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{{frabfp054.png}} || eagles of the sky ||

Then came a flash, succeeded by a sharp report,
undoubtedly standing for the discharge of
some species of firearm! Others of a similar
character immediately followed until there were
all the elements of a genuine rough and tumble
fight discernible in the growing confusion and
uproar.

Perk was astounded by such unaccountable
goings-on. Whatever could possess these smugglers
to start a fight among themselves, when
such a disturbance was likely to be heard by any
Coast Guard boat that might happen to be cruising
within ten miles of the spot and bring down
all manner of serious trouble on their heads, certainly
breaking up the fine combination that had
been effected for that especial delivery?

"Holy smoke! they sure must a'gone looneyl"
Perk was telling himself, lost in wonder and dismay,
for he began to suspect that this would be
apt to mix their own plans and upset all Jack's
calculations.

It would seem to be the only explanation possible--that
some of the case goods had been
tampered with, the result being that the willing
workers were not only hilarious, but ready to
start a rough house then and there on the deck of
the schooner.

Then suddenly remembering how both he and
Jack had their head-phone harness attached, and

[[54]]

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