“Yes, that part is all right.”

“Then you can’t have any more objections, Tom.”

“Well, there are some.  For instance you say most of this smuggling is done at night.”

“Practically all of it, yes.”

“Well, it isn’t going to be easy to pick out a contraband airship in the dark, and chase it.  But I’ll tell you what I’ll do, Mr. Whitford, I feel as if I had sort of ‘fallen down’ on this clew business, as the newspaper men say, and I owe it to you to make good in some way.”

“That’s what I want—­not that I think you haven’t done all you could,” interposed the agent.

“Well, if I can figure out some way, by which I think I can come anywhere near catching these smugglers, I’ll undertake the work!” exclaimed Tom.  “I’ll do it as a duty to Uncle Sam, and I don’t want any reward except my expenses.  It’s going to cost considerable, but—­”

“Don’t mind the expense!” interrupted Mr. Whitford.  “Uncle Sam will stand that.  Why, the government is losing thousands of dollars every week.  It’s a big leak, and must be stopped, and you’re the one to stop it, Tom.”

“Well, I’ll try.  I’ll see you in a couple of days, and let you know if I have formed any plan.  Now come on, Ned.  I’m tired and want to get to bed.”

“So do I,” added the agent.  “I’ll call on you day after to-morrow, Tom, and I expect you to get right on the job,” he added with a laugh.

“Have you any idea what you are going to do, Tom?” asked his chum, as they turned toward their houses.

“Not exactly.  If I go I’ll use my noiseless airship.  That will come in handy.  But this night business rather stumps me.  I don’t quite see my way to get around that.  Of course I could use an ordinary searchlight, but that doesn’t give a bright enough beam, or carry far enough.  It’s going to be quite a problem and I’ve got to think it over.”

“Queer about the Fogers; wasn’t it, Tom?”

“Yes, I didn’t think they were going to let us in.”

“There’s something going on there, in spite of the fact that they were willing for an inspection to be made,” went on Ned.

“I agree with you.  I thought it was funny the way Mr. Foger acted about not wanting the men to go down in the cellar.”

“So did I, and yet when they got down there they didn’t find anything.”

“That’s so.  Well, maybe we’re on the wrong track, after all.  But I’m going to keep my eyes open.  I don’t see what Andy wants with an airship platform on the roof of his house.  The ground is good enough to start from and land on.”

“I should think so, too.  But then Andy always did like to show off, and do things different from anybody else.  Maybe it’s that way now.”

“Perhaps,” agreed Tom.  “Well, here’s your house, Ned.  Come over in the morning,” and, with a good-night, our hero left his chum, proceeding on toward his own home.

“Why, Koku, haven’t you gone to bed yet?” asked the young inventor, as, mounting the side steps, he saw his giant servant sitting there on a bench he had made especially for his own use, as ordinary chairs were not substantial enough.  “What is the matter?”