"It came in a letter to the War Department," was the answer, "and from some one who signed himself Henry Littlefield of New York City. He is in London, and he would appear when wanted, he said."
"May I see that letter?" asked the lawyer, and when it was shown to him he passed it over to the boys, asking if they knew the writer or recognized the handwriting.
And at this point the case of the prosecution, so to speak, fell through. For Blake, with a cry of surprise, drew forth from his pocket another letter, saying:
"Compare the writing of that with the letter denouncing us! Are they not both in the same hand?"
"They seem to be," admitted Captain Bedell, after an inspection.
"From whom is your letter?" asked Mr. Dorp.
"From Levi Labenstein, the man who summoned the submarine to sink the Jeanne," answered Blake. "This letter dropped from his pocket when he came to me to borrow the flashlight. I intended to give it back to him, as it is one he wrote to some friend and evidently forgot to mail. It contains nothing of importance, as far as I can see, though it may be in cipher. But this letter, signed with his name, is in the same hand as the one signed 'Henry Littlefield,' denouncing us."
"Then you think it all a plot?" asked Captain Bedell.
"Of course!" cried Joe. "Why didn't you say before, Blake, that you had a letter from this fellow?"
"I didn't attach any importance to it until I saw the letter accusing us. Now the whole thing is clear. He wants us detained here for some reason, and took this means of bringing it about."