Tom Swift and His Great Searchlight; or, on the border for Uncle Sam

he faced the custom officer and Tom and Ned. "What do you mean by co

ot very much on their dignity when accused of smuggling. "We are here, Mr. Foger, because of certain informa

this house? That is an indign

what I am doing, and I am backed by the most powerful gov

tle, and at once his sever

meet force with force, Mr. Foge

at do you

gainst you. There has been smuggling goin

have I to do

our son has one, but I don't believe that figured in the game. But two friends of mine saw so

e seen. There was another gasp of surprise, this tim

!" gasped

Tom and Ned by turns, relayed the incident of the wago

aid Mr. Whitford. "So we decided on a raid. If you are n

. Foger, as he stepped back, and opened wider the door

laimed Andy with a sneer. "

," commented T

e!" ordered Mr.

around," offe

" was the curt rejoin

d I are just living here until certain repairs are mad

hat your son was staying here," said Mr. W

said Mr. Foger. "You may look about all yo

in one was Andy's airship in parts. Clearly work was being done on that, and Mr. Dillon's

t said nothing. Mr. Foger seemed anxious to show everything, and let the men go where they woul

irship platform your son is going to use," said Mr. Whitfor

tarted yet,

less, and saw where some posts had been made fas

get flying," said the bully to Tom,

more," replied Tom coldly. "Besi

f getting beat

said Mr. Whitford to Mr. Foger, as t

hing, and you have had you

am doesn't m

me much annoyance!" s

nt's comment. "I want to have a look in the gardener's

t is, nothing but some old furniture. I sold a lot of it,

ated the agent, "I am ver

he bully's father, as he

fore the small cottage. It was dark, and when Mr. Foger

iture should be taken out," he explai

to show that only some odds and ends

," asked Mr. Whitford, when h

n into the cellar." was the re

ed," went on the agent with a smi

r conversed in low tones, occasionally casting glances at our heroes. Once Tom thought Mr. Foger looked apprehe

sappointed look on his face, and said ther

l you?" he aske

of Uncle Sam's man. "We are n

lew," said Tom, as he and Ned left the Foger premis

them credit for. But I am not done yet. I have something to propose to you. It has come to me in the last few minutes. I saw you in your airship once, and I know

do you

smugglers? I can promise you a big reward, and much fame if we catch them