“Albert Povy was one of the most daring spies the government ever encountered,” explained Captain Johns. “He caused us great embarrassment. Recently, evidence piled up against him. Had his death not occurred, he would have been arrested within forty-eight hours.”
“I saw him on the train,” Flash said. “At the time it appeared to me that he might have been shadowing Major Hartgrove.”
“Your observation was correct. Povy knew that the government had taken an interest in a parachute which is being perfected by a man named Bailey Brooks. He was under the impression that Major Hartgrove had possession of certain papers and specifications referring to it.”
“And when the train was wrecked he tried to rob the Major?”
“He made such an attempt and failed.”
“Where is the Major now?” Flash asked. “I believe you said he was here at the hotel.”
“He is waiting for me upstairs.”
“And does he still have the specifications for Brooks’ invention?”
Captain Johns frowned in annoyance. He felt that he had told the cameraman entirely too much.
“The reason I ask is this,” Flash said. “Rascomb boasted while he held me prisoner that he intended to pull off one more deal before he disappeared. He may have learned that Major Hartgrove is here—”