With trembling fingers Willie lifted can after can out of the box. Suddenly he held one aloft. “That isn’t nearly as heavy as the others,” he cried.
“Open it,” said the customs agent.
Willie pried open the lid and peeped into the can. Then he gave a cry, and reaching into the can, drew out a roll of beautiful hand-made lace. Two other cans proved to be light in weight, and to contain lace. When the smuggled material had all been drawn forth and unrolled, it was found that there were yards and yards of it.
“I congratulate you,” said the agent, smiling.
“Let’s examine that bag,” was Willie’s reply.
The agent chuckled. “You’re keen as a hound on a hot scent,” he said.
A great empty box was brought, at Mr. Easterly’s command, that would hold the contents of the bag. Another box was placed beside it, and the bag lifted to this box. Then the customs agent carefully ripped an opening in the mouth of the bag. In a solid stream the contents poured from the bag into the waiting box.
“Wheat!” cried Willie, so excited that he could hardly stand still.
“Wheat it is,” said Mr. Easterly. “We shall soon see whether you have uncovered something more or whether you merely had a pipe dream.”
Steadily the wheat poured out of the small opening in the bag. For some moments the flow continued uninterrupted. Then it suddenly stopped. The two watchers glanced at each other.