The modest sum of L10 procured an order authorising the tug and barges to proceed through the canal without stopping, and requiring other shipping to let them pass.  A black flag was the signal of this privileged position, which suggested the “Jolly Roger” to Crawford’s thoughts, and gave a sense of insolent audacity when great liners of ten or fifteen thousand tons were seen making way for a tug-boat towing a couple of lighters.

For the success of the enterprise up to this point Crawford was greatly indebted to the Jew, B.S.  From first to last this gentleman “played the game” with sterling honesty and straightforward dealing that won his customers’ warm admiration.  Several times he accepted Crawford’s word as sufficient security when cash was not immediately forthcoming, and in no instance did he bear out the character traditionally attributed to his race.

On arrival at Kiel, Crawford, after a short absence from the tug, was informed that three men had been inquiring from the lightermen and the tug’s skipper about the nature and destination of the cargo.  All such evidences of curiosity on the subject were rather alarming, but it turned out that the visitors were probably Mexicans—­of what political party there it would be impossible to guess—­whose interest had been aroused by the rumour, which Crawford had encouraged, that guns were being shipped to that distracted Republic.  Still more alarming was the arrival on board the tug of a German official in resplendent uniform, who insisted that he must inspect the cargo.  Crawford knew no German, but the shipping agent who accompanied him produced papers showing that all formalities had been complied with, and all requisite authorisation obtained.  Neither official papers, however, nor arguments made any impression on the officer until it occurred to Crawford to produce a 100-marks note, which proved much more persuasive, and sent the official on his way rejoicing, with expressions of civility on both sides.

The relief of the Ulsterman when the last of the Kiel forts was left behind, and he knew that his cargo was clear of Germany, may be imagined.  A night was spent crossing Kiel Bay, and in the morning of the 29th they were close to Langeland, and approaching the rendezvous with the Fanny.  She was there waiting, and Agnew, in obedience to orders, had already painted out her name on bows and stern.  The next thing was to transfer the arms from the lighters to the Fanny.  Crawford was apprehensive lest the Danish authorities should take an interest in the proceedings if the work was carried out in the narrow channel between the islands, and he proposed, as it was quite calm, to defer operations till they were further from the shore.  But the Norwegian Captain declared that he had often transhipped cargo at this spot, and that there was no danger whatever.  Nevertheless, Crawford’s fears were realised.  Before the work was half finished a Danish Port Officer