“Some one is in there,” declared Tom.

“Yes, probably Andy is getting his own supper.  It’s queer he wants to lead that sort of a life.  Well, everyone to their notion, as the old lady said when she kissed the cow.”

They stood for a few minutes watching the old mansion, and then went on.  As they passed down a lane, to take a short cut, they approached a small house, that, in times past, had been occupied by the gardener of the Foger estate.  Now, that too, was closed.  But, in front of it stood a wagon with a big canvass cover over it, and, as the lads came nearer, the wagon drove off quickly, and in silence.  At the same time a door in the gardener’s house was heard to shut softly.

“Did you see that?” cried Ned.

“Yes, and did you hear that?” asked Tom.

“They’re carting stuff away from the old gardener’s house,” went on Ned.  “Maybe it’s there that the smugglers are working from!  Let’s hurry to see Mr. Whitford.”

“Hold on!” exclaimed Tom in a whisper.  “I’ve got one suggestion.  Ned.  Let’s tell all we know, and what we think may be the case, but don’t make any rash statements.  We might be held responsible.  Tell what we have seen, and let the government men do the rest.”

“All right.  I’m willing.”

They watched the wagon as it passed on out of sight in the darkness, and then hurried on to see Mr. Whitford.  To say that the custom officer was astonished at what the boys related to him, is putting it mildly.  He was much excited.

“I think we’re on the right trail!” he exclaimed.  “You may have done a big service for Uncle Sam.  Come on!”

“Where?” the boys asked him.

“We’ll make a raid on the old Foger home, and on the gardener’s house at once.  We may catch the rascals red-handed.  You can have the honor of representing Uncle Sam.  I’ll make you assistant deputies for the night.  Here are some extra badges I always carry,” and he pinned one each on the two young men.

Mr. Whitford quietly summoned several of his men to his hotel room, and imparted to them what he had learned.  They were eager for the raid, and it was decided to go to the Foger home, and the other house at once, first seeking to gain an entrance to the mansion.

Accompanied by Tom and Ned, Mr. Whitford left the hotel.  There were few persons about, and no attention was attracted.  The other agents left the hotel one by one, and in the darkness gathered about the seemingly deserted mansion.

“Stand ready now, men,” whispered Mr. Whitford.  “Tom, Ned and I will go up the steps first, and knock.  If they don’t let us in I’m going to smash the door.  Then you follow.”

Rather excited by what was about to take place, the two chums accompanied the chief custom agent.  He rapped loudly on the door of the house, where only darkness showed.

There was a moment of silence, and then a voice which Tom and Ned recognized as that of Andy Foger, asked: