the girls straightened up among the bushes, thankful to have relief from their cramped position.
“We’ll not dare go where they can see us for a little,” said the cautious Betty, “for they may have glasses, you know. And I’m not going near that cave! I certainly feel funny snooping around and watching somebody!”
“We couldn’t help it, and besides do you suppose they own that cave? I think their actions are very suspicious, myself. Could they be smugglers?”
“I don’t know what to think,” said Betty, “but I know I’m going home. Peek out, Isabel, you’re nearer the cliff, and see if you can see the boat.”
“All safe, Elizabeth,” Isabel reported. “I’d like to have a look at that cave now.”
“O, please, Isabel. I’m sure we ought to go away and leave things alone. Wait till the whole crowd can come.”
“I think that you’re a great little fraidy-cat, that’s what I think, but maybe you’re right. Come on.”
“Do you want to look very awfully, Isabel?”