I intended to give it back to him,
as it is one he wrote to some friend and evidently forgot to mail. It
contains nothing of importance, as far as I can see, though it may be in
cipher. But this letter, signed with his name, is in the same hand as
the one signed 'Henry Littlefield,' denouncing us."
"Then you think it all a plot?" asked Captain Bedell.
"Of course!" cried Joe. "Why didn't you say before, Blake, that you had
a letter from this fellow?"
"I didn't attach any importance to it until I saw the letter accusing
us. Now the whole thing is clear. He wants us detained here for some
reason, and took this means of bringing it about."
"If that is the case, you will soon be cleared," said Captain Bedell.
And the boys soon were. There was no doubt but that the two letters were
in the same hand. And when it was explained what part the suspected
German had played aboard the steamer and cables from America to the
United States consul had vouched for the boys, they were set free with
apologies.
And what pleased them still more was Captain Bedell's announcement:
"I also have the pleasure to inform you that the permits allowing you to
go to the front have been received. They came yesterday, but, of course,
under the circumstances I could not tell you.
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