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 know the skipper of the dredger. We can sort of drop in on him and take a look from there. That suit?" "That will be fine," Rick replied. "But we may have a long wait if Brad's at Creek House." "Wouldn't be surprised," Cap'n Mike nodded. "Likely two hours. What say you come into my shack? Might be able to scare up a sandwich or two to pass away the time." Rick looked at Jerry doubtfully. "There's a paper tomorrow morning. Don't you have to get back and help get it out?" "Not tonight." Jerry grinned his pleasure. "Duke said to stick with you two and forget everything else. First time I've had an assignment like this. I have to admit I sort of like it." "Good," Cap'n Mike grunted. "Then let's go see what we can find to eat. I got so interested in watching for Brad Marbek that I plumb forgot about food." * * * * *