. If you refuse I
shall summon assistance and it will be taken forcibly."

"You have the wrong pig by the ear this time, partner!" put in Jimmie.
"Just put up your little cannon. It won't do you any good here."

"Enough!" snapped Mackinder. "You will gain nothing by attempting such
methods. I am not to be balked by trivialities!"

"Well, Boss," smiled Jimmie, "we haven't got any 'U-13' package and we
haven't got any of those other things, either!"

"I warn you," went on Mackinder in a menacing tone, "it has become known
to the authorities that you have this package. I have been commissioned
to secure it. If you surrender it before leaving this country you will
lose nothing. If you refuse it will be taken by force. In that case you
need not expect to receive any degree of clemency in the matter!"

"Mr. Mackinder," began Ned with dignity, "we don't understand what you
mean. If you intend to infer that we have some mysterious package that we
should not have you are not fair to us. Perhaps you would like to examine
our luggage and be sure it is not there."

"Very well," stated Mackinder grimly. "If you insist."

Keeping the revolver leveled in the direction of the group the man
stepped to the side of the room. He grasped the old-fashioned bell-pull.
In answer to his summons steps were heard approaching the door.

"Ah, there you are, Norton," sighed Mackinder in a relieved tone as a man
in uniform appeared. "Just keep an eye on these chaps, will you. I'm
going through their luggage. Look sharp, now!"

From Norton's appearance the boys judged that the task was much to his
liking. He fingered a wicked looking revolver, as if anticipating trouble
and hoping that would come quickly. His manner was that of an eager
hunting dog scenting game and only waiting a command to attack.

Thinking it best to offer no resistance and understanding that arguments
would not avail under the present circumstances Ned seated himself in a
convenient chair. He began to divert the minds of his comrades by talking
of the shipping and the traffic which they could see.

Hastily Mackinder tossed the luggage about in his efforts to locate the
article he sought. Finally he turned to Ned.

"Where have you concealed it?" he asked with some display of anger.

"Concealed what?" asked Ned impatiently. "I tell you, Mr. Mackinder, I
don't like this idea of your holding us up in this manner without
apparent authority. You are imposing on good nature!