went on under cover of darkness. The idea of a midnight loading of
contraband no longer appealed to his imagination, but vaguely he
wished to make sure that no secret activities were in progress.

He was at least certain that none had taken place up to the present
- that Mr. Coburn was personally concerned in, at all events.
>From the moment they had first sighted the ship until they had left
the manager's house at the conclusion of the game of bridge, not
five minutes ago, he had been in Mr. Coburn's company. Next day it
was understood they were to meet again, so that if the manager
wished to carry out any secret operations they could only be done
during the night.

Accordingly when they reached the launch he turned to Merriman.

"You go ahead, old man. I'm going to have a look round before
turning in. Don't wait up for me. Put out the light when you've
done with it and leave the companion unlatched so that I can
follow you in."

Merriman grunted disapprovingly, but offered no further objection.
He clambered on board the launch and disappeared below, while
Hilliard, remaining in the collapsible boat, began to row silently
up-stream towards the wharf.

The night was dark and still, but warm. The moon had not risen,
and the sky was overcast, blotting out even the small light of the
stars. There was a faint whisper of air currents among the trees,
and the subdued murmur of the moving mass of water was punctuated
by tiny splashes and gurgles as little eddies formed round the stem