The boy's jaw dropped.
"You saw me?" he stammered.
"Yes. You're done for, and you know it. Bring me those figures and I'll double the pile—four hundred dollars."
The weak eyes shifted uneasily. He hesitated and faltered:
"All right. Meet me here at seven o'clock. For God's sake, don't speak to me if there's anyone in sight."
All next day Ned watched Betty's house in vain. At dark, in despair and desperation, he wrote a note.
"Dear Miss Betty:
"For one look into your dear eyes I am here. I've tried in vain to meet you. I can't leave without seeing you. I'll wait in the park at the foot of the avenue to-morrow night at dusk. Just one touch of your hand and five minutes near you is all I ask——"
There was no signature needed. She would know. He mailed it and hurried to his appointment.
The boy was prompt. There was no one in sight. Ned hurriedly examined the sheet of paper, verified the known commands and their numbers and, convinced of its genuineness, handed the money to the traitor.