Kenworth, moaning like the arrant coward he was, threw himself groveling on the floor of the boat.
"Oh—oh—oh! Can nothing save us?" he moaned. "Listen, Strong, I have been wicked, I know. But I was poor, and gambling took away whatever money I could scrape together. I was threatened with exposure to my relatives if I did not pay my debts.
"That would have meant ruin, for, influential as they were, they had become disgusted with the poor showing I had made in the navy. It was at this crisis that I met Saki. He tempted me to betray naval secrets with promises of money. He helped me pay my debts and gave me money lavishly. In return, I furnished him with every scrap of information I could pick up. He has secret code books, fire-control plans, night signals, and details of our ammunition resources."
Ned looked at the wretch that groveled at his feet as if he could have struck him.
"How long has this been going on?" he demanded.
"For a long time. Saki had me in his power. I was helpless."
"Don't be a weakling in addition to your other faults," said Ned imperiously. "Have you that book of drawings you have been making?"
"Y-y-y-yes."
"Give it to me."