Page:Tom Swift and His Great Searchlight.djvu/35

Rh "I wouldn't do anything rash, if I were you," said the man quietly. "As for this being private property, that doesn't concern me. You're Tom Swift, aren't you; and you have several airships?"

"Yes, but what right have you to"

"Every right!" interrupted the man, throwing back the lapel of his coat, and showing a badge. "I'm Special Agent William Whitford, of the United States Customs force, and I'd like to ask you a few questions, Tom Swift." He looked our hero full in the face.

"Customs department!" gasped Tom. "You want to ask me some questions?"

"That's it," went on the man, in a business-like yoice.

"What about?"

"Smuggling by airship from Canada!"

"What!" cried Tom. "Do you mean to say; you suspect me of being implicated in"

"Now go easy," advised the man calmly. "I didn't say anything, except that I wanted to question you. If you'd like me to do it out here, why I can. But as someone might hear us "

"Come inside," said Tom quietly, though his heart was beating in a tumult. "You may go, Koku, but stay within call," he added significantly. "Come on, Ned," and he motioned to his chum who was approaching. "This man is a