Amos was eager to hear from his chum. He placed such an exaggerated value upon Jack’s opinions that in this emergency he wanted to learn what the other thought about it, what their course should be, and all other things along similar lines.
“Do you still think that he must be a spy, Jack?” he asked, to get a start made.
“I can’t see anything else so far,” replied the other. “Their fear of being interrupted seemed to say as much. Then the several words spoken in plain German make that stronger. It must be the man is afraid to go out again, which was why they’ve hidden him down in the cellar.”
“P’raps what information they mean to give him isn’t quite complete yet, and he’ll have to stay over until the next night?” suggested Amos.
“That isn’t a bad idea,” commented the ranch boy, soberly.
“But, Jack, what ought we do about it?” asked Amos. “’Course this isn’t any funeral of ours. We’re neutrals; but I hate a traitor so much I feel like setting my heel on one as I would on a viper. If these silly old people have gone and sold themselves for German gold, they ought to be punished for it. That’s what I think, Jack; now tell me if you’re of the same mind,” and Amos stopped whispering to give his chum a chance to speak.
CHAPTER XIX.
JACK DEMANDS THE TRUTH.
Jack hesitated a short time before replying. It was plain that he hardly knew just what their proper course should be, and wanted to be sure he was right before attempting to sway his companion.
What Amos had said must have had an influence upon him, because as American-born boys they nearly always felt alike in such matters. Yes, they meant to be as neutral as they could. Yet there were some crimes that must prevent them from holding out against taking sides. One of these concerned the condoning of treachery.