“I was lucky enough to get hold of Major Bryan right away,” Mr. Parker answered, climbing over the fence. “Now I hope you haven’t brought us on a wild chase, Penny. What’s up?”
“Come with me and I’ll show you,” she offered. “That’s easier than explaining everything.”
Major Bryan, a well-built man of early middle age, asked Penny several questions about Professor Bettenridge as the three walked hurriedly toward the lake.
“From your description, he seems to be the man I’m after,” he declared grimly. “If he’s the same person, his real name is Claude Arkwright and he’s wanted for impersonating an officer and on various other charges. He pulled a big job in New York three months ago, then vanished.”
Salt was waiting at the lake. “What’s our move?” he asked, after relating everything that had occurred that night. “Shall we cut the boat loose?”
“First, let me examine those mines,” the major requested. “Can we get into the shack?”
“I can pick the lock, but it takes time,” Salt offered.
“We’ll break it,” the major decided. “Those men may return here at any minute, so there’s no time to lose.”
The door was forced open and Penny was placed on guard to watch the hillside for Webb or anyone in the professor’s party.
There was no light in the shack, but both Mr. Parker and the major had brought flashlights. Salt pointed out the mine which had been doctored by Webb. Carefully, the Army officer examined it.