Ralph’s fingers trembled on the lever and he had just given it the first move toward him when something happened.
He felt himself seized from behind in a powerful grasp and his arms pinioned to his side.
“Thought you’d get the police, eh?” snarled a voice in his ear. “Not just yet, Stetson.”
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE MISSING BOAT.
“So these boys are off the River Swallow?” asked Chief Inspector Barrett of the U. S. Customs service as he gazed at Harry Ware and Percy Simmons.
They stood before him in his private office, whither they had been escorted by the official who had met them on the wharf. Both boys were indignant. The manner in which they had been treated had not served to soothe their feelings. They had, in fact, been looked upon as malefactors, when, in reality, they had come ashore for the purpose of exposing a gang of rascals. It was a strange trick that Fate had played upon them.
“What have we done?” demanded Harry Ware angrily.
“Yes, you’d think we were criminals from the way we’ve been treated,” seconded Percy Simmons.
“Now, now, keep cool,” conciliated the inspector. “We’ve had our eye on the River Swallow for some time. To-night we heard from Canada that she was to touch in here to-night with gem smugglers on board. We’ve been on the lookout for the gang that is suspected for some time.”
“And you mean to say you think that we have anything to do with it?” gasped Harry angrily.