"He's taking pains to be quite accurate," thought Ned. "He goes about his work as if it were some honorable duty he was engaged upon. I wonder how he knew about the mine planting, though? Can it be possible that he heard the message coming over the wireless, or in some manner gained access to a copy of it?"
Loyalty to his flag and country was the Dreadnought Boy's ruling passion. The sight of Kenworth, engaged upon what Ned was certain could only be treacherous work, sent a flame that seethed like a white-hot blast through his frame.
Again he moved forward, but faster now. Kenworth, all unconscious that another was creeping up on him, resumed his seat in the hollow and went on with the touching up of his rough drawings.
Ned was close upon him now. Through the grass he glided along like a snake.
But the rustle of some of the stiff grass behind him, or the fall of a miniature cascade of sand into his hollow, must have suddenly apprised Kenworth that somebody was in the vicinity.
He sprang to his feet and looked about him. At the same instant something leaped through the air with the speed of a thunderbolt.
With a roar of rage, Ned had sprung the instant that he saw that discovery was inevitable.
A sharp exclamation broke from Kenworth.
"You fool, I was prepared for you!"