"Everything is as when the discovery of the absence of the men was made, I hope," Ned said.
"Nothing has been touched," was the reply.
"Then go ahead with your story," Ned replied. "I have come a long way on speculation, and am anxious for something tangible."
"Some months ago," the Captain began, "it was discovered that hostile influences—hostile to the United States Government—were at work among the outer islands of the Philippine group."
"I was told that much."
"Yes; well, investigation—and a crude and indifferent investigation it was—developed the fact that the tribes on some of the islands were forming an alliance against Uncle Sam."
"Now," said Ned, "you have come to the end of my information of the subject. What comes next?"
"At first little attention was given to the matter. Some of the native tribes are always in revolt, though the news of the battles and skirmishes are kept off the wires. Finally, however, it was learned that rifles were being received by the tribes belonging to this alliance."
"Then some nation alleged to be civilized must be at the bottom of the matter," Ned suggested. "I am anxious for you to come to that point."
"Well," hesitated the Captain, "I don't know what nation to suspect. It seems that no one does. I think that is the problem you were brought here to solve."