“Not very much,” laughed Fred. “If you want to go with us I’ll see if Mr. Button is willing.”
The consent was readily obtained and in a brief time the party which now consisted of six started toward the shore where their motor-boats were waiting for their coming.
It was not long before all were on board, Rufus insisting upon taking his place with Fred and John. It was on the same boat also that Mr. Button sailed.
For a time, until the shores of Cockburn Island could no longer be seen, silence rested upon the party. No one appeared about the house as they looked back at the island from which they had come. Not even the dogs now could be seen.
It was then that Mr. Button turning to the boys said, “I fancy you boys are anxious to know what all this means.”
“Yes, we are,” said Fred quickly. “We know a little, but not very much about it.”
“This man,” explained Mr. Button, “is one of the most expert smugglers of diamonds in America. Sometimes he comes to New York, sometimes to Boston and then again he lands at New Orleans or Baltimore.”
“Why hasn’t he ever been caught?” inquired John.
“He was caught once and brought to trial, but on some technicality he went free. I had word that he was trying a new tack. Several times he has landed at Montreal and then coming up the river has made his way across the border hereabouts and taken his goods either to Chicago or Buffalo. But we have run the rascal down at last.”
“But you haven’t got him,” protested Fred.