"Yes, it would naturally be in cipher."
"You have the key to the code?"
"Certainly."
"Be careful, young man," laughed the consul, "for I was in the Secret
Service department before I came here, and know the code."
"I'm glad you do," replied Ned.
"Hand me the cablegram," ordered the consul, turning to the assistant manager.
The detective stepped forward with a frown on his face. He glared at the consul and at Ned for a moment, and then broke out:
"You can't have it unless you will promise not to reveal its contents to this impostor."
"Can't I?" said the consul, coolly. "Hand me the cablegram."
The operator and the assistant manager drew back. The consul stood for an instant regarding them angrily.