Spencer Vance had worked like a trooper, and for the time being, was the most active smuggler of them all, but later on he was brought face to face with his peril.
Our hero had finished all he had been called upon to do, and was standing leaning against the mast, when Ike Denman approached and said:
"Come aft, Ballard, I've a few words to exchange with you."
The detective obeyed with alacrity; coming to a halt near the cabin-way, Denman said:
"Ballard, you have proved yourself a good hand. I like you, but I've a statement to make; you can't share in the profits of to-night's work unless you become one of us."
"How's that, sir?"
"We are a regular organization; the crew of this boat is bound to secrecy by oaths and obligations, and I am about to give you the privilege of becoming one of us."
"The detective realized his peril. He saw that the game had opened, that Renie's warnings were about to be fulfilled but he was cool and easy and determined. It was a terrible moment, but he was as resolute as ever and replied:
"That wasn't in the programme, captain."
"What wasn't in the programme?"