“Bah!” scornfully protested the man. “Passports are most easily forged. And information may be carried still more easily!”
“But I assure you,” continued Ned, “we are speaking the truth!”
“So say all spies!” replied the other. “We shall see for ourselves just what information you have in your possessions!”
“Go as far as you like,” replied Ned, somewhat nettled at the soldier’s insolence. “You won’t find a thing that shouldn’t be there!”
One of the men was already bending over the bags containing such articles as the boys had deemed necessary for their trip. Without regard for the owners’ rights he was rapidly taking out every piece separately. After carefully examining it he threw the article on the ground. He was evidently annoyed at not finding something incriminating.
Submitting to the search with poorly concealed dislike of the man and his methods, the boys waited with what patience they could muster until the ordeal should be ended. Ned endeavored to distract their thoughts by commenting on the others, who were meeting similar treatment.
He was interrupted by an exclamation of delight from the searcher.
“Ah!” cried that worthy, standing upright. “Nothing contraband! Nothing to be concealed! No information! These are not spies!”
He held in his hand a flat packet wrapped in heavy oiled silk, tied with many wrappings of stout twine and sealed carefully with wax.
“Gather your possessions quickly and follow me!” commanded the soldier triumphantly, drawing a revolver. “We shall visit the commander!”