ll at once how much
load he had aboard. Now, the top figure was barely showing.

Rick studied it, and his forehead creased. "That's funny," he said.
He pointed it out to the others. "She's full up. You'd think she would
be lighter after dropping off a load at Creek House."

"You would for a fact," Cap'n Mike muttered. "What do you suppose
they're smuggling? Must be feathers. 'Cause if you added a few more
pounds to the load she's carrying now, she'd be awash."

Rick felt a pang of doubt. Were they away off the beam on their
guesses about the Kelsos and the _Albatross_? The ship certainly would
be higher in the water had they unloaded cargo.

"Maybe they didn't unload tonight," Scotty ventured. "It would be
smart of Marbek to just visit Creek House for nothing once in a while,
to throw off any watchers. That way, he could make his story about
visiting his relatives seem a little more plausible."

Cap'n Mike had told them that was the story Brad was handing out to
those who dared question him about his visits to Creek House.

Rick's face cleared. "That must be it," he agreed. "But look, if he
visited the Kelsos tonight, it doesn't look as though he would make
contact with his supply ship for a couple of days."

"Suits me," Scotty stated. "I'm not overly anxious to go tooting off
into the wild black yonder in the Cub, if you come right down to it.
I'd rather Brad took his time, to let me get used to the idea."

He had stated so neatly what Rick was feeling that he had to grin. He
had been wishing he had more confidence in his ability to land safely
at night.

"Amen," he said fervently.

CHAPTER XVI

Night Flight

It seemed to Rick that his head scarcely had touched the pillow when
the ringing of the phone penetrated his slumber. The luminous dial of
his watch showed quarter past three. For an instant he shivered. The
ringing could mean only one thing.

He heard the creaking of his bedspring and the soft pat of Scotty's
bare feet as his pal swung to the floor. Scotty had the faculty of
waking instantly and moving into action. By the time Rick reached the
hall, he was already lifting the phone from its cradle.

"Yes?" he said softly. "Okay, Cap'n Mike. How long do you think it
will take him to get out past the fishing grounds? All right. Give us
a call about breakfast time and we'll let you know how we made out."

The boys hurried to Rick's room. Rick snapped on the light and stood
blinking in its