Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/287

 is still all right? What has that to do with it!”

“I don’t know, Captain, unless it has something to do with the opium.”

“By George!” cried the commander. “Let’s put it that way. We'll read the message all over again. ‘We cannot deliver you any opium today because the custom officials have grabbed us. But the stuff is safe aloft.’”

“Do you suppose it means that?” cried Henry, much excited.

“You can guess as well as I can. Now let’s go on with this thing. What does the answer say? Let’s see.” The captain bent over the paper again and read, “‘Put fish in trap when leaving port. Glad top-hamper is safe.’” He paused and chuckled. “Plain as day, isn’t it, Henry? ‘Put your opium in the trap when you leave the harbor. We’re glad your opium is safe.’ If we haven’t guessed their little riddle, I’ll eat my hat. Come on, we’ll see whether we are right or not.”

The commander went on deck. Jimmy flashed an order for the Orient to heave to again. A small boat was lowered and in a few moments the commander of the cutter stood on the deck of the freighter. The searchers looked grim. The Orient’s crew were grinning.

“What success?” asked the captain.