“Well, you’ve got a good memory. That’s sure. This fellow’s name is Simonski, and it’s the same Simonski that wireless was about. He makes several trips abroad a year, and we feel sure that he buys precious stones, but so far we have not been able to get him. We’ve searched him to the hide, too. We’ve had his baggage examined surreptitiously and our most expert searchers have not found anything dutiable. The regular uniformed customs inspectors know all about him. They have already been instructed to examine him closely. But I want to have him under observation by secret agents, too. All my agents are on special assignments and I don’t want to call any of them in. I was expecting to send Easterly up to meet this ship, but a very pressing case came up this morning and I had to send him away. There isn’t a soul I can send who has had any experience in this sort of work except yourself. Do you think you could help any?” “Do you mean it?” cried Willie, his eyes shining. “Do you want me to act as a special agent and watch Simonski?” “I can’t say I want you to,” laughed Mr. King. “I really want Easterly to. But it’s you or nobody. You’ve done some pretty good work since you came to New York, but you won’t be dealing with any rough wool smugglers this time. This fellow is a slick article. If he’s smuggling, as we believe he is, he’s the slickest article we have had to deal with in months. I expect it will not do the least bit of good to send you to the pier, yet it is you or nobody. Do you want to go?” “Do I?” cried Willie. “Just give me the chance and see.” “Very well, then, you meet the Majestic. Go down to Quarantine with the inspectors and board the boat. I’ll give you a letter to the proper authorities. You can be a cabin boy, and in that way may get a good chance to observe this fellow Simonski. Don’t pay any attention to anything else. This diamond smuggling has got to be broken up. I won’t be a bit disappointed if you don’t learn a thing. But if you should find out something, it will be a great achievement for you. I’ll write that note for you at once.” CHAPTER XVI WHERE THE JEWELS WERE HIDDEN Hardly had the great ship Majestic dropped anchor at Quarantine before a customs boat drew up alongside of her. A ladder was lowered, and up the ladder scrambled the boarding party. This consisted of several customs men and Willie. The instant Willie reached the deck, he scurried into the cabin. He did not want to be seen by any more people than he could help. He presented his letter to one of the ship’s officers. Immediately he was hustled into the stewards’ quarters and there he was outfitted like a cabin boy.