"He is a criminal, then?"

"A smuggler. He has outwitted the revenue officers for some time.
His last specialty was running Chinese emigrants over the border.
When he learned the chase was on, he stole a launch and scudded for
other waters. He had the name and color of the launch changed. Why
he came to Columbus we don't know."

"To see some people named Dawson, he said."

"Yes, they appear to be fiends."

"Can't Jerry Dawson tell you anything about him?" asked Dave.

"No."

"For a very good reason."

"And what is at?"

"Dawsons left last night."

"Left--left the meet?" exclaimed Dave in surprise.

"Yes, bag and baggage."

"That puzzles me," said Dave.

"It baffles us," observed the revenue officer, "for they have left