"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."