“Stop that boat!” hailed the chief inspector, in round, ringing tones.
There was no reply.
“Heave to, or I’ll send a shot into you!” he cried threateningly.
“Who in blazes are you?” came back a shout from the other craft.
“Inspectors of the United States Customs Service!” came the sharp response. “Heave to!”
“Go to the dickens! You can’t bluff us! We’re for the Canadian line!” came back a taunting shout.
Bang! A shot whizzed across the bows of the fleeing motor boat.
“The next will come closer,” warned the inspector.
There was a hurried consultation on board the other craft. Angry voices arose. It was plain that some were counseling surrender, others flight. In the midst of it all came Malvin’s voice.
“All right. We give up and be hanged to you.”