“We must find out,” Martin said, suddenly feeling in his mind the expanding brightness of an idea. “It’ll be a new game. We’ll all be spies in the enemy’s country, we’ll watch them and see exactly how they behave, and bring in a report.”
“Get hold of their secret codes, and find where their forces are hidden,” cried Ben, who liked the military flavour of this thought.
“I think it’s a silly game,” said Phyllis. “You can’t really find out anything; and if you did, you’d be punished. Spies always get caught.”
“Penalty of death!” shouted the boys, elated.
“It’s harder than being a real spy,” said Martin. “You can’t wear the enemy’s uniform and talk their language. But I’m going to do it, anyhow.”
“Me too!” Joyce exclaimed from the other end of the table, where she and Bunny had followed the conversation with half-frightened excitement.
“I want to be a spy!” added Bunny.
“Mustn’t have too many spies,” said Alec. “The enemy would suspect something was up. Send one first, he’ll see what he can find and report to us.”
It was not clear to Bunny exactly who the enemy were or how the spying was to be carried out; but if Martin was to do it, it would be well done, she was certain. Spying, that suggested secrecy, and secrecy——
“Martin has a little roll-top desk with a key!” she shouted. “Daddy gave it to him for his birthday.”