Presently, when the wrappings had been removed, he saw a key and a folded paper. The key was of the peculiar construction adopted generally by safe deposit vaults for the use of their patrons. The paper had been prepared evidently for use in case of just the emergency that had overtaken the man who had given it to Jimmie. It was covered with memoranda and figures in very fine waiting.
Von Liebknecht scowled as he pored over the document. The memorandum had been made in a fragmentary way, and evidently referred to other documents that would be found in the safe deposit box.
The Captain puzzled over the document for a time, then passed it to the officer nearest him. He then gave his attention to the key.
"What do you make of if?" he asked Jimmie presently, tapping in a nervous manner upon the table with the key. "What does it mean?"
"Just what I told you, I think," Jimmie replied.
"It appears different to me," the Captain objected. "I am of the opinion that it has to do with information concerning the dispute in progress between my country and the enemies. I am sorry, but I shall have to retain the packet for forwarding to headquarters. You will receive it again if it is found to be what you claim. Otherwise—"
He left the sentence unfinished, and Jimmie waited for a time, expecting him to complete the statement.
"Well, otherwise?" asked the boy half breathlessly.
"Otherwise, we shall see," stated von Liebknecht with a smile.
"And in the meantime?" went on the lad anxiously.