While Frank and his companions were accompanying Lee toward home, some of the Regulators were indulging in feelings of the deepest malice; and there were about a dozen of them—Frank's old enemies—who determined that he should not go unpunished. But there were others who began to see how cowardly they had acted in attacking a defenseless boy, for the only reason that he was a bad boy, and to fear that they had lost the good-will of Frank and his associates. The village boys, with a few exceptions, were accustomed to look up to Frank as a sort of leader; not that he aspired to the position, but his generosity, and the easy way he had of settling the disputes that sometimes arose among the boys, had won for him many a fast friend. We have seen, however, that he was not beloved by all; every good boy has his enemies, and Frank, of course, had his share of them. They were boys who were jealous of him, and hated him because he held a position in the estimation of the village people to which they could not attain. But this class was very small, comprising, as we have said, about a dozen of the Regulators; and, while they were enraged at their defeat, and studying plans for revenge, the others were repenting of their folly, and trying to think of some way by which they might regain their lost reputation.
Charles's overbearing and haughty manner was so different from Frank's kind, obliging ways, that they had already grown tired of his company, and began to think seriously of having nothing more to do with him; and the things that had just transpired served to convince them that the sooner they left him the better.
As soon as Lee and his gallant defenders had disappeared, one of the Regulators remarked,
"Well, boys, I don't call this a paying business, trying to thrash a boy who has done us no harm."
"That's my opinion," said another.
"And I, for one, wish I had kept out of this scrape," said a third.
"So do I," said the one who had first spoken.
"Oh, you begin to back down, do you, you cowards?" exclaimed Charles, who was taken completely by surprise by this sudden change of affairs. "Inever give up till I am whipped. If it hadn't been for my lame hand, I would have knocked some of those fellows into cocked hats. I'll fix that Frank Nelson, the next time I catch him."
"Why didn't you do it to-night?" inquired one of the boys, sneeringly.
"I've got a lame hand, I tell you," roared the bully; "and I don't want you to speak to me in that way again; if you do, you and I will have a meeting."
"That would be an unpleasant job for you, to say the least," said one of the boys; "the most of us are heartily sick of your company, and we have been talking, for two or three days, of sending in our resignations. Now, boys," he continued, "this is as good an opportunity as we shall have; so those that won't have any thing more to do with Regulating, say 'I!'"
"I! I!" burst from a score of throats.
"Now," he resumed, turning to Charles, "good-by; and, if you ever wish to recruit another company, you need not call on any of us."
So saying, he walked off, followed by nearly all the Regulators; those who remained were Frank's enemies and rivals.
"Well, boys," said Charles, as soon as the others had gone, "there are a few of us left, and we can annoy the fellows who think they are too good to associate with us in the worst way. Let us adjourn to our barn, where we can talk the matter over."
A few moments' walk brought them to Mr. Morgan's house, and, when they entered the long carriage-way that led up to the barn, Charles said,
"Now, boys, you stay here, and I'll go in and get a light."
He ran into the house, and soon reappeared with a lantern in each hand, and led the way toward the barn. He unlocked the door, and he and his companions entered; and, after allowing them time to examine, to their satisfaction, the splendid equipage that had attracted so much attention the morning they arrived at the village, Charles proceeded to call the meeting to order.
"Now, boys," said he, "we don't intend to disband, do we?"
"No," answered several.
"Then, the first thing for us to do is to change our name, for we don't want to let those cowardly sneaks that deserted us to-night know any thing about us. What shall we be called?"
Several names were proposed, but they did not suit Charles. At length, one of the boys inquired,
"What name would you like?"
"I think that 'Midnight Rangers' would be a good name for us," answered Charles.
"That's a splendid name!"
"Now," continued Charles, "we must change our plan of operations a little. We must give up the idea of thrashing the Hillers for awhile, because there are not enough of us; but I should like it, if we could go to work and whip every one of those fellows that stuck up for Lee Powell to-night, especially Frank Nelson."
"So would I," answered William Gage, whom Charles looked upon as his 'right-hand man;' "but it wouldn't do to attempt it, for he has got too many friends. We must shoot his dog, or steal his boat, or do something of that kind. It would plague him more than a dozen whippings."
"That's so!" exclaimed another of the Rangers. "If we could only go up there, some dark night, and steal his scow, and run her out into the river, and burn her, wouldn't he be mad?"
"Yes," chimed in another, "but it wouldn't pay even to attempt that. He always keeps his boats chained up, and the noise we would make in getting them loose would be sure to start that dog of his, and then we should have a dusty time, I reckon."
"I guess so, too," said William Gage. "Whatever we do, we must be careful not to start that dog, for he would go through fire and water to catch us; and, if he ever got hold of one of us—"
And William shrugged his shoulders, significantly.
"Hasn't he got an orchard or melon-patch that we could visit?" inquired Charles.
"No," answered one of the Rangers; "but he's got as nice a strawberry-patch as ever laid out-doors. But it's a little too early for strawberries."
"Who cares for that?" said Charles. "We don't go to get the fruit; we only want to pay him for defending the Hiller—meddling with other people's business. It's too late to do any thing to-night," he added, glancing at his watch, "but let us go there to-morrow night, and pull up every strawberry-plant we can lay our hands on. You know, we can do as much mischief of that kind as we please, and it will all be laid to the Hillers."
"Where shall we meet?" inquired one of the Rangers.
"Come here at precisely seven o'clock; and, remember, don't lisp a single word to any one about it, for, if you do, we shall be found out."
The Rangers were about to disperse, when one of them suddenly inquired,
"Will not folks mistrust that something is in the wind, if they see us all starting up the road at that time of night?"
"That's a fact," said William Gage. "Wouldn't it be a better plan for us to meet in the woods, at the back of Mrs. Nelson's lot? Let us all be there at eight o'clock; and, if no two of us go in company, no one will be the wiser for it."
"That is the best plan," said Charles. "Now, remember, don't say any thing about it."
"All right!" was the answer; and, in a few moments more, the Rangers were on their way home.
The next evening, at seven o'clock, Charles left his home, and, avoiding the principal streets as much as possible, started toward the place of rendezvous, where he arrived at almost precisely the time agreed upon. He found the Rangers all waiting for him; and, as it was already dark, it was decided to commence operations immediately.
"We want a guide," said Charles, who, of course, was captain of the Rangers. "Who knows exactly where that strawberry-bed lies? for, if we have to fumble about much, we shall start that dog, and then, it strikes me, from what I have seen and heard of him, we shall be in a predicament."
"You may safely bet on that," said one of the boys; "he's a savage fellow."
"And a first-rate watch-dog, too," observed another.
"Well," said Charles, "all we have to do is to move so still that you can't hear a leaf rustle; but, if we do rouse the dog, let each one grab a stone and let him have it."
"That would only make a bad matter worse," said one.
"I am afraid we shall have more than we bargained for, if we undertake that," remarked another.
"Let the cowards go home, and the rest come with me," said Charles, impatiently. "Bill," he continued, turning to his right-hand man, "can you act as guide?"
"Yes."
"Then, lead on."
William led the way out of the woods, across a narrow meadow, where they came to the fence that inclosed Mrs. Nelson's garden.
"Now, boys," he whispered, "keep still as mice; but, if we do start the dog, don't stop to fight him, but run like white-heads."
The Rangers climbed over the fence, and followed their guide, who threaded his way through the trees and bushes with a skill worthy of a better cause, and a few moments sufficed to bring them to the strawberry-patch.
"Be careful, boys," said Charles, in a low whisper. "Don't leave a single plant in the ground."
The young scapegraces worked with a will, and, in a few moments, the strawberry-bed—which was Frank's pride, next to his museum, and on which he had expended a great amount of labor—was almost ruined; and so quietly did they proceed in their work of wanton destruction, that Brave, although a very vigilant dog, was not aroused, and the marauders retraced their steps, and reached the woods in safety.
"There," said Charles, at length, "that's what I call doing it up brown. It almost pays off my debts. I don't think they will receive much benefit from those strawberries this year."
"They have got some nice pears," said one of the Rangers, "and when they get ripe, we must plan another expedition."
"That's so," answered Charles. "But we must not forget that we have others to settle with; and we must meet, some time next week, and determine who shall be visited next."
On the following morning, Frank arose, as usual, at four o'clock, and, shouldering his fish-pole, started off through the woods to catch a mess of trout, intending to be back by breakfast-time. But, as the morning was cloudy, the trout bit voraciously, and in the excitement of catching them, he forgot that he was hungry, and it was almost noon before he reached home.
As soon as he entered the house, Aunt Hannah exclaimed,
"Master Frank, you were altogether too good to Lee Powell, the other night."
"What makes you think so?" he inquired.
At this moment Julia, hearing his voice, burst in from the dining-room, exclaiming,
"Frank, the Hillers have robbed your strawberry-patch!"
"Not robbed it, exactly," said his mother, who had followed close after Julia, "but they have completely ruined it. There are not a dozen plants left in the ground."
Frank was so surprised that he could scarcely utter a word; and, hardly waiting to hear what his mother said, he hurried from the house toward the strawberry-patch. It did, indeed, present a strange and desolate appearance. The bed had covered nearly half an acre; and, so well had the Rangers performed their work, that but few plants were left standing. The sight was enough to upset even Frank's well-established patience, and he exclaimed,
"If I had the rascals that did this mischief, I could pay them for it, without troubling my conscience much."
"You must tell Lee Powell, the next time you see him," said Julia, who had followed him, "that he ought not to—"
"Lee didn't do it," said Frank.
"What makes you think so?"
"See here," said Frank, bending over a footprint in the soft earth; "the Hillers all go bare-foot, and these fellows wore boots. I know who did it, as well as if I had seen them. It was the work of Charles Morgan and a few of his particular friends. They must have been very still about it, for Brave didn't hear them."
"I don't see what object they had in doing it," said Julia.
"I know what they did it for," said Frank; "and if I ever catch—But," he added, checking himself, "there's no use in grumbling about it; no amount of fretting will repair the damage."
So saying, he led the way toward the house.
It did not take him long to don his working-suit, and, shouldering his hoe, he returned to the strawberry-bed, and, in less than an hour, the plants were all in the ground again.
That evening, after supper, Frank retired to his room, and, settling himself in his comfortable armchair, was soon deeply interested in one of Bayard Taylor's works. While thus engaged, a light step was heard in the hall, and, afterward, a gentle rap at his door, and Julia came into the room.
"Now, Frank," she began, "I don't want you to read to-night."
"Why not?" he inquired.
"Why, you know that day after to-morrow is the Fourth of July, and—"
"And you haven't got your fire-works yet?" interrupted Frank.
"That's it, exactly."
"Well," said her brother, rising to put away his book, "then, I suppose, I shall have to go down to the village and get you some. What do you want?"
"I want all the things that are written down on this paper."
Frank took the paper and read, "Three packs of fire-crackers, four boxes of torpedoes, three Roman candles, half a dozen pin-wheels, and a dozen sky-rockets."
"Whew!" said Frank, as he folded up the paper and put it into his pocket, "that's what I should call going it strong! Well, I'll tell Mr. Sheldon [the store-keeper] to send up all the fire-works he has got."
Julia burst into a loud laugh, and, the next moment, Frank and Brave were out of the gate, on their way to the village.
In the mean time several of Frank's acquaintances had been amusing themselves on the village common with a game of ball. At length it grew too dark for their sport to continue, and one of the boys proposed that they should decide upon some pleasant way of spending the Fourth.
In spite of the humiliating defeat which Charles Morgan and his companions had sustained, they were present; and the former, who had been making every exertion to regain the good-will of the village boys, exclaimed,
"Let's go hunting."
"No, no," shouted several.
"The game in the woods isn't good for any thing this time of year, Charley," said James Porter, who, although he cordially disliked Charles, always tried to treat him kindly.
"Who cares for that?" exclaimed Charles, who, having always been accustomed to lead and govern his city associates, could not endure the steadfastness with which these "rude country boys," as he called them, held to their own opinions. Although, during the whole afternoon, he had been endeavoring to work himself into their favor, he was angry, in an instant, at the manner in which they opposed his proposition. He had been considerably abashed at his recent defeat, and he knew that it had humbled him in the estimation of the Rangers, who, although they still "held true" to him, had changed their minds in regard to the prowess of their leader, and began to regard him, as one of them remarked, as a "mere bag of wind."
Charles was not long in discovering this, and he determined to seize the first opportunity that was offered to retrieve his reputation.
Hastily casting his eyes over the group that surrounded him, he discovered that Frank and Harry, the ones he most feared, were still absent. This was exactly what he had wished for. With the assistance of his companions, the Rangers, who, he was confident, would uphold him, he could settle up all old scores, without fear of suffering in return.
Addressing himself to James, he continued, in an insulting tone,
"We don't go to get the game toeat, you blockhead, but only for the sport of killing it."
"I know that," answered James, in a mild voice, not the least disconcerted by the other's furious manner; "but wouldn't it be better to—"
"Shut up!" shouted Charles. "I'll do just as I please. Besides, I never allow any one to dictate to me."
"I didn't intend to dictate at all, Charley. I was going to say—"
"Are you going to keep still," roared the bully, "or shall I make you?"
And he began to advance toward James.
"See here, old fellow," said Ben. Lake, suddenly striding up, and placing himself directly in front of Charles, "don't begin another fight, now."
"I'll show you whether I will or not!" exclaimed Charles; and, turning to the Rangers, he continued, "Come on, boys! We can have things all our own way now. We'll see if—"
"Hold on!" shouted William Johnson. "Here comes Frank. Now you had better take yourself off in a hurry."
Charles's hostile demonstrations ceased in an instant; and, hastily whispering a few words to the Rangers, they disappeared.
In a few moments, Frank, accompanied by George and Harry, arrived, and the boys, in a few words, explained to them what had just happened.
"I hope," said Frank, "that Charley will see, before long, how unreasonably he acts. He makes himself, and every one around him, uncomfortable."
"Well," said James Porter, "all I have got to say is that those fellows who go with him are very foolish. However, we can't help it. But, come," he added, "we were trying to find some pleasant way of spending the Fourth."
"Let's have a picnic on Strawberry Island," said one.
"We want something exciting," said another "Let's have a boat-race."
"Come, Frank," said Ben. Lake, "let's hear what you have got to say. Suggest something."
"Well," answered Frank, who was always ready with some plan for amusement, "I have been thinking, for two or three days, of something which, I believe, will afford us a great deal of sport. In the first place, I suppose, we are all willing to pass part of the day on the river?"
"Yes, of course," answered the boys.
"The next thing," continued Frank, "is to ascertain how many sail-boats we can raise."
"I'll bring mine."
"And mine," called out several voices.
"Oh, that's no way to do business," exclaimed William Johnson, who always liked to see things go off in order. "Let all those who have boats hold up their hands."
Sixteen hands came up, and Frank said,
"We shall be gone all day, and, of course, we want plenty of provisions."
"Of course."
"Well, then, what I thought of proposing is this: Let us take three or four of the swiftest sailing-boats, and give the provisions into their charge, and call them smugglers, and let the other boats play the part of revenue-cutters, or a blockading squadron, and let the smugglers try to land the provisions on Strawberry Island, without being caught."
"That's capital!" shouted several.
"It's better than shooting game, at this time of year," said one.
"Yes, and being scolded all day by that tyrant," observed another, who had belonged to the Regulators.
"It will take some time to make all our arrangements," said William, "and I move that we adjourn to our house, where we can hold our meeting in order."
This was readily assented to, and William led the way, followed by all the boys, who were highly delighted at Frank's plan of spending the Fourth.
George Butler was speedily chosen president of the meeting, and, in less than half an hour, their arrangements were completed.
The Speedwell, Champion, and Alert—the latter a fine little schooner, owned by George and Harry—were to act the part of smugglers, and Ben. Lake and Thomas Benton, who had no boats, were chosen by the smugglers to assist them. The provisions, of which each boy was expected to furnish his share, were all to be left at Mr. Butler's boat-house by six o'clock on the following evening, where they were to be taken charge of by the smugglers, of whom Frank was chosen leader. It was also understood that the smugglers were to carry the provisions all in one boat, and were to be allowed to take every possible advantage of the "men-o'-war," and to make every effort to land the provisions on the island.
The other thirteen boats, which were to act as "coast-guards," were to be under the command of Charles Sheldon, a shrewd, cunning fellow, who had the reputation of being able to handle a sail-boat as well as any boy in the village.
The coast-guards were also divided into divisions of three boats each, and a captain was appointed for each division.
These arrangements, as we have said, were speedily completed; and, although the coast-guards were almost wild with delight at the prospect of the exciting times that would occur during the race, they were confident that the smugglers could be easily caught, and even some of the smugglers themselves seemed to think that their chances of landing the provisions were small indeed.
As the meeting was about to break up, one of the coast-guards exclaimed,
"We'll have easy times catching you smugglers."
"Do you think so?" asked Harry Butler. "It would be funny if you should slip up on it, wouldn't it?"
"We'll risk that," said another, "for we've got thirteen boats to your three."
"I say, Frank," said Charles Sheldon, "don't you think we can catch you?"
"Oh, yes," answered Frank, "easily enough, if you only try. Now, boys," he continued, "remember that we want all the refreshments left at Mr. Butler's boat-house, by six o'clock to-morrow evening."
They all promised to be on hand, and the meeting broke up.
But the coast-guards gathered in little knots in front of the house, or walked slowly toward home, talking the matter over, and congratulating themselves on the easy manner in which the capture of the "contrabands" was to be effected.
The smugglers remained together, and, as soon as the others were out of hearing, George inquired,
"Do you think we can give them the slip?"
"Yes," answered Frank, "I am certain we can. We must not think of beating them in sailing, because there are too many of them, but we must outwit them."
"What do you propose to do?" inquired Ben.
"We must get up in the morning before they do."
"We shall be obliged to get up at twelve o'clock, then," said Thomas.
"I had rather stay up all night than have them beat us," said Harry.
"Well, boys," said George, "you must all come and sleep at our house to-morrow night. Some of us will be sure to wake up early, and, I think, we shall have no trouble in getting the start of the coast-guards."
The boys spent some time in talking over their plans, and, finally, reluctantly separated, and started for home.
About three o'clock in the afternoon of the following day, Frank bade his mother and sister good-by, and he and Brave got into the Speedwell, and sailed slowly down the creek. He found the Champion already moored at Mr. Butler's dock, and the smugglers were all waiting for him. As soon as he landed, Ben. Lake said,
"Frank, it is a gone case with us. Iknowwe shall be caught."
"You think so, do you?" asked Frank, as if not at all concerned.
"Yes, I'm certain of it. I overheard some conversation among the coast-guards, this afternoon, and one of them said that Charley Sheldon would have the whole fleet anchored before the mouth of the creek at half-past two to-morrow morning."
"Besides," said William Johnson, "they are all going to sleep in their boats to-night, and the North Star and Sampson are to act as police."
"And I heard Charley Sheldon say," chimed in Harry, "that strict watch must be kept of the Speedwell, and no attention paid to the other boats."
"That's all right," said Frank. "I'm glad of it."
"Why are you?" asked George, in surprise. "You know, we agreed to carry the provisions all in one boat, and yours is the only one that will hold them all."
"I tell you, Frank, we're gone suckers," said Ben.
"You fellows seem to be pretty well posted as to the coast-guards' intentions," said Frank.
"Yes," said George; "we've been spying about and playing eavesdroppers all day."
"I have learned one thing to-day," said Frank, "that pleased me very much, and that is that the coast-guards intend to keep spies about the boat-house all night."
"Why does that please you?" inquired Harry. "Do you want them to discover all our plans, so that they may be ready for us?"
"By no means. I'll risk good deal that they will not learn more than we want them to know. I've thought of a way to set them on the wrong scent, and, from what I have heard, I think it will work first-rate."
"What is it?"
"I'll show you in half a minute," said Frank, "All we have got to do is to fool the spies; then we are all right."
At this moment several boys, belonging to the blockading squadron, entered the boat-house, bringing their refreshments, and this, of course, put a stop to all further conversation between the smugglers.
By six o'clock the last basket of provisions had been brought in, and the coast-guards took their departure, after repeatedly assuring the smugglers that their capture was certain.
The provisions had been brought in twenty medium-sized market-baskets, and one large clothes-basket that belonged to George and Harry, and seven pails. There was, also, a small bag filled with lemons, which had been brought by Charles Sheldon.
The boys stood for some time looking at them without speaking. At length, Thomas Benton said,
"You will have to carry them, Frank. They will make too large a load for either of the other boats."
"I know that," said Frank; "but we must make the coast-guards think that the Alert is going to carry them."
"How can we manage that?" inquired George.
"Have you got three or four market-baskets, a clothes-basket, one or two pails, and a salt-bag?" asked Frank, without stopping to answer George's question.
"I guess so," said Harry. "I'll go up to the house and see."
He led the way, followed by three or four of the smugglers, and the articles in question were soon brought into the boat-house.
"Now, Bill," said Frank, "you take this salt-bag, if you please, and fill it with smooth, round stones, about the size of lemons."
"All right," answered William, who began to see through the trick.
"Now," continued Frank, "we want some pieces of cloth, large enough to tie over the tops of these baskets and pails."
These were speedily procured, and, in a few moments, William returned with the salt-bag filled with stones.
"Now, tell us what you intend to do," exclaimed Harry, whose patience was well-nigh exhausted.
"We are making some sham provisions," said Frank.
"Oh, yes, I thought so," said Thomas; "but we haven't got pails and baskets enough."
"Oh, that's nothing," said Frank. "We'll fill half a dozen of these old bags with shavings, and, as soon as it grows dark, we'll pull the Alert alongside the wharf, and tumble these sham provisions into her; then we will cover them up with that piece of sail, as if we wanted to keep them dry. We'll be sure to fool the men-o'-war."
"I don't exactly see it," said Thomas.
"Why," said Harry, "as soon as we are out of sight, their spies, who are, of course, watching every movement, will go and tell Charley Sheldon that we have got the things stowed away in the Alert."
"That's very well, as far as you go," said Ben; "but suppose they should mistrust that something is in the wind, and should go to work and examine the provisions?"
"What if they do?" said Frank. "It will be too dark for them to make much of an examination; and, if they put their hands into the boat, they will feel the baskets and pails there, and will go away satisfied."
The boys now saw through the trick, and there was no longer any feeling of doubt in their minds. They were now as certain of success as they had before been of being captured.
In a few moments the "sham provisions," as Frank had called them, were all completed, and, placing them where they could be easily taken out, they locked the door, to prevent surprise, and started for the house.
As they were about to enter the gate, George suddenly exclaimed,
"See there!"
The boys looked in the direction George indicated, and saw the blockading squadron, with the exception of two boats, anchored in the creek, just opposite the long dock. The North Star, a fine, swift-sailing little schooner, was anchored near the middle of the stream, and a boy sat in the stern sheets, reading a book. The Sampson, a very large sloop-rigged boat, was standing up the creek, under full sail. These were the "police boats," and they were taking their stations.
"I wonder where the Sampson is going," said Harry.
"She's going to take her station in Duck's Creek," said Ben.
Upon hearing this, Harry's expectations fell again.
"It's no use," he exclaimed. "Charley Sheldon knows too much for us."
"Not a bit," said Frank. "This arrangement is only for to-night. When we get up in the morning, we shall find the boats all out in the river."
This immediately reassured Harry; and, after watching the Sampson until she disappeared in Duck's Creek, he led the way to the house.
After supper, as soon as it began to grow dark, they proceeded to put their plans into execution; but, before they started, Frank said,
"Now, boys, we must watch and see how the trick takes, for I know that there are spies now around that boat-house. As soon as we get the sham provisions into the boat, one or two of us had better slip down into the willows behind the wharf, and see what course things are going to take."
"Well," said Harry, "suppose you and Bill act as spies."
"Agreed. Come on, but don't act as if you suspected anything."
And he led the way toward the boat-house.
Two of the boys busied themselves in bringing out the sham provisions, and the others brought the Alert alongside, and fastened her to the dock, in front of the boat-house. Frank and Harry then got down into the boat, and the other boys passed the provisions down to them, and they placed them in such a manner as to take up as much space as possible. They were soon all stowed away, and covered over with a large sail, as if to keep off the dew.
Ben and George then got into a small skiff that lay at the dock, and towed the Alert out into the middle of the creek, and anchored her. As soon as this was done they returned, and the smugglers began to amuse themselves by pushing each other about the wharf. They all appeared to enter heartily into the sport, and kept nearing the willows which extended along the bank of the creek, close to the wharf, and Frank and William, watching their opportunity, concealed themselves, and the others ran toward the house. They had hardly disappeared, when the smugglers saw several boys steal cautiously around the corner of the boat-house, where they had been concealed, and one of them crept up the bank, to assure himself that the coast was clear, while the others remained in the shadow of the house. The former, who proved to be Charles Sheldon, the commander of the coast-guards, as soon as he had satisfied himself that the smugglers had gone into the house, called out, in a low whisper, to the others, who were the captains of the divisions of the squadron,
"All right, boys; go ahead, but be careful not to make any noise. I didn't see Frank Nelson's dog go into the yard," he continued; "he must be around here somewhere. We must not let him hear us."
Bravewas, as Charles had said, "around there somewhere." He was lying by his master's side, among the willows, no doubt wondering at the strange things that were going on, and, well-trained as he was, it was with great difficulty that Frank could keep him quiet.
The coast-guards crossed the wharf with noiseless steps, and, unfastening the skiff which the smugglers had just used, they climbed down into it, and pushed off toward the Alert. A few strokes brought them alongside of her, and, thrusting their arms under the sail, they began the examination which the smugglers had so much dreaded.
"What do you find?" inquired Charles, who still kept watch at the top of the bank.
"Here are a lot of baskets and pails," said one
"And here's the large basket that George and Harry brought," said another.
"What are these round things in this bag, I wonder?" said the one who had first spoken.
"Oh, those are the lemons I brought," said Charles.
"Gracious! how hard they are!" continued the boy, trying to dig his fingers into them.
At this, Frank and William, who, of course, had heard every word of the conversation, and had sat fairly trembling with excitement, fearful that their trick would be discovered, could scarcely refrain from laughing outright. Had it been daylight, the ruse of the smugglers would certainly have been detected, but, as it was, the coast-guards never mistrusted that any thing was wrong. The night was rather dark, and the sham provisions were so neatly tied up, and so carefully stowed away, that the deception was complete.
"I guess they are all here," said one of the boys, at length.
"Well, come ashore, then," said Charles, "and let's be off."
The boys pulled back to the wharf, and Charles continued,
"I didn't think that the Alert would hold all of the refreshments, did you?"
"No," answered one of the boys, whom the smugglers recognized as James Porter; "I guess it was a tight squeeze; I could hardly get my hand in between the baskets."
"What do you suppose the smugglers intend to do?" inquired another.
"I don't know," answered Charles, "unless they propose to get up in the morning before we do, and slip over to the island before we know it. I wonder how they felt when they saw us taking our positions."
"But what do you suppose made them put the provisions in the Alert?"
"Oh, I think I can see through that easily enough," said James. "Frank knows that we expected that he was going to carry them over to the island, and he calculates to get us to chase him and give the Alert a chance to land the provisions. He is a cunning fellow, but this time we are too sharp for him."
"I wonder why Frank don't send some one out to act as a spy," said Charles.
"I guess he's afraid that he would be taken prisoner."
We may as well state here (and we should have done so before) that it had been agreed that if one side could catch any of the other acting as spies, they were at liberty to hold them as prisoners until the race was over, and that the prisoner should, if required, give his captors all the information possible relative to the movements and plans of his party, and they could also require him to lend assistance in carrying out their own. The prisoner, of course, was allowed the privilege of escaping, if he could.
Thiswasthe reason why the smugglers had not sent out any spies; and, if the coast-guards had been aware that Frank and William were hidden away in the willows, they could easily have captured them, and, according to the agreement, obliged them to divulge all their plans.
"Well," said Charles, "we don't want any prisoners now, for we know all their plans; but I wanted to catch Frank this morning, for I was afraid he would beat us. If he should find out that this trick was discovered, he would plan another in five minutes. I guess we had better remain where we are to-night," he continued, "and, at half-past two o'clock, we will pull out into the river, and blockade the creek. All we have to do is to take care of the Alert, and let the other boats do as they please. But we had better be off, or the smugglers may slip out and make some of us prisoners."
And the spies departed as cautiously and quickly as they had come.
As soon as they had gone, the smugglers arose from their places of concealment, and stole into the house, and acquainted the other boys with the success of their stratagem.
After enjoying a hearty laugh at the expense of the coast-guards, led by George and Harry, they ran up stairs into the "large chamber," a room containing three beds, and they were soon snug between the sheets. But sleep was, for a long time, out of the question; they laughed and talked until their jaws ached, and the hands of the old clock that stood in the room pointed to twelve; then they allowed their tired tongues to rest, and lay for a long time, each occupied with his own thoughts, and, finally, one after the other fell asleep.
The hours passed on, and nothing was heard but their gentle breathing. Suddenly Harry, who always talked in his sleep when any thing exciting was going on, turned over in bed with a jerk, and began to mutter some unintelligible words. All at once, raising himself to a sitting posture, he sang out, at the top of his voice,
"Starboard your helm there, George—starboard your helm; bring her around quick. The Alert can show as clean a pair of heels as any boat about the village."
In an instant the other boys were awake, and Harry continued to shout his directions, until several hearty thumps on the back caused him to change his tune.
"Let me alone!" he shouted. "We haven't cheated you. We promised to carry the provisions all over in one boat, and we've done it."
Harry was quickly dragged out of bed and placed upon his feet, and he was wide awake in an instant, but he stood in the middle of the room, as if bewildered, while the others rolled on the beds, convulsed with laughter.
At length, William Johnson, who was the first that could speak, inquired,
"I wonder what time it is."
"Wait until I light this candle, and we'll see," said George.
"No, no, don't do that," said Frank. "The coast-guards may be on the watch, and, if they see a light in the house, will be getting ready for us."
And, going to the clock, he opened it, and, feeling of the hands, said,
"It's about ten minutes to three."
"What shall we do?" inquired Ben.
"Let us go and see what our friends of the squadron are doing," said Thomas; "and, if they are not on hand, we can slip over and land our goods."
By this time every one was dressed, and they crept carefully down stairs and out of the house.
"Hold on a minute, boys," said Frank. "I will bet there are spies around that boat-house now."
"Let's take them prisoners," exclaimed Harry.
"That's just what I was about to propose," said Frank; "but, in order to do it, we had better divide into two parties, so as to surround the house."
"Well," said George, "three of us will go up the road, and cross over by the bridge, and the rest of you can go down the road, and get into the willows behind the mill."
"That's a good idea," said Frank. "We will meet at the back of the boat-house."
The boys accordingly separated, and started in different directions.
Frank and his party, which consisted of Harry and Ben, threaded their way through the garden, and across a meadow, until they arrived opposite Mr. Butler's mill. Here they crossed the road, and, after a careful reconnoissance, entered the willows, and crawled, almost on their hands and knees, toward the boat-house. At length they arrived at the place where they were to meet their companions, but nothing was to be seen or heard of them.
"I hope they have not been taken prisoners," whispered Frank.
"I don't think they have," said Ben, "because we should have heard something of it. They are not the ones to give up without a struggle. But I don't see any thing of the spies."
"Neither do I," said Harry. "They must be around the other side of the boat-house."
"If they are there," said Frank, "we will soon make them show themselves."
And, as he spoke, he seized a branch above his head, and shook it violently.
"Oh, that's no way," whispered Harry, excitedly; "you will frighten the—"
"—sh! there they are!" said Frank.
And, as he spoke, the smugglers saw a boy come cautiously around the corner of the boat-house. He gazed impatiently toward the willows, and uttered a low whistle.
Frank instantly answered it, and the boy came down the bank, and said, in a low voice,
"Come out here, Jim. I thought you would never relieve us. No signs of the smugglers yet—"
"You must be mistaken," said Frank, springing lightly from his concealment; and, before the coast-guard could recover from his surprise, he found himself a prisoner.
"Don't make any noise," said Frank. "Where's your companion? There must be two of you."
"Yes, there is another one," answered the prisoner. "Ned Wilbur is around the other side of the boat-house."
"Well, Ben," said Frank, "if you will watch this fellow, Harry and I will see what we can do for Ned."
So saying, he went carefully around one side of the boat-house, and Harry disappeared around the other. Frank reached the end of the house first, and discovered the coast-guard standing in the door-way, as motionless as a statue. He was waiting for Harry to make his appearance at the opposite end, when the sentinel suddenly uttered an ejaculation of surprise, and bounded up the bank; but, just as he reached the top, a dark form, which seemed to rise out of the ground, clasped the fleeting coast-guard in its arms, and a voice, which Frank recognized as William Johnson's, said, in a low whisper,
"You're my prisoner!"
"It's just my luck," said the crest-fallen sentinel, bitterly, as William led him down the bank. "I told Charley Sheldon that we would be sure to be gobbled up if we were stationed here. Now, I suppose, you want me to tell all our plans."
"No, we don't," answered Harry; "we know all your plans already."
By this time the smugglers had all come in, and, holding fast to their captives, they held a consultation, in which it was decided that it would be best to reconnoiter before attempting to leave the creek. It was very dark, and not a sound broke the stillness of the night; but the smugglers were too cunning to believe that the coast was clear, for they knew that the enemy would resort to every possible means to effect their capture.
Three of the smugglers were directed to get into Mr. Butler's yawl, taking one of the prisoners with them, and drop down to the mouth of Glen's Creek, and note the position of the enemy there; and Frank and the other boys stepped into the skiff, and started up toward Ducks' Creek, to ascertain the condition of affairs, taking Ned with them. They pulled rapidly, but noiselessly, along, and had almost reached the creek, when a strong, cheery voice, directly before them, called out,
"Boat ahoy!"
"There," whispered Harry, "we're discovered."
"No, I guess not," said Frank. "Ned," he continued, turning to the prisoner, "you must talk for us. Answer them."
"Ay, ay, sir," shouted Ned, in reply to the hail.
"What boat is that?"
"Dispatch boat," answered Ned, prompted by Frank; "and we bring orders for you to pull down and join the fleet, which is now blockading the mouth of Glen's Creek."
"All right," answered the voice. "We've been waiting an hour for that order. This playing police is dull business."
And the smugglers heard the rattling of a chain, as if the anchor was being pulled up.
"Tell them to make haste," whispered Frank.
"Come, hurry up there, now," shouted Ned.
"Ay, ay," was the answer.
And, in a few moments, the Sampson, propelled by four oars, shot past them, on her way down the creek.
"That's what I call pretty well done," said Ben, as soon as the coast-guards were out of hearing.
"I don't," said Ned. "It goes against me to fool a fellow in that way; and my own friends, too."
The smugglers now continued on their way, and a few strong pulls brought them within a short distance of the mouth of Ducks' Creek; and Frank, who was at the helm, turned the boat's head toward the shore, and, as soon as her keel touched the bottom, he and Ben sprang out, leaving Harry to watch the prisoner.
They had landed upon Reynard's Island, and immediately started for the opposite side, to learn, if possible, what was going on upon the river. Every thing was as silent as midnight; and the smugglers were obliged to move very carefully, for the slightest sound—the snapping of a twig or the rustling of a leaf—could be heard at a long distance. After proceeding a quarter of a mile in this cautious manner, they reached the opposite side of the island.
"Well," said Ben, after trying in vain to peer through the darkness, "how do matters stand? I wonder if we could not have slipped by their police, and reached the island, before they knew it?"
"No, sir," said Frank, "not by a good deal. We should certainly have been captured."
"How do you know? I can't see any thing."
"Neither can I; but listen, and you willhearsomething. They are taking their positions."
The boys remained silent, and the suppressed murmur of voices, the strokes of muffled oars, and, now and then, a gentle splashing in the water, as of an anchor dropped carefully overboard, could be distinctly heard.
"I am still of the opinion," said Ben, "that we could run the blockade before they could catch us."
"And I still think that we should get caught," said Frank. "If we should attempt to hoist a sail, it could be heard across the river; besides, there is no breeze."
"Then, try the oars."
"They would overtake us before we had gone twenty rods. You must remember that they outnumber us, six to one, and could easily tire us out, or cut us off from the island. Wait until the breeze springs up, and then we will see what we can do."
"Listen," whispered Ben, suddenly; "some of the boats are coming down this way. They are sending a division of the fleet to guard Ducks' Creek."
And so it proved. The slow, measured strokes of oars came nearer and nearer, and, finally, the tall, raking masts of three of the swiftest-sailing boats in the squadron could be dimly seen moving down the river toward the creek. As they approached, the smugglers discovered that two boys, in a light skiff, led the way, and one of them, who proved to be Charles Sheldon, pointed out the position he wished each boat to occupy. The places assigned them were not directly opposite the mouth of the creek, but a little up the river, and about twenty feet from the shore; and this, afterward, proved to be a very favorable circumstance for the smugglers.
"Now, boys," said Charles, after he had placed the little vessels to his satisfaction, "keep a good look-out up the river."
"I should think," said the captain of the division "that you ought to have us anchor directly in the mouth of the creek. We shall have a good stiff breeze before long, and the Alert might slip out at any time, and, before we could hoist a sail, she would be half-way across the river."
"I don't think she will trouble you down here," said Charles. "Frank Nelson wouldn't be foolish enough to send her out here, for it's a good quarter of a mile below the foot of the island; and, even if she does come out here, and succeeds in getting by you, all we will have to do will be to send a division down to the foot of the island to meet her there, and then her capture is certain. Now, remember, keep an eye open to everything that goes on up the river. Never mind the Speedwell and Champion—let them go where they please; but, if you see the Alert, why, you know what to do."
And Charles and his attendant pulled back up the river.
"Now, Ben," said Frank, "we've heard enough to know that we have fooled them nicely; so let's go back."
This, however, was no easy undertaking. The way to their boat lay through bushes that could scarcely be penetrated, even in the day-time. The coast-guards were anchored close by the shore, and the slightest noise would arouse their suspicions.
Frank led the way on his hands and knees, carefully choosing his ground, and they, at length, succeeded in reaching their boat, without disturbing the coast-guards.
A few moments' pulling brought them alongside Mr. Butler's wharf, where they found the others waiting for them.
"What news?" inquired George, as they clambered up out of the boat.
Frank explained, in a few words, the position of the squadron at the mouth of Ducks' Creek, as well as the conversation they had overheard, and also inquired of George the result of his observations.
"It was too dark to see much," he answered; "but we could plainly hear them taking their positions opposite the mouth of the creek. It will be hard work to get through them, I tell you."
"How are you going to work it, Frank?" inquired Ben.
"I'll tell you what I thought of doing," he answered "By the way Charley Sheldon spoke, I should judge that he expects to see the Alert start from Glen's Creek; so, I think, it would be a good plan, as soon as the breeze springs up, to have the Champion and Alert drop down Ducks' Creek, and let the former run out and start for the island. The coast-guards will not give chase, of course, but will think it is only a ruse of ours to make them believe that the Alert is going to start from the same place, and that will make them watch Glen's Creek closer than ever, and the Alert will have a chance to get a good start before they can hoist their sails, and, while they are after her, Ben and I will run out and land our goods."
"That's the way to do it," said William, approvingly. "We will fool them so completely that they will not want to hear of smugglers again for six months."
"Let's go and get some breakfast," said George. "Never go to work on an empty stomach, you know."
"Yes, come on," said Harry, taking each of the captive coast-guards by the arm; "we never feed our prisoners on half rations."
After "stowing away" a large supply of bread and milk, the smugglers, in company with their prisoners, again repaired to the boat-house. By this time it was five o'clock, and the breeze which the coast-guards had predicted began to spring up, and promised to freshen into a capital "sailing wind."
In a few moments therealprovisions were all packed away, as closely as possible, in the Speedwell, and the load was as large as she could well carry, there being scarcely room enough left for the action of the sails.
"I guess we are all ready now," said Frank; "so, Bill, you might as well drop down Ducks' Creek and sail out."
"All right," answered William.
And he and Thomas clambered down into the boat, with the prisoners, the sails were hoisted, and the Champion was soon hidden from sight by the tall reeds and bushes that lined the banks of the creek.
"Now, Harry," continued Frank, "Ben and I will take our boat and hide behind the point, and, in about five minutes, you may follow the Champion."
"Now, make use of your best seamanship," said Ben. "You can lead them a long chase, if you try."
"I assure you that we will do our best," said George.
The Speedwell's sails were hoisted, and Frank took his seat at the helm, while Ben placed himself so as to assist in managing the sails. Brave took his usual station in the bow, and they moved slowly down the creek.
The point of which Frank had spoken was a long, low neck of land, covered with trees, which completely concealed the mouth of Glen's Creek. In a few moments they reached this point, and the Speedwell's bow ran high upon the sand, and the boys sprang out, and hurried over to the other side of the point, to watch the proceedings on the river, while Brave, at his master's command, remained in the boat. Concealing themselves behind a large log, they waited impatiently for the appearance of the Champion.
The vessels of the squadron, with the exception of the division stationed at the foot of Reynard's Island, were anchored in a semicircle directly before the mouth of Glen's Creek, from which it was expected that the Alert would start. Each sloop was manned by two boys, and the schooners had a crew of four. Every one stood at his post, and was ready to move at the word.
"They meant to be ready for us, didn't they?" asked Frank. "I wonder if they thought we would be foolish enough to send the Alert out of this creek, in the face of all those boats?"
"I don't know," answered Ben. "I suppose they thought—See there! there goes the Champion."
Frank looked down the river, and saw that the stanch little sloop had already run the blockade, and was standing boldly toward the island. Her appearance was sudden and wholly unexpected and several of the coast-guards sprang to their feet, and a dozen sails were half-way up the mast in a twinkling; but, as soon as they discovered that it was not the Alert, they quickly returned to their posts, and, in a moment, all the bustle and confusion was over.
The eye of every boy in the squadron was now directed toward Glen's Creek, expecting, every moment, to see the schooner round the point.
The Champion had accomplished, perhaps, half the distance across the river, when the Alert suddenly shot from Ducks' Creek, and, hauling around before the wind, ran in between two of the blockading fleet, so close as to almost graze them, and stood toward the foot of the island.
As soon as the coast-guards could recover from their surprise, Charles shouted,
"Up anchor—quick!"
The next moment he called out,
"Jim, take your division, and creep down the shore of the island, and be ready to catch her there, if she gets away from us."
For a few moments there was a "great hurrying" among the coast-guards. The anchors were drawn up with a jerk, the sails flew up the masts, and the little fleet bore rapidly down upon the smuggler.
As soon as Frank saw that the race had fairly begun, he exclaimed,
"Now's our time, Ben!"
They ran back to their boat, and hastily shoved from the shore, and the Speedwell, making good her name, was soon plowing the river, in the direction of the island.
So intent were the coast-guards upon catching the Alert, that they thought of nothing else; and Frank rounded the head of the island, and landed, without being discovered.
Meanwhile, George and Harry were leading their pursuers a long chase. Under their skillful management—standing first on one tack and then on the other—they had succeeded in outmaneuvering several of the swiftest-sailing vessels in the squadron.
Two or three small sloops had succeeded in getting between the Alert and the island; but Harry, who was at the helm, did not deem them worthy a moment's notice. He was confident that his schooner, by her superior sailing qualities, would soon leave these behind also.
The smugglers began to grow jubilant over their success, and George called out,
"Where are your men-o'-war now? Throw us a line, and we'll tow you."
"Come on, you coast-guards," chimed in Harry. "You will never catch us, at this rate."
If the smugglershadsucceeded in eluding their pursuers, it would, indeed, have been an achievement worth boasting of; but they had to deal with those who were as cunning and skillful as themselves. Charles was not to be beaten so easily; and, although he said nothing, the smugglers saw him smile and shake his head, as if he were certain that he could yet win the day.
"Can you discover any fast boats ahead of us, George?" inquired Harry.
George rose to his feet to take a survey of the squadron, and answered,
"No, there are only two or three little things standing across our bows, but we'll soon—We're caught, sure as shooting!" he suddenly exclaimed, changing his tone. "Bring her around before the wind—quick! There's the North Star, Sunshine, and Sampson. We might as well haul down the sails."
James Porter's division, which had been "laying to" at the foot of Glen's Island, now bore down upon the Alert, and George had just discovered them; and they were coming on in such a manner that escape was impossible.
"Yes," answered Harry, as soon as he had noted the positions of the approaching vessels, "we are caught. We began to brag too soon."
"Well, we don't lose any thing," said George. "Frank has landed the provisions long before this."
"I know it; but still I wish we could have beaten them."
"What do you think now, Harry?" asked Charles, whose boat was following close in the wake of the Alert.
"I think we are done for."
And, as Harry "luffed in the wind," George drew down the sails, and gave up the struggle.
In a moment the little fleet closed about the smuggler, and, to prevent accident, the sails were all hauled down, and the boats lay motionless on the water.
"I tell you," said Charles, "you fellows worked it pretty well."
"Yes," answered George, as if a little crest-fallen at their defeat. "We did the best we could."
"I thought we had more provisions than this," said one of the captains of the squadron, pulling his boat alongside of the Alert. "I didn't think you could get them all in here."
And he pulled up the covering, and looked under it.
"They are packed in tight, you see," said Harry, who wished to keep up the "sell," as he called it, as long as possible.
"What are in these bags?" inquired one.
"Shavings," answered George. "We thought we might want to kindle a fire for something."
"I say, George," said James Porter, standing up in his boat to get a good view of the things in the Alert. "I wish you would feel in my basket, and get a cup that is in there, and pass it over this way. I'm thirsty. I was so excited," he continued, taking off his hat and wiping the perspiration from his forehead, "that I sweat as if I had been dumped in the river. There isn't a dry rag on me."
"Which is your basket?" inquired Harry, struggling hard to suppress a laugh.
"It's a brown basket, with a white cover," answered James.
George and Harry were too full of laughter to trust themselves to speak; but Charles exclaimed, as he drew aside the covering,
"There's no brown basket here."
"There ought to be," said one of the coast-guards; "I brought my things in a brown basket."
"So did I," exclaimed another.
"There's a cheat somewhere," said James.
"You haven't done as you agreed," said Charles. "You promised to carry all the things in one boat."
"Yes, that's what you agreed to do," shouted several.
"And we've kept our promise," said Harry.
"Then, where'smybasket?" inquired one of the boys, who had failed to discover it among the things in the Alert.
"I'll bet the Champion carried some of the provisions over," said another, "for there are not half of them here."
"No, the Champion didn't have a thing in her," said a third. "She passed so close to my boat, that I could have jumped into her, and I took particular pains to see that she was empty."
"Well, here are the things that I brought, at any rate," said Charles, who had just caught sight of the bag which contained, as he supposed, his lemons. "My goodness!" he continued, as he lifted them out of the boat, "how heavy they are!"
And he began to untie the bag, and soon disclosed to the view of the coast-guards, not the lemons, but almost half a peck of smooth, round stones.
George and Harry, who could contain themselves no longer, rolled on the bottom of the boat, convulsed with laughter; and several ready hands tore off the coverings of the baskets and pails, and they were found to be empty.
A more astonished set of boys one never saw; and, as soon as they could speak, they burst out with a volley of ejaculations that will hardly bear repetition.
"We've been chasing the wrong boat," said one.
"Yes," answered another, "and I knew it would be so. That Frank Nelson is too much of a Yankee for us."
"The Speedwell—the Speedwell!" shouted another; "keep a good look-out for her."
"Oh, you're too late," said Harry, with a laugh, "the provisions were landed long ago."