CHAPTER X. ON THE SCENT
It appeared to Stanley, on the way home that morning, that the conversation flagged somewhat. He therefore set to himself the task of reviving it.
“Christian,” he began conversationally, “is there any smuggling done now? Real smuggling, I mean.”
“No, I think not,” replied Christian. He evidently did not look upon smuggling as a fruitful topic at that moment.
“Why do you ask?” interposed Hilda goodnaturedly.
“Well, I was just wondering,” replied the boy. “It struck me yesterday that our boat had been moved.”
“But,” suggested Christian, “it should be very easy to see whether it has been dragged over the sand or not.”
“Three strong men could carry it bodily into the water and make no marks whatever on the sand,” argued little Stanley, determined not to be cheated out of his smugglers.