“What?” exclaimed Bob, amazed.
“What?” echoed Mr. Whitney, who had decided as he listened to Bob’s story that the evidence against Jerry was sufficient to prove his guilt.
“No,” laughed the man. “I’m quite serious. Even in spite of all appearances the boy is quite innocent of the charge. Am I right, Captain Wendell?”
“You are!” returned the soldier. “Besides, I think he is very much to be commended.”
“Please, please explain,” Bob implored. “I want to believe in him.”
“Yes,” Whitney said quickly, “the sooner any stain is removed from a member of the Service the better. We are not used to traitors!”
“Well, then, it’s just this. Jerry was the first one of all of you to smell trouble brewing. He had been coming up to the ranch and had heard the rather good-natured grumbling that passed between all of us about the damage the dam would do to our particular kind of business. Then when Harper and Wesley—the men Hazard has told you about—began to talk seriously to him he decided that it would be best if he did some ‘secret service’ work by seeming to fall in with their plans—”
Here Bob caused a sudden halt in the proceedings. Rushing over to Jerry he held out his hand.
“Jerry, Jerry, old scout! I’m sorry as I can be. Forgive me for not having faith in you. I wanted to all the time!”