The Spy in Black

by J. Storer Clouston

Lieutenant Topham nodded in silence. Then he inquired—

"Do you know a Mr Taylor?"

"Taylor? I know a John Taylor——"

"Who comes from Lancashire and keeps a motor-car?"

"No," said Mr Drummond. "I don't know that one. Why?"

"Then you didn't send a long telegram to Mr Burnett yesterday telling him that Mr Taylor would call for him in his motor-car and drive him to your house?"

"Certainly not!" cried Mr Drummond indignantly. "I never sent a long telegram to any one in my life. I tell you I don't know anything about this Mr Taylor or his motor-car. If Mr Burnett told you that, he's light-headed indeed!"

"Those are merely the questions Captain Blacklock asked me to put," said the lieutenant soothingly.

"Is he the officer in command of the base?" demanded Mr Drummond a little fiercely.

"No," said Topham briefly; "Commander Blacklock is an officer on special service at present."