St Ignatius College - Ignatian Yearbook (San Francisco, CA)

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AN ORIENTAL MYSTERY 23 Ten days later at the same hour, another meeting was held. Connors' Hgrini' of the previous occasion was con- spicuous by its absence, as Yacht Harbor had been most diligently shadowed without any startling revelationsg and notwithstanding another lot of rugs had mysteriously arrived at the Turkish Building. It was Redding's turn to laugh when the chief announced that, as Connors' solu- tion had proven incorrect, his theory would be given a trial. Thereupon the chief selected several men, including Redding, to guard the Marina between the hours of twelve and six a. m. Accordingly each night at the appointed hour, a little band of men made their way to the Marina, and there separated to patrol the shore until the first rays of daybreak should tint the sky in the east. Three nights were thus spent without anything out of the ordinary being discovered, but as long as no rugs were smuggled in they held out hopes for the ultimate suc- cess of their plans. Perseverance conquersf, if we are to believe the adage of our forefathers, and in this case it proved true, for at about three-thirty a. m. of the fourth night, a bright light was seen to flash three times out of the darkness. Immediately those on duty knew that there was a ship in the channel, from which a small boat would soon put off. In a few seconds a red light, in answer to this signal, was seen by the shore in the rear of the Cali- fornia Building, and it was surmised by the silent watchers who, by this time, had gathered together, that that was where the small boat would land. A few minutes later, as a rift in the clouds let forth the silvery rays of the hitherto hidden moon, they heard a rowboat grate upon the rocky beach at the point where the red light still shone out upon the silent waters. 22 if vk ik ak ak vi: Ik 211 jack Redding's heart beat fast with joyful expectancy as the revenue cutter slipped noiselessly out into San Fran-

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22 IGNATIAN That was the question that presented to him such a baffling problem. At last, however, a solution Hashed upon his mind, and the longer he considered it, the more positive he became that he had struck upon the correct theory. How simple it was after all, he thought, and wondered why it had not occurred to him before. Finally tired and brain-weary, he Hung himself upon the bed, to pass a few troubled hours in slumber, in which he saw giant-like Turks swarming over the Marina, and flinging out into the sea those who came to challenge their ad- vance. Nine o'clock found the whole force assembled at head- quarters, eager to hear what theories would be advanced. The chief took his customary position at his desk, and remarked that anyone should do so at once. a most grave manner sideration all evidence who had any suggestions to make, Immediately Connors arose and in stated that, after taking into con- at hand, he had come to the con- clusion that some vessel anchored in Yacht Harbor had been meeting incoming ships and receiving the rugs. Then, he explained, it has been an easy matter to transfer the goods from Yacht Harbor to the Turkish Building. Following these words a good deal of arguing on the likelihood of the theory took place. Finally silence was again restored, and Redding arose to chief. I can hardly agree with Mr. Connors he said, for it seems far more probable to rugs are being smuggled in from a ship in I address the theory, sir, me that the the channel under cover of darkness by Way of the Marina. Over the Marina! That's a good one, ridiculed Lar- kin, as several wiseacres around him began to scoff at Redding's explanation. I am rather inclined, spoke the chief to favor the idea of Mr. Connors, and therefore I wi'l appoint himself and several others to watch the vessels in Yacht Harborf' Thereupon the meeting broke up, with Connors smiling gleefully at the discomhture of Redding.

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24 IGNATIAN cisco Bay. On the day after the eventful night on which the smugglers' boat had been seen to come to shore, a meeting was held at which the chief decided to station a number of men out in the channel aboard the Government boat, in order to capture the ship of the law-breakers. Several nights had been spent in this manner without any gratifying results, but on one occasion something like a voice from above told Redding that the tide was about to change. The cutter made her way into the channel off the Exposition grounds, and there awaited developments. The hours passed slowly for those aboard, as the novelty of the affair had by this time worn off, and it was impos- sible for them to occupy themselves in any way, all the lights being extinguished, However, at two-fifty-live a. m., a thrill was sent through the little party as three flashes of light, not three hundred yards ahead of them, pierced the inky blackness. A few seconds later the red light was seen ashore, and those aboard the Government boat decided that it was time to act. Each man was armed with a revolver, and, as the cutter glided stealthily through the waters, they crowded to the bow, in order to get a first glimpse of their prey. At last the hull of a fair sized steamer, with no lights showing, loomed up ahead. This, indeed, was the long expected moment, and Redding felt a wave of pride sweep over him as everything that he had prophe- sied materialized. The cutter was just about to glide up alongside of her, when she suddenly shot out, heading for the Golden Gate. The captain of the Government boat, rather chagrined at having been discovered, immediately signaled for full speed ahead, and gave chase to the fleeing vessel. The rapid firing gun, mounted upon the forward deck, was brought into use, and several shells were sent crashing into her cabin. However, by this time, those aboard her seemed to have decided that a race for liberty would result unprofitably, for she slowed down and then