"Let's see now," said the detective. "This thing evidently went through Holland in code. It's a rendering."
It was easy for Tom to believe that Mr. Conne was re-reading the letter just to himself—or to himself and Tom.
"Let's see now—but, as you say, everything for the Fatherland. If you receive this, let them know that I'll have my arms crossed and to be careful before they shoot. I wish he'd cross his arms when he comes ashore. He's evidently planning to get himself captured. If you don't get this I'll just have to take my chance. The other way isn't worth trying. Hmm! Probably thought of deserting at the wharf and getting into Holland or Belgium. No, that wouldn't be worth trying. As for the code key, that'll be safe enough—they'll never find it. Hmm! If it wasn't for the—what's all this—the English swine. Humph! They fight pretty good for swine, don't they, Tommy? As far as I can ascertain, we'll go on the T. P. We know that much, anyway, thanks to you, Tommy." (Tom felt highly elated.) "There was some inquiry about my close relationship to you, but nothing serious. All you have to do is to cheer when they play the S. S. B. over here. Humph! That's worth knowing. It isn't known if Schmitter had the key to this when they caught him——
"He didn't," said Mr. Conne dryly; "I was the one who caught him.—because he died on Ellis Island. But it's being abandoned to be on the safe side. Safety first, hey? I have notice from H. not to use it after sending this letter. If we can get the new one in your hands before—Seems to be blotted out—in time so it can be used through Mexico. I'll have much information to communicate verbally in T. and A. matters, but will bring nothing in —— —— form but key and credentials. He means actual, concealed or disguised form, I s'pose. The idea is L.'s. I suppose he means the manner of concealing the key and credentials."
"Yes," said Tom rather excitedly.
Mr. Conne glanced at him, joggled his cigar, and went on,
"You remember him at Heidelberg, I dare say. I brought him back once for holiday. Met him through Handel, who was troubled with cataract. V. has furnished funds. So don't fall to have them watch out."
"Hmm!" concluded Mr. Conne ruminatively. "You see what they're up to. We caught Schmitter in Philadelphia. They think maybe Schmitter had the key of a code with him. So they're changing the code and sending the key to it across with this somebody or other. That's about the size of it. He's got a lot of information, too, in his head, where we can't get at it."
"But his credentials will have to be something that can be seen, won't they?" Tom ventured to ask.
"Prob'ly. You see, he means to desert or get captured. It's a long way round, but about the best one—for him. Think of that snake wearing Uncle Sam's uniform!"