He glanced up at the General, who stood near the window.
"The handwriting is totally unlike, General. Moreover, our young friend here can spell the words, whereas, from letters supplied us by Gilbert, Treves could not." He turned again and looked at John. Then he broke into a smile that John found charming.
"Well, Manton," he said, "you have come through the ordeal excellently. But as a matter of formality you must be identified both by Captain Gilbert and your adjutant from Scarthoe Head."
"Thank you, sir," answered John. "I am sorry to have caused so much trouble."
"No, not at all," protested the elder man. "Your desire for adventure placed you in a very nasty position. But such trouble as you have caused us may yet be turned to good account."
John hesitated a moment, then ventured:
"If I may, sir, I would like to make a statement in regard to the man Manners, at 208, St. George's Square, I am certain he is a spy, sir—a German spy."
"My dear Manton," said Dacent Smith, laying his hands on the desk, "we know that already."
"And the other man," continued John, "Cherriton. I don't believe he is all he pretends to be."
At the mention of Cherriton the lightness of mood vanished from the elder man.