The next morning, when Jack came on duty, he sent a personal message to Uncle Toby via Siasconset. This was it:
"Universal detector a success. Will you wire Washington of my intention to proceed there with all speed when I arrive?
"Jack."
Late that day he got back an answer that appeared to astonish him a good deal, for he sat knitting his brows over it for some moments.
"Washington says some ding-gasted sneak has been cutting up funny tricks. Looks like you have been talking.
"Toby Ready."
This characteristic message occupied Jack for some moments till he thought of a reply to its rather vaguely worded contents. Then he got Siasconset and shot this through the air:
"Have talked to no one who could have seen Washington. My last letter to the Secretary of the Navy was that I thought I was on the road to success.
"Jack."
No reply came to this and Jack went off watch with the matter as much of a mystery as ever. But as Thurman came in to relieve him a sudden suspicion shot across Jack's mind. Could Thurman have——?