A little later, dry and comfortable, they went to the library. They found their uncle pacing up and down the room, evidently in a highly nervous and excited state. He glanced up as they entered, and exclaimed:
“Boys, I am quite worried!”
“Worried about us?” asked Frank. “Why, we were out in the dory. It was a bad storm, but—”
“No, I wasn’t worried about you. I felt you could take care of yourselves. But, at the same time, I am glad you have returned safely. No, I am worried about other matters. Boys, I have a confession to make to you.”
“A confession, Uncle Philip?” repeated Frank.
“Yes. I had rather you heard the truth from me, than to get a garbled account from some one else, as you are sure to do sooner or later. Boys, I am likely to be taken away at any moment by the authorities!”
“Uncle Philip!”
“Oh, don’t look so alarmed,” and he smiled at their blank faces. “It isn’t for anything disgraceful, nor on a criminal charge.”
“But what other charge can they arrest you on?” Frank demanded.
“On a political charge.”