"Well," exclaimed Hugh, Bob, and Mr. Cook in one breath. They could say no more.
"He was a fake," repeated Sergeant Riley emphatically. "There is no doubt of it."
The boys were too surprised for words. What kind of a business was this they were becoming involved in anyway? The further they went the more confused they became. If you could not trust a man with a regulation police badge, whom could you trust?
"It seems incredible," said Mr. Cook.
"We are at war with Germany, aren't we?" asked Sergeant Riley calmly.
"We are," Mr. Cook agreed.
"Well, then," said the sergeant, "that explains it. They want to do us all the harm they can and as they can't bring soldiers over here, thanks to the English fleet, they've got to strike at us with plots and bombs and such things. They will stop at nothing."
"Are there many to guard against in High Ridge?" asked Mr. Cook. "You know I am interested because my factory is making ammunition for the Government."
"There are several," the sergeant admitted.
"Can you tell me who they are?"