"Well, the Germans never did anything to us, did they?"
"They have never harmed us at any rate!" put in Jack. "For one, I believe we'd better go ahead as we are and leave the scrap to the other fellows! Our business is to try to intercept this thief and to keep him, if possible, from getting the United States into trouble. We're here on a mission of peace only!"
"And I say we'd better secure peace even if we have to start a scrap to get it!" declared Jimmie seriously.
A general laugh greeted this announcement. Jimmie's desire for peace even at the expense of a fight was well known. All the boys knew well his sense of fair play as well as his readiness to settle arguments by forcible means. Not for nothing was his hair red.
"Let's take a ballot," suggested Ned. "Of course, there are but four of us, so there may be a deadlock."
"Not much chance of a deadlock with four votes cast one way!" quickly put in Harry. "I know how you and Jack and The Wolf stand!"
Laughingly Ned handed a slip of paper to each boy.
"Each of you put his sentiments on the paper and drop the slip into this hat," he directed. "Jimmie will count the vote."
Only a few moments were required for the boys to prepare their ballots. A hat was then passed and into it the slips were dropped.
Jimmie at once thrust in a hand and drew forth a folded ballot.