“Hey, boy, who’s in charge here?”
“I am,” answered Tom, turning to confront two men who in turn entered the tower by way of the trap door. They were strangers in Rockley Cove, and Tom did not at all like their looks. The man who had accosted him had a sharp, hard eye. His companion was furtive-faced, and suggested a person constantly on the watch.
“We want to send a message,” the former proceeded. “In cypher.”
“Where to?” inquired Tom.
“The man pointed seawards.”
“To a ship?”
“Yes, to the Councillor, bound for Canada.”
Tom shook his head discouragingly.
“You will have to go to Station O at Deepdale. This is only a demonstration plant, and I have no orders to take commercial business,” explained Tom.
The man drew out a pocketbook.