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.