When fully satisfied that the man was an honest fellow, our hero opened up a certain subject with him.
"Taylor, did you run across a gang of smugglers in your experience along the coast?"
"You can just bet I have run across them; and, between you and me, it is an easy matter to put my hand on the key that locks the door of their secret warehouse."
"You can do that?"
"I can."
"How is it you have never communicated with the Government?"
"Well, I'll tell you. I've always been afraid it might get me into some sort of a scrape. You see, I am a man of family, and couldn't afford to lose any time."
"I'll let you into a secret."
"All right."
"I'm a Government officer."