Rick flew straight ahead until he was out of sight of Seaford, then he
swung a few miles inland and returned to Whiteside. Fifteen minutes
later they were landing the Cub at Spindrift, just in time for dinner.
But first Rick made a phone call to the _Morning Record_, reported
their findings to Duke and arranged with Jerry to pick them up at the
Whiteside dock later for a trip to Seaford. They had to see Cap'n Mike
to make arrangements and Rick wanted another look at the _Albatross_.
He had to memorize every detail of its silhouette, otherwise he might
find himself following the wrong ship when the time came if another
fisherman decided to get an early start.

It was dusk when Jerry met them. "Got a message from Duke," he said as
they climbed into the car. "He phoned Captain Douglas to tell him
about the wooden cases you saw. The captain is going to keep an eye on
the stuff, but he says it isn't enough evidence. The Kelsos could
always claim they knew nothing about it and we couldn't prove they
did. The stuff isn't on their land."

"Proof," Scotty said sourly. "Golly, do we have to get pictures of
them peddling the stuff to customers?"

"Just about," Rick commented.

* * * * *

Cap'n Mike wasn't at home when the boys arrived. They parked in front
of his shack and talked and listened to the car radio for over an hour
before he finally appeared, then he greeted them tartly.

"Why weren't you at Spindrift when I phoned?"

"What for?" Rick asked. "What happened?"

"Brad Marbek's at Creek House again. That's what happened. I called to
tell you, and your mother said you had left. What's the matter? Not
letting what happened the other night scare you off, are you?"

"We sure are," Scotty replied.

Rick laughed at the old seaman's astonished expression. "Don't let him
fool you, Cap'n. We've got another plan."

Quickly he outlined Duke's proposal and explained how they had
outfitted the Cub.

Cap'n Mike smacked his thigh. "Now we're getting down to cases. You
just bet I'll keep watch on the pier so I can phone when Brad leaves."

"There's one more thing, Cap'n Mike," Rick said. "I have to get
another look at the _Albatross_ tonight. Is there any place from which
we can see her without being seen?"

Cap'n Mike thought it over. "Yep," he said at last. "There is. There's
a dredger tied up at the pier just south of the fish wharf, and Brad
always berths in the same place, south side. I