"Besides," said William Johnson, "they are all going to sleep in their boats to-night, and the North Star and Sampson are to act as police."
"And I heard Charley Sheldon say," chimed in Harry, "that strict watch must be kept of the Speedwell, and no attention paid to the other boats."
"That's all right," said Frank. "I'm glad of it."
"Why are you?" asked George, in surprise. "You know, we agreed to carry the provisions all in one boat, and yours is the only one that will hold them all."
"I tell you, Frank, we're gone suckers," said Ben.
"You fellows seem to be pretty well posted as to the coast-guards' intentions," said Frank.
"Yes," said George; "we've been spying about and playing eavesdroppers all day."
"I have learned one thing to-day," said Frank, "that pleased me very much, and that is that the coast-guards intend to keep spies about the boat-house all night."
"Why does that please you?" inquired Harry. "Do you want them to discover all our plans, so that they may be ready for us?"
"By no means. I'll risk good deal that they will not learn more than we want them to know. I've thought of a way to set them on the wrong scent, and, from what I have heard, I think it will work first-rate."