aspect of the matter which had always lain subconsciously in
Merriman's mind was gradually taking concrete form. It had not
assumed much importance when the two friends were first discussing
their trip, but now that they were actually at grips with the affair
it was becoming more obtrusive, and Merriman felt it must be faced.
He therefore spoke again.

"You know, old man, there's one thing I'm not quite clear about.
This affair that you've discovered is extraordinarily INTERESTING
and all that, but I'm hanged if I can see what business of ours it
is."

Hilliard nodded swiftly.

"I know," he answered quickly. "The same thing has been bothering
me. I felt really mean yesterday when that girl came by, as if I
were spying on her, you know. I wouldn't care to do it again. But
I want to go on to this place and see into the thing farther, and
so do you."

"I don't know that I do specially."

"We both do," Hilliard reiterated firmly, "and we're both justified.
See here. Take my case first. I'm in the Customs Department, and
it is part of my job to investigate suspicious import trades. Am
I not justified in trying to find out if smuggling is going on? Of
course I am. Besides, Merriman, I can't pretend not to know that
if I brought such a thing to light I should be a made man. Mind
you, we're not out to do these people any harm, only to make sure
they're not harming us. Isn't that sound?"