"I guess so," said Harry. "I'll go up to the house and see."
He led the way, followed by three or four of the smugglers, and the articles in question were soon brought into the boat-house.
"Now, Bill," said Frank, "you take this salt-bag, if you please, and fill it with smooth, round stones, about the size of lemons."
"All right," answered William, who began to see through the trick.
"Now," continued Frank, "we want some pieces of cloth, large enough to tie over the tops of these baskets and pails."
These were speedily procured, and, in a few moments, William returned with the salt-bag filled with stones.
"Now, tell us what you intend to do," exclaimed Harry, whose patience was well-nigh exhausted.
"We are making some sham provisions," said Frank.
"Oh, yes, I thought so," said Thomas; "but we haven't got pails and baskets enough."
"Oh, that's nothing," said Frank. "We'll fill half a dozen of these old bags with shavings, and, as soon as it grows dark, we'll pull the Alert alongside the wharf, and tumble these sham provisions into her; then we will cover them up with that piece of sail, as if we wanted to keep them dry. We'll be sure to fool the men-o'-war."