“Mr. Mackinder,” began Ned with dignity, “we don’t understand what you mean. If you intend to infer that we have some mysterious package that we should not have you are not fair to us. Perhaps you would like to examine our luggage and be sure it is not there.”
“Very well,” stated Mackinder grimly. “If you insist.”
Keeping the revolver leveled in the direction of the group the man stepped to the side of the room. He grasped the old-fashioned bell-pull. In answer to his summons steps were heard approaching the door.
“Ah, there you are, Norton,” sighed Mackinder in a relieved tone as a man in uniform appeared. “Just keep an eye on these chaps, will you. I’m going through their luggage. Look sharp, now!”
From Norton’s appearance the boys judged that the task was much to his liking. He fingered a wicked looking revolver, as if anticipating trouble and hoping that would come quickly. His manner was that of an eager hunting dog scenting game and only waiting a command to attack.
Thinking it best to offer no resistance and understanding that arguments would not avail under the present circumstances Ned seated himself in a convenient chair. He began to divert the minds of his comrades by talking of the shipping and the traffic which they could see.
Hastily Mackinder tossed the luggage about in his efforts to locate the article he sought. Finally he turned to Ned.
“Where have you concealed it?” he asked, with some display of anger.
“Concealed what?” asked Ned impatiently. “I tell you, Mr. Mackinder, I don’t like the idea of your holding us up in this manner without apparent authority. You are imposing on good nature!”
“Perhaps I have been a little hasty,” stated Mackinder, “but I have been commissioned to secure a certain package which is alleged to contain information vital to two countries. It may possibly concern more. You are said to have had possession of this package at the time you left the castle in Flanders. Where is it now?”