"
Hastily Frank told a part of their adventures and if he had had any
remaining doubt of the boys' sincerity the consular agent was soon
convinced of the truth of their story and of the villainy of Barr.
"I can get you some gasoline--," he said. "A merchant here in town
recently bought a launch and as the freight boats do not touch in
here often he has laid in a large supply of the fuel. I have no
doubt that at my request he will be glad to sell you as much as you
require."
This was good news indeed, and the boys hastened round to the house
of M. Desplaine's friend. To their unspeakable regret, however, he
was absent on a fishing expedition in his launch.
"If that isn't tough luck," exclaimed Billy disgustedly, "what can
we do now?"
"Wait till he gets back or else break into his warehouse," said
Harry.
"We cannot commit burglary," said Frank, "we shall have to wait."
M. Desplaines invited the party to lunch at his house but as may be
imagined they did not eat much. Each was in too much of a hurry to
ascertain if the fisherman had not returned. Immediately the meal
was dispatched, therefore, they hastened out into the street and
here they encountered a strange scene.
A score or more of rough-looking characters had just landed from
four ship's boats that lay moored at the small wharf.
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