Page:The House On The Cliff.pdf/136

130 "Just kids. If they come nosing around again we'll knock one of 'em on the head."

"I don't like this rough stuff. It's dangerous."

"We've got to do it or we'll end up in the pen. You can't be white-livered in this game. What's the matter with you to-night? You're nervous."

"I'm worried. I've got a hunch that we'd better clear out of here."

"Clear out!" replied the other contemptuously. "Are you crazy? Why, this place is as safe as a church. We can make a big clean-up before they know we're in this part of the country at all."

"Well, maybe you're right," said the first man doubtfully. "But still—"

His voice died away as the boat went on into the cove.

The boys could hear the rattle of oars and then a dull swishing of bushes, a muttered voice, and then silence fell.

The boys looked at one another through the gloom.

"Smugglers!" exclaimed Frank,

"Sounds mighty like it," replied Tony. "What do you think we should do?"

"Follow them."

"Sure," Joe agreed. "Follow them right into the cove."