It was the ringing voice of one of the officers speaking, and so sharp was the tone that even Professor Snodgrass paused in his movement toward the black box.
“Don’t go any further,” went on the officer, who stood dominating the scene. “Some one secure that man, and then we’ll dispose of the box. Take good care of him!” and he pointed to the scientist.
Ned Slade, Bob Baker, and Jerry Hopkins looked in astonishment at one another. What could it all mean?
“Zere must be some mistake,” said the French officer who had escorted the professor to headquarters.
“Mistake? No!” exclaimed the American officer who had ordered a halt in the proceedings. “But it would be a mistake if we let him get near that black box. I heard all that was said. If that is a bomb the best way to let him carry out his 210 plan would be to set it going, even if he destroyed himself. Some spies are capable of that.”
“Spy!” cried Jerry, instinctively, forgetting that he was speaking to a superior officer. “Professor Snodgrass isn’t a spy!”
“No, I am sure he is not!”
This was another officer speaking, one well known to the professor, and who knew him. In fact, it was this officer who had summoned the former instructor of Boxwood Hall to headquarters.
“Don’t arrest the professor,” went on the latter officer. “As for his black box, handle it just as he tells you.”
“But, Colonel Lacombe,” protested the officer who had interfered in the proceedings. “Surely you––”