CHAPTER III.
A LESSON.
Lord Hastings was on his feet by this time and advanced toward the two lads and their captors.
"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded of the man who appeared to be the leader.
"We caught these fellows scooting down the Thames in a high-power motorboat, sir," was the reply. "They were unable to give a satisfactory account of themselves and one of them took a shot at us. So we brought them here."
"Do you know who they are?" asked Lord Hastings, smiling a bit to himself.
"No, sir; but I would take them for a couple of German spies, sir."
"H-m-m," muttered Lord Hastings. He stroked his chin a moment and then asked: "And what do you intend to do with them?"
"Turn them over to Colonel Masterson, sir, who will return about midnight. He is stopping here, sir."
Lord Hastings seemed to consider the matter a few moments, and then, with a gesture, he turned on his heel, remarking: