I've thought of a way to set them on the wrong scent, and, from what I have heard, I think it will work first-rate." "What is it ?" "I'll show you in half a minute," said Frank, "All we have got to do is to fool the spies; then we are all right." At this moment several boys, belonging to the blockading squadron, entered the boat-house, bringing their refreshments, and this, of course, put a stop to all further conversation between the smugglers.
By six o'clock the last basket of provisions had been brought in, and the coast-guards took their departure, after repeatedly assuring the smugglers that their capture was certain.
The provisions had been brought in twenty medium-sized market-baskets, and one large clothes-basket that belonged to George and Harry, and seven pails.

There was, also, a small bag filled with lemons, which had been brought by Charles Sheldon.
The boys stood for some time looking at them without speaking.

At length, Thomas Benton said, "You will have to carry them, Frank.

They will make too large a load for either of the other boats." "I know that," said Frank; "but we must make the coast-guards think that the Alert is going to carry them." "How can we manage that ?" inquired George.
"Have you got three or four market-baskets, a clothes-basket, one or two pails, and a salt-bag ?" asked Frank, without stopping to answer George's question.
"I guess so," said Harry.

"I'll go up to the house and see." He led the way, followed by three or four of the smugglers, and the articles in question were soon brought into the boat-house.
"Now, Bill," said Frank, "you take this salt-bag, if you please, and fill it with smooth, round stones, about the size of lemons." "All right," answered William, who began to see through the trick.
"Now," continued Frank, "we want some pieces of cloth, large enough to tie over the tops of these baskets and pails." These were speedily procured, and, in a few moments, William returned with the salt-bag filled with stones.
"Now, tell us what you intend to do," exclaimed Harry, whose patience was well-nigh exhausted.
"We are making some sham provisions," said Frank.
"Oh, yes, I thought so," said Thomas; "but we haven't got pails and baskets enough." "Oh, that's nothing," said Frank.