"That was relayed last night to the Kennebunk, I believe. The Huns are sowing many mines in these waters. There is a flock of U-boat chasers and destroyers out after the German submarines.
"But there is something else of moment in the wind," added the revenue officer. "The Kennebunk," he added, mysteriously, "will not be long in these waters."
"No?"
"It is expected that there will be a great naval movement on the other side. The report of the Kennebunk's manoeuvres, and her gun record, is said to be so good that she may be sent across."
Whistler, standing by, could scarcely suppress a cry of delight.
"What do you think of that, Morgan?" the ensign cried. Then to the revenue officer: "After this cruise, I suppose you mean, sir?"
"She may be sent on the jump—and within a few hours. I have orders to take you to sea at once and find the Kennebunk. Our operator is sending out feeler messages for the battleship right now."
"Then you will do nothing toward looking into this nest of trouble-makers on the island—if there is such—immediately?"
"Not until we return."
"And then," said Mr. MacMasters seriously, "if you do stir up these snakes, look for a fellow named Franz Linder. He is wanted in Elmvale, up there in New England, for blowing up a dam, destroying munition factories and drowning twelve innocent people. We'll be glad, Morgan here, and I, to hear about the capture of that scoundrel."