The boys were allowed to question Mr. Gray at will. Hoki, they learned had never suspected his true identity. When told that they were arranging to send the Jap to Winton, Mr. Gray expressed his pleasure and said that he would have been forced soon to dispense with his services.
“What I fail to understand, Mr. Gray,” said Lieutenant Winters, “is how you managed to get away with the spoils and return the smugglers enough money to keep them satisfied.”
“Money to satisfy the smugglers was often taken from a reserve fund which is kept for such purposes, while the smuggled goods were delivered to parties in the states, minus the duty. In order that this arrangement should not become known to the smugglers, I was forced each time to dispose of the goods to different parties.”
“And the motor-boat which you are using—that is in your private service, I suppose?”
“Yes. And that reminds me that I should send for the boat, as I shall be forced to leave the island at once.”
“I will save you the trouble of sending for it,” said Lieutenant Winters, with a smile. “When you landed I flashed a signal to the captain of the ‘Lucia’ and he overhauled your craft. She is now lying alongside the government launch in the cove on the east end of the island.”
“Your plan was very well carried out, and does you great credit. The proper authorities shall know of your good service,” said Stanwood Gray.
“Thank you, sir,” responded the lieutenant, greatly pleased.
“And as for the boys who have been my guests,” said Mr. Gray, “they, also, shall be remembered in a very substantial manner.”
“We have often wondered why you ever took us in at all,” said Chot.