"Oh, yes," answered Frank, "easily enough, if you only try. Now, boys," he continued, "remember that we want all the refreshments left at Mr. Butler's boat-house, by six o'clock to-morrow evening."
They all promised to be on hand, and the meeting broke up.
But the coast-guards gathered in little knots in front of the house, or walked slowly toward home, talking the matter over, and congratulating themselves on the easy manner in which the capture of the "contrabands" was to be effected.
The smugglers remained together, and, as soon as the others were out of hearing, George inquired,
"Do you think we can give them the slip?"
"Yes," answered Frank, "I am certain we can. We must not think of beating them in sailing, because there are too many of them, but we must outwit them."
"What do you propose to do?" inquired Ben.
"We must get up in the morning before they do."
"We shall be obliged to get up at twelve o'clock, then," said Thomas.
"I had rather stay up all night than have them beat us," said Harry.