The two boys entered, looking very serious. They sat down on two chairs, opposite Sir David, and first Donald told the story of the finding of the secret room and then Eric went on to describe how they had seen the spy. At first old Sir David could not believe his ears: but at last when he understood that it was really his adopted son who was doing this awful thing, it was terrible to see his grief. Then Eric told of the meeting with Jenkins.
“Ring the bell,” said Sir David. Donald did so. When the footman appeared, Sir David told him to bring Jenkins. A moment later Jenkins appeared, accompanied by Briggs who showed him in, and then retired. Jenkins was as white as a sheet. His fingers twitched, as he walked across the room. Eric was watching him narrowly. He saw him glance towards the long French window, which stood open, and then slip his right hand into his pocket.
“Sit down, Jenkins,” said Sir David. He took his eyes off the man, and turned to see if there was a chair at hand. Like a flash Jenkins seized this opportunity, and whipped a small revolver out of his pocket. But Eric was too quick for him. Like a panther he sprang upon him, dragging down his arm, and wrenched the pistol from him. “Here, grandfather, quick,” he said, thrusting the little weapon into his hands. Sir David raised the pistol and pointed it at Jenkins. “Hold your hands above your head, and sit down quietly,” he said. The man obeyed. “Now, Eric, ring the bell.” Eric did so. Briggs appeared, and looked somewhat surprised to see his master pointing a revolver at Jenkins. “Briggs,” said Sir David, “telephone at once for the police. And when Mr. Mendel comes in, ask him to come to my study at once. Don’t let him think there is anything unusual, but don’t let him out of your sight.”
“Very good, sir,” said Briggs, and retired.
Half an hour later the police arrived, and handcuffed Jenkins. They had not been there long before steps were heard approaching. They were William Mendel’s steps. “Well, father,” he said, as he came in, “there’s good news to-day—another of those beastly U-boats sunk—” Then he saw the police, and Jenkins in handcuffs. His sallow face went a death-like colour, and he seemed to crumple up.
“Yes, William,” said Sir David, “there is good news to-day. The men who give orders to the U-boats have been caught. I hope we shall now hear of no more tragedies in the Irish Sea. Will you please hold out your hands?” A constable had appeared, with a pair of handcuffs.
Enough had been found in the little black bag to convict Mendel, even without the Cub’s story.
. . . . . . . .
A few days later Eric and Donald received official thanks for having caught two most dangerous spies, and having discovered the base that was supplying two U-boats with petrol. Donald Ford had got his sovereign for finding the secret room, and the other Cubs each got one because it was two of their number that had found the German spies. But it was not William Mendel who gave them the sovereigns. He could not keep his bargain, because he was a prisoner in the Tower of London!