w the way?" she asked, as she opened the door.
"I know I won't sleep a wink till you come back in the morning. Just
ring the bell whenever you get back, and I will let you in. Good luck to
you."

Walking at a brisk pace, they started for Green's farm. There was no
moon, and it gave promise of rain, which suited the boys exactly, as
there was now little chance of a stray shaft of light disclosing their
presence when they arrived at their destination. At the end of fifteen
minutes they reached the farm, and carefully making their way across the
field, came to the barn, standing like a great black hulk. The boys
thrilled with excitement, for they felt they were on the last lap in the
search for the smuggler band, that it was their mission to put an end
to.

CHAPTER XVI.

DANGEROUS BUSINESS.

"Now fellows," whispered Garry, "duck around the side of the barn here,
while I tell you what I doped out as we walked along. Keep an eye out
for dogs."

They followed Garry's lead around the barn.

"Here's what I doped out. Only one of us can enter the house. To have
more do it might spell disaster to our plans, for in case of danger one
could find a hiding place where two could not. Two of us will go into
the barn, while one stays out here as guard. Once in the barn, the feed
box will be moved, and the one to enter the passage will do so, while
the other replaces the feed box, and rejoins the man on guard. It is now
twelve-thirty, and the man who enters the house ought to hear all that's
going on and be able to make a getaway in at least three hours and a
half, probably a lot sooner. That is allowing the men an hour or more
for talking, as they probably will take no longer, and two hours or two
hours and a half for everything to get quiet and allow the man in the
house to get away. Now to settle who goes into the house, we will follow
our custom of drawing lots. Phil is out, for he has already been in
danger once, and furthermore, he has had his share of adventure. That
leaves it up to either Dick or I to go in. Phil, get your knife out and
hold it in one of your hands. Then Dick and I will each choose a hand
and the one who guesses rightly will enter the passage."

Phil did as he was bade, and then Garry told Dick to take first choice
of hands.

"Right hand," said Dick, after a pause.

"Garry goes," whispered Phil. "I had my knife in my left hand."

Dick muttered a muffled exclamation of disappointment, for he h