“Come with us,” finally said the first visitor.
Obediently the lads followed ashore. They were conducted to the office building, where they were shown into the presence of General Gruenwold at once. In a few words the orderly stated the case.
“This looks serious, boys,” commented the General. “Can you not explain the whereabouts of Mackinder? He is a prisoner, you know!”
“We know nothing of the man!” declared Ned, earnestly. “We don’t like him and surely would not think of assisting him to escape!”
“If you please, sir,” began the orderly, “it is the opinion of my comrade and myself that the boys have done away with Mackinder!”
“What!” almost shouted Gruenwold, rising from his chair.
“Yes, sir,” continued the man. “There was found in the boat much blood. A hammer in their tool kit was also blood-stained. We think they possibly made away with him and might have dropped his body into the harbor very quietly without being seen from shore!”
“This is serious, indeed!” gasped Gruenwold. “We shall investigate this in the morning. Meanwhile, search the vessel again. The boys will be put in the guardhouse until tomorrow.”
Protests on the part of the lads were unavailing. Gruenwold was determined in his decision. Ned’s explanation of the presence of the blood in the vessel was listened to, but without influencing the general.
Directly the lads found themselves in a room used for the accommodation of such prisoners as might need confinement for a time. The island boasted no regular prison, but a house not far from the water had been utilized for the purpose. A guard paced a beat in the vicinity.