to Ferriby had to be reduced. But Willis was not
dissatisfied with their progress when at 9.38, fifty-four minutes after
leaving Selby, they pulled up in the Ferriby lane, not far from the
distillery and opposite the railway signal cabin.

Having arranged with the driver to run up to the main road, wait there
until he heard four blasts on the Girondin's horn, and then make for the
syndicate's depot, the inspector dismounted, and forcing his way through
the railway fence, crossed the rails and descended the low embankment on
the river side. A moment later, just as he reached the shore, the form
of a man loomed up dimly through the darkness.

"Who is there?" asked Willis softly.

"Constable Jones, sir," the figure answered. "Is that Inspector Willis?
Sergeant Hobbs is here with the boats."

Willis followed the other for fifty yards along the beach, until they
came on two boats, each containing half a dozen policemen. It was still
very dark; and the wind blew cold and raw. The silence was broken only
by the lapping of the waves on the shingle. Willis felt that the night
was ideal for his purpose. There was enough noise from wind and water
to muffle any sounds that the men might make in getting aboard the
Girondin, but not enough to prevent him overhearing any conversation
which might be in progress.

"We have just got here this minute, sir," the sergeant said. "I hope we
haven't kept you waiting."

"Just arrived myself," Willis returned. "You have twelve picked men?"

"Yes, sir."

"Armed?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. I need not remind you all not to fire except as a last resort.
What arrangements have you made for boarding?"

"We have a ladder with hooks at the top for catching on the taffrail."

"Your oars muffled?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well. Now listen, and see that you are clear about what you are
to do. When we reach the ship get your ladder into position, and I'll
go up. You and the men follow. Keep beside me, sergeant. We'll overhear
what we can. When I give the signal, rush in and arrest the whole gang.
Do you follow?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then let us get under way."

They pushed off, passing like phantoms over the dark water. The ship
carried a riding light, to which they steered. She was lying, Willis
knew, bow upstream. The tide was flowing, and when they were close by
they ceased rowing and drifted down on to her stern. There the leading
boat dropped in beneath her counter, and the bowman made the pain